Madeira Islands

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Group of islands forming an autonomous region of Portugal, off the northwest coast of Africa, about 420 km/260 mi north of the Canary Islands; area 796 sq km/308 sq mi; population (1994 est) 256,000. Madeira, the largest, and Porto Santo are the only inhabited islands. The Desertas and Selvagens are uninhabited islets. Their mild climate makes them a popular, year-round tourist destination. The capital is Funchal, on Madeira. Pico Ruivo, also on Madeira, is the highest mountain at 1,861 m/6,106 ft. Products include Madeira (a fortified wine), sugar cane, fruit, fish, and handicrafts.

The islands were Portuguese from the 15th century, and occupied by Britain in 1801 and 1807–14. In 1980 Madeira gained partial autonomy but remains a Portuguese overseas territory.

Blue is said to represent the bright sky. The star stands for freedom. Effective date: 12 October 1954. >>