Madeira (pronounced [mɐdeiɾɐ] or [mɐˈdɐiʀɐ]) is a Portuguese archipelago in the north Atlantic Ocean that lies between 32°22.3′N 16°16.5′W / 32.3717, -16.275 and 33°7.8′N 17°16.65′W / 33.13, -17.2775. It is one of the Autonomous regions of Portugal, with Madeira Island and Porto Santo Island being the only inhabited islands. Although located in the African Plate, some 650 km (360 mi) off the North African coast, Madeira belongs and has always belonged ethnically, culturally, economically and politically to Europe, some 955 km (583 mi) from the European mainland.
Madeira was rediscovered by Portuguese sailors some time between 1418 and 1420. The archipelago is considered to be the first discovery of the exploratory period initiated by Henry the Navigator of Portugal. It is a popular year-round resort, noted for its Madeira wine, flowers, and embroidery artisans, as well as its New Year's Eve celebrations that feature a spectacular fireworks show, which is the largest in the world according to the Guinness World Records. Its harbour - Funchal - is important due to its commercial and passenger traffic and for being a major stopover for cruisers en route from Europe to the Caribbean.
Source: CIA Factbook, Wikipedia
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