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           MADEIRA
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Madeira is the largest of the
group of picturesque volcanic
islands of that name lying
550km from the Moroccan coast
and 900km south-west of the
national capital, Lisbon.
Porto Santo and the
uninhabited Ilhas Selvagens
and Desertas complete the
group. With a warm temperate
climate, adequate rainfall and
good soils, Madeira was
originally forested, but early
settlers cleared the uplands
for plantations. Farming is
still the main occupation,
producing sugar cane, wines,
vegetables and both temperate
and tropical fruits. The main
exports are grapes (mainly for
Madeira wine), bananas and
sugar. Handicrafts and,
increasingly, tourism are
additional sources of revenue.

Area (Sq. Km.): 813

Population: 280,000

Capital: Funchal

Language:
Portuguese

Religion:
Roman Catholic

Government Type:
A partially autonomous region
of Portugal.

Currency: Escudo

Embassy:
Represented by Portugal

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Foreign Office Advice:

Normal care and precautions
should be taken.

For more information ring:

 Foreign Office Travel Unit

       0171-270-4129