Is Madeira part of Africa or Europe?

Are the Madeira Islands part of Europe or Africa? Although politically, they are part of Portugal, the Madeira Islands are closer to Africa than Europe, so geographically they are part of the African continent. Selvagens is the closest island to Africa, only 367 kilometres (228 miles) from Morocco.



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Although Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago, it is actually closer to Africa than Europe. Sitting 434 miles west of Morocco and 528 miles southwest of Portugal and mainland Europe.

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Together with the islands of Porto Santo and Desertas and the Selvagens—Madeira forms an autonomous region of the country of Portugal.

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Madeira is geologically located on the African Tectonic Plate, although it is culturally, politically and ethnically associated with Europe, with its population predominantly descended from original Portuguese settlers. Its population was 251,060 in 2021.

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The Autonomous Region of Madeira, a Portuguese archipelago situated in the Atlantic Ocean, is classified as an outermost territory of the EU. While Madeira's main economic activity is tourism, it is also famous for its wine and fruit, especially bananas, passion fruit and Annona.

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The official language spoken in the Madeira archipelago is Portuguese, but a majority of the local population is proficient in English, especially in the more tourist-heavy spots.

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Madeira is boasting some of the most accessible biodiversity. It is known for its lush forests, gardens, and parks, which give the island a tropical feel. As a result of the mild temperatures here all year long, a range of exotic plants and herbs can be found in the gardens.

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The archipelago was uninhabited until 1419, when the Portuguese navigator João Gonçalves Zarco landed in Madeira. However, Greeks, Romans, Phoenicians and Arabs surely would pass by Madeira, during his expeditions across the North Atlantic. The arrival, in 1419, the first Portuguese ships have been fortuitous.

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Catholicism is strongest in the Azores (91.6%), Madeira (90.9%) and the North region (88.1%).

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The fastest ferry crossing to Madeira Islands is via the Porto Santo to Funchal ferry, in approximately 2h 30m.

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Average monthly temperatures For the highest temperatures the best time to visit Madeira is between August and September although the sub tropical climate offers sunshine throughout the year and winter months are equally popular with visitors.

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Domestic travel was responsible for the highest number of visitors in Madeira in 2022. Overall, almost 470 thousand Portuguese tourists visited the archipelago.

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Madeirans are renowned for their hospitality. Most locals speak English or French, so you'll have a less significant language barrier. Live your best life in Madeira!

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They named it Madeira, meaning wood, due to the abundant trees and woodlands found there. This uncommon name will appeal to nature lovers, travel enthusiasts, and fans of Madeira's famous dessert wine.

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Are there Muslims in Madeira? According to a quick Google search there are about 1000 of them, and according to the tour guide, 25 Syrian refuges came to stay there as well until they wanted to go back home.

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In reality, the Laurel forest which occupies about 20% of the island, and where most Levadas/hikes go across, is not very sensitive to the dry months and it is kept lush and green by the fogs and humidity that typically occur in the region, any time of the year. Same applies to most of the North Coast.

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Catholicism is strongest in the Azores (91.6%), Madeira (90.9%) and the North region (88.1%). On the other hand, the Algarve (65.9%) and the Lisbon region (67.5%) have the lowest percentages.

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Many emigrated illegally to escape military service and avoid the wars in the colonies (Angola and Mozambique), and also because they could not afford the high cost of the emigration process by legal means.

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The favorable climate of the island also contributed to the land thrive, and wheat production has become one of the greatest wealth of the island. This cereal was exported on a large scale for the Portuguese possessions on the African coast, giving thus the first cycle of Madeira economic history.

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The average standard of living tends to be a bit lower than in mainland Portugal, and the local autonomous government gives generous subsidies coming from the tourist industry revenues and from the Portuguese national budget. Go where the locals go and everything will be cheap.

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Cristiano Ronaldo is the most famous person to come out of Portugal, as well as the most followed person on Instragam with 395 million followers. Born in Madeira, Ronaldo for many is the best football player of all time, having won a record of five Ballon d'Or awards.

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