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Madeira ( or ) is a Portuguese archipelago in the north Atlantic Ocean that lies between and . It is one of the Autonomous regions of Portugal, with Madeira Island and Porto Santo Island being the only habited 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 discovered 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.
Madeira is an autonomous region. The capitol city is Funchal which houses the Cathedral (Sé) for the diocese of Funchal. Vital records will be listed by Parish, freguesia (town), concelho (county, Region, country. EG São Martinho, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal. The National Administrative District of Funchal Ceased to exist when Madeira was granted status as an autonomous region. The Diocese of Funchal is an Ecclesiastical Division and should no longer be used in the civil heirarchy. Research Tips
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