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Madeira ( or ; or ) is a Portuguese archipelago in the mid 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 inhabited islands. Madeira is an archipelago with volcanic origins from a Hot Spot, so is not geographically part of a specific continent, but Madeira belongs and has belonged ethnically, culturally, economically and politically to Europe for 600 years despite being closer to Africa. Madeira is part of Portugal, so it is part of the European Union, as an Outermost Region. 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.
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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