Madeira (Island)

Geography

Madeira is a volcanic island roughly 740 km off the Moroccan coast, formed by a shield volcano now extinct. Pico Ruivo, at 1,862 m, is the highest point and is reached by hiking trails along narrow ridges through the central massif.

Wildlife

The Laurisilva of Madeira, a relic laurel forest covering much of the interior, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site representing a vegetation type that once covered much of southern Europe before the last ice age.

Economy

The island is famous for the fortified Madeira wine, produced here since the 15th century. Tourism, banana cultivation, and fishing also contribute to the economy.