Madeira

ma-de'ra, a group of islands situated in the Atlantic Ocean, west of Africa. The group is a district of the kingdom of Portugal. The name of the group is derived from that of the chief island. The word Madeira is Portuguese, signifying a wood or forest. Area, 314 square miles; population in 1900, 150,574. The inhabitants are of Portuguese descent. The hot winds of the Sahara reach the islands occasionally; otherwise the climate is charmingly agreeable. The islands are celebrated as a health resort and for the production of Madeira wine and sugar. See Canaries; Wine