Funchal

views updated May 17 2018

Funchal Capital and chief port of Madeira. Founded in 1421, it was ruled by Spain from 1580 to 1640 and was briefly under British administration in the early 19th century. It is now an industrial and resort centre for the Madeira archipelago. Industries: sugar-milling, distilling, wine. Pop. (2001) 102,500.