# Madeira

> former administrative entity based on Madeira Archipel from 1497-1822

**Wikidata**: [Q104472514](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q104472514)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/madeira

## Summary
Madeira was a former administrative entity based on the Madeira Archipelago, existing as a dependent territory of the Portuguese Empire from 1497 to 1822. It was a political subdivision that did not possess full sovereignty, with Funchal serving as its capital.

## Key Facts
- **Capital**: Funchal
- **Country**: Portuguese Empire
- **Part of**: Portuguese Empire
- **Replaces**: Senhorio da Madeira
- **Continent**: Europe, Africa
- **Inception**: 1497
- **Located in**: Portuguese Empire
- **Has part(s)**: Governo-Geral da Madeira
- **Instance of**: Former administrative territorial entity, dependent territory (under Kingdom of Portugal)
- **Replaced by**: Adjacent Islands of Madeira and Porto Santo
- **Different from**: Madeira, Madeira Archipelago, Madeira Island
- **Wikidata description**: Former administrative entity based on Madeira Archipel from 1497-1822
- **Located in/on part of**: Madeira Archipelago
- **Dissolved/abolished/demolished date**: 1822
- **Located in the present-day administrative territorial entity**: Madeira

## FAQs
**What was Madeira's political status?**
Madeira was a dependent territory of the Portuguese Empire, meaning it did not possess full political independence as a sovereign state.

**When did Madeira exist as an administrative entity?**
Madeira existed from 1497 to 1822.

**What replaced Madeira as an administrative entity?**
Madeira was replaced by the Adjacent Islands of Madeira and Porto Santo.

**Where was Madeira located?**
Madeira was located in the Portuguese Empire and on the Madeira Archipelago.

**What was the capital of Madeira?**
The capital of Madeira was Funchal.

## Why It Matters
Madeira played a significant role as an administrative subdivision of the Portuguese Empire, governing the Madeira Archipelago during a period of colonial expansion and governance. Its existence reflects the broader historical context of Portuguese territorial administration in the Atlantic. The dissolution of Madeira in 1822 marked a shift in administrative structures, influencing later governance models in the region.

## Notable For
- Served as a dependent territory under the Portuguese Empire.
- Governed the Madeira Archipelago from 1497 to 1822.
- Replaced by the Adjacent Islands of Madeira and Porto Santo in 1822.
- Located in the present-day administrative territorial entity of Madeira.

## Body
### History
Madeira was established as a dependent territory of the Portuguese Empire in 1497, succeeding the Senhorio da Madeira. It functioned as an administrative entity until its dissolution in 1822, when it was replaced by the Adjacent Islands of Madeira and Porto Santo. The territory was governed by the Governo-Geral da Madeira, reflecting its status as a subordinate administrative unit.

### Geography
Madeira was located on the Madeira Archipelago, spanning both Europe and Africa. Its capital was Funchal, and it was part of the broader Portuguese Empire. The archipelago included Madeira Island and other adjacent islands, which became part of the present-day administrative territorial entity of Madeira.

### Political Structure
As a dependent territory, Madeira did not possess full sovereignty. It was classified as a former administrative territorial entity under the Kingdom of Portugal. Its governance was overseen by the Portuguese Empire, with distinct administrative structures in place.

### Legacy
The dissolution of Madeira in 1822 had lasting implications for the region, influencing subsequent administrative and territorial divisions. The archipelago remains a significant part of Portugal's territorial landscape, with Madeira serving as a present-day administrative entity.