History of Madeira in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 12, 2026

Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal located in the Atlantic Ocean, southwest of mainland Portugal. Along with the Azores, it constitutes one of Portugal's two autonomous regions and a special territory of the European Union. Notably, it represents Portugal's southernmost point and region.

1902: Portuguese Population in Honolulu

In 1902, 5,000 Portuguese people, mostly Madeirans, lived in Honolulu, Hawaii.

1910: Portuguese Population in Honolulu

By 1910, the Portuguese population in Honolulu, Hawaii, grew to 21,000.

December 1916: German U-boat Attack on Funchal

On December 3, 1916, a German U-boat, SM U-38, captained by Max Valentiner, attacked Funchal harbour, sinking three ships and bringing the war to Portugal.

December 1917: German U-boats Bombard Funchal

On December 12, 1917, German U-boats SM U-156 and SM U-157 bombarded Funchal, resulting in three fatalities and 17 wounded.

April 1922: Death of Charles I

Charles I, the last Austrian Emperor, died in exile on Madeira on April 1, 1922.

1959: Inception of Rally Vinho da Madeira

The Rally Vinho da Madeira, considered one of the biggest sporting events on the island, has been held annually since 1959.

1976: Establishment of the Autonomous Region of Madeira

In 1976, the Autonomous Region of Madeira was established due to its distinct geography, economy, social and cultural situation, and the historical autonomous aspirations of its population.

1977: Disappearance of the Madeiran Large White Butterfly

In 1977, the Madeiran large white butterfly, an endemic subspecies of the large white, was last seen in the laurissilva forests.

1979: Rally Vinho da Madeira as Part of European Rally Championship

From 1979 to 2012, the Rally Vinho da Madeira was part of the European Rally Championship.

1981: Average annual temperature

According to the Instituto de Meteorologia (IPMA), the average annual temperature at Funchal weather station is 19.6 °C for the 1981–2010 period.

2003: Madeira Hosts World Handball Championship

Madeira was the host of the 2003 World Handball Championship.

2006: Amendment to the Portuguese Constitution

Before the sixth amendment to the Portuguese Constitution passed in 2006, the responsibility of signing regional decrees in Madeira was held by a more powerful Minister of the Republic.

2006: Rally Vinho da Madeira as Part of Intercontinental Rally Challenge

From 2006 to 2010, the Rally Vinho da Madeira was part of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge.

2008: Average Annual Occupancy Rate

In 2008, the average annual occupancy rate in Madeira was 60.3%, reaching its maximum in March and April, when it exceeded 70%.

2010: Average annual temperature

According to the Instituto de Meteorologia (IPMA), the average annual temperature at Funchal weather station is 19.6 °C for the 1981–2010 period.

2010: Improvements to Levada Pathways

Following the 2010 Madeira floods and mudslides, improvements were made to levada pathways, including maintenance, paving trails, and establishing safety fences.

2010: Rally Vinho da Madeira as Part of Intercontinental Rally Challenge

From 2006 to 2010, the Rally Vinho da Madeira was part of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge.

2012: Rally Vinho da Madeira as Part of European Rally Championship

From 1979 to 2012, the Rally Vinho da Madeira was part of the European Rally Championship.

2012: Madeira's Debt Management Assumed by Portuguese Treasury

In 2012, the Portuguese treasury (IGCP) assumed Madeira's debt management between 2012 and 2015.

2013: Increase in Tax Revenues

In 2016, tax revenues in Madeira increased by 41% between 2012 and 2016, helping the region to reduce its deficit to operating revenue ratio to 10% from 77% in 2013.

2015: Madeira's Debt Management Assumed by Portuguese Treasury

In 2012, the Portuguese treasury (IGCP) assumed Madeira's debt management between 2012 and 2015.

2015: EC Authorizes State Aid Regime

In 2015, the European Commission authorized a state aid regime for companies incorporated between 2015 and 2020 and extended the regime of tax reductions through 2027.

2016: Increase in Tax Revenues

In 2016, tax revenues in Madeira increased by 41% between 2012 and 2016, helping the region to reduce its deficit to operating revenue ratio to 10% from 77% in 2013.

2019: Madeira Andebol SAD Runners Up

In 2019, Madeira Andebol SAD were runners up in the European Challenge Cup.

2020: EC Authorizes State Aid Regime

In 2015, the European Commission authorized a state aid regime for companies incorporated between 2015 and 2020 and extended the regime of tax reductions through 2027.

2021: Immigrant Population Increase in Madeira

As of December 31, 2022, immigrants in the region of Madeira totalled 11,793 people, an increase of 13.3% from 2021.

2021: Tourism in Madeira

In 2021, Madeira saw 148,000 visits from British tourists and 113,000 from German tourists.

2021: Madeira Population

In 2021, the population of Madeira was recorded as 251,060.

December 2022: Immigrant Population Increase in Madeira

As of December 31, 2022, immigrants in the region of Madeira totalled 11,793 people, an increase of 13.3% from 2021.

2022: Renewable Energy Consumption

In the first half of 2022, 33% of the electricity consumed on the Portuguese archipelago of Madeira was sourced from renewable energy.

2023: Population of Madeira

In 2023, 94.5% of the population of Madeira were born in Portugal; the total Madeiran population was 256,622.

2023: Madeira Embraces Bitcoin

In 2023, Madeira embraced Bitcoin by implementing policies that exempt Bitcoin investors from paying personal income taxes in the region and confirming the inauguration of a business hub focused solely on Bitcoin and related innovations.

2024: Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Madeira

In 2024, the gross domestic product (GDP) of Madeira reached nearly 7.5 billion euros, accounting for 2.6% of Portugal's economic output.

2025: Madeira in Eurovision Song Contest

The Madeiran band NAPA represented Portugal in the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest with the song Deslocado.

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2027: EC Authorizes State Aid Regime

In 2015, the European Commission authorized a state aid regime for companies incorporated between 2015 and 2020 and extended the regime of tax reductions through 2027.