Portugal

The Algarve (Portuguese pronunciation: [aɫˈɡaɾv(ɨ)]) from the Arabic word (الغرب, al gharb) meaning "the west" is the southernmost region of mainland Portugal. It has an area of 5,412 square kilometres (2,089 square miles) with approximately 458,734 permanent inhabitants, and incorporates 16 municipalities. The region coincides with the Faro District, and has as its administrative centre the city of Faro, where both the region's international airport at Faro (FAO) and public university (the University of the Algarve) are located. Tourism and related activities are extensive and make up the bulk of the Algarve's summer economy.

Fish, seafood and fruit production, which includes oranges, carob beans, figs and almonds, are other important activities in the region. The Algarve is the most popular tourist destination in Portugal, and one of the most popular in Europe.

Its population triples in the peak holiday season thanks to a high influx of visitors, and receives an average of 7 million foreign tourists each year. In total, including national visitors, almost 10 million people visit the Algarve every year.

The maximum recorded temperatures in the Algarve fluctuate between 25 °C in winter and 48 °C in summer, with the temperature never usually falling below zero in the winter months. The winter of 2008/2009 was exceptionally cold and wet. Temperatures below 0 °C were recorded for the first time in many years.