The
Algarve (, from ,
trans. Al-Gharb, meaning "The West") is the southernmost region of
mainland Portugal. It has an area of with 451,006 permanent inhabitants, and incorporates 16 municipalities. The region has as its administrative centre in the city of
Faro, where both the region's international
airport (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. Production of food, which includes fish and other seafood, fruit, oranges,
carob beans,
figs and
almonds, is also economically important in the region. The Algarve is the most popular tourist destination in Portugal, and one of the most popular in Europe. Its population triples to nearly 1.5 million people in the peak holiday season thanks to seasonal residents, and receives an average of 7 million foreign tourists each year. In total, including national visitors, almost 10 million people visit the Algarve annually.