Santana (Madeira)

Santana, short form for Santa Ana is a municipality along the northern coast of the island of Madeira, in Portuguese archipelago of the same name. The population in 2011 was 7,719, in an area of 95.56km2.GeographySantana includes six parishes, within a rugged mountainous environment, most occupying river-valleys: Arco de São Jorge Faial Ilha Santana - the parish (and town) has a population of 3,275 (in 2011), in an area of 19.01 km² São Jorge São Roque do Faial Santana parish has the largest number residents, while Arco de São Jorge is both the smallest, physically, and has the lowest number of residents, while Faial is the largest parish.Santana is known for the traditional homes constructed with sloping triangular rooftops, and protected with straw. These were mainly rural homes, used by local farmers, during the settlement of the island, with white-painted walls, red doors and windows with blue trim. Most of the surviving buildings are tourist attractions, and maintained (for example, the straw roofs are replace every four to five years).EconomyA tourist-themed park was constructed to exhibit examples of the island's early history and culture; the Madeira Theme Park is an ample area, on 7acre of land, where visitors re-discover the cultures of Madeira and Porto Santo. This includes exhibits on the island's history, artifacts used in daily life and cultural presentations, in a scenic environment.