Aaron Hicks, age 13, of St. Augustine, Fla., for his question:

WHERE ARE THE MADEIRA ISLANDS?

The Madeira Islands are a group of four Portuguese islands that are located in the north Altantic Ocean. 360 miles west of Morocco off the northeast coast of Africa. They are 535 miles southwest of Lisbon, Portugal.

Madeira is the name of the largest of the islands. It is 34 miles long and 14 miles wide. Madeira and an island called Porto Santo are the only ones on which people live. Barren rocks named Desertas and Selvagens complete the island group.

The islands have a pleasant climate. Temperatures never go above 90 degrees Fahrenheit or below 55 degrees. There's usually a refreshing breeze. The islands are a popular winter vacation resort.

Most of the Portuguese population of about 250,000 are farmers. They grow pineapples, sugar and bananas for export.

Also for export is Madeira wine, the islands' best known product. It is made from a blend of black and white grapes.