Ave, Subregion

Ave is a subregion integrated in the larger Norte region in Portugal. Is bordered to the north by the subregion of Cávado, to the east and south by the subregion of Tâmega and to the west by the subregion of Grande Porto. It is a densely populated subregion and one of the more industrialized in the country. Part of the historical region of Minho, is centered around the city of Guimarães (the birthplace of the Portuguese nationalism). The subregion has an area of 1,248 km² and a population of (as 2005) 519,500 inhabitants for an overall density of 416 inhab/km².

The major urban centers are the cities of: Guimarães (pop. 93,000) and Vila Nova de Famalicão (pop. 30,188).Other cities:Fafe(17,000),Trofa(20,000),Santo Tirso(14,000)and Vizela(10,000).

It is formed by eight municipalities (or Concelhos):

*Fafe
*Guimarães
*Póvoa de Lanhoso
*Santo Tirso
*Trofa
*Vieira do Minho
*Vila Nova de Famalicão
*Vizela

The municipalities of Trofa and Vizela are some of the newest to be created.

The main industries of the subregion are the textile industry, clothing and apparel.