Ribeira Brava is one of the oldest settlements of Madeira Island. This municipality was created in 1914.

Ribeira Brava is a municipality situated on the south coast of Madeira Island, made up of four parishes, namely Ribeira Brava (municipal seat), Campanário, Serra de Água and Tábua.

These parishes have their own local government, and are situated along regional roadways.

In 2001 its population was about 12500 inhabitants, covering an area of 65.1 km2.

The main economic activities are agriculture and the fishery. These activities support the villages in this regions. However, there are also commercial services in the city centre of Ribeira Brava, which provide daily support for locals.