was also de-annexed. Contemporary history of the municipality has been marked by growing emigration, the result of the lack of economic recourse and the abandonment of traditional activities. The institutionalization of local government permitted a revitalization in the municipality, after the Carnation Revolution, which saw a growth in tertiary activities. Geography Montalegre is one of the two municipalities that compose the region of Barroso. The Peneda-Gerês National Park comprises 26,26% of its area (211,74 km² out of a total 806,19 km² belonging to that park). Climate At an elevation of above sea level, Montalegre has a cool Mediterranean climate (Köppen: Csb). There is a short dry season in summer, but overall plenty of precipitation annually. The average annual temperature is around and the average annual rainfall is around . The driest month is July, with . Most precipitation falls in December, with an average of . Summers are pleasant and dry, and winters are chilly and snowy. Human geography Administratively, the municipality is divided into 27 civil parishes that administer local area government and support the local populations: Cabril Cambeses do Rio, Donões e Mourilhe Cervos Chã Covelo do Gerês Ferral Frades do Rio Gralhas Meixedo e Padornelos Montalegre e Padroso Morgade Negrões Outeiro Paradela, Contim e Fiães Peireses Pitões das Júnias Reigoso Salto Santo André Sarraquinhos Sezelhe e Covelães Solveira Tourém Venda Nova e Pondras Viade de Baixo e Fervidelas Vila da Ponte Vilar de Perdizes e Meixide Notable people Delfim Modesto Brandão (1835–??) the penultimate "Juiz" (head of state) of the micro-state of Couto Misto which lasted 4 years from 1864. Bento António Gonçalves (1902–1942) the second Secretary General of the Portuguese Communist Party. Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, first European to reach California See also Montalegre Castle Couto Misto References Towns in Portugal Municipalities of Vila Real District