The University of Algarve (Universidade do Algarve or UAlg) is a Portuguese public university with administrative and financial autonomy. Its two campuses and the central administration are located in Faro, the capital city of the Algarve region. The University of the Algarve is a young state university, located in the southern part of Portugal, one of the most touristic regions of Portugal. Founded on 16 January 1979, the University of the Algarve results from the union of two preexisting institutions, the University of the Algarve and the Polytechnic Institute of Faro, which makes it somewhat different from most universities given that faculties and schools of both systems, co-exist. In 1982, the first rector of the University, Prof. Gomes Guerreiro (1982-1986) was appointed, following by Prof. Lloyd Braga (1986-1990), Prof. Montalvão Marques (1990-1993), Prof. Alte da Veiga (1993-1997), Prof. Adriano Pimpão (1998-2006), Prof. João Guerreiro (2006-2013), and Prof. António Branco the current rector since 2013.