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| Balearic
Islands General Info |
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Capital
Palma de Mallorca.
Area
Mallorca: 3640 sq km (1405 sq miles).
Menorca: 700 sq km (270 sq miles).
Ibiza: 572 sq km (220 sq miles).
Formentera: 100 sq km (38 sq miles).
Population
947,361 (2003).
Population
Density
175.2 per sq km
Population
of Palma de Mallorca
367,277 (2003).
Geography
Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza
are the main islands in this group, which is located 193km (120
miles) south of Barcelona off the east coast of Spain.
The landscape of the islands is characterised by woodlands, almond
trees, fertile plains and magnificent coastlines with numerous sandy
coves separated by craggy cliffs.
The largest island, Mallorca, also known as the
‘Isle of Dreams’, has a varied landscape
with mountains and valleys, rocky coves and sandy beaches. The main
geographical feature is the Sierra del Norte, a
mountain range running along the northern coast of the island.
Mallorca is covered with pines, and with olive
and almond trees, which blanket the countryside with blossoms during
the spring.
Menorca has evidence of ancient
history and a strong feeling of connection with the British Isles,
owing to Admiral Nelson’s stay on the island.
Both the capital Mahón and the old town
of Ciutadella in the north end of the island are
set at the ends of deep inlets forming natural harbours and there
are many bays and lovely beaches.
Ibiza,
the third-largest island, has a rugged coastline with many fruit
orchards and woods. The main town of the same name is located above
a very busy harbour. A narrow channel separates Ibiza
from Formentera, the smallest inhabited island
in the group.
Government
Parliamentary monarchy since 1978
Head of State:
King Juan Carlos I since 1975.
Head of Government:
José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero since 2004.
Language
Spanish (Castillian), Catalan (in the
northeast), Galician (in the northwest) and Basque
(in the north).
Religion
There is no official religion, but the majority of the population
is Roman Catholic.
Time
Mainland Spain and Balearics: GMT + 1
(GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday
in October).
The Canary Islands: GMT (GMT
+ 1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in
October).
Electricity
220 or 225 volts AC, 50Hz. Generally, round two-pin plugs and screw-type
lamp fittings are in use. |
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