Balearic Islands
[key], archipelago, off Spain, in the W Mediterranean, an autonomous
community coextensive with Baleares prov., 1,927 sq mi (4,992 sq km), Spain.
Palma is the capital. The chief islands are Majorca, Minorca, and Ibiza.
Noted for their scenery and their mild climate, the Balearics are a major
tourist destination. After tourism, agriculture and fishing are the chief
economic activities; fruit, wine, olive oil, majolica ware, and silver
filigree are exported. Both Catalan and Castilian Spanish are spoken.
Inhabited since prehistoric times—there are numerous Cyclopean
remains—the islands were occupied by Iberians, Phoenicians, Greeks,
Carthaginians, Romans, and Byzantines. The Moors, who first came in the 8th
cent., established (11th cent.) an independent kingdom, which became the
seat of powerful pirates, harassing Mediterranean coastal cities and trade.
James I of Aragón conquered (1229–35) the islands. They were
included (1276–1343) in the independent kingdom of Majorca and
reverted to the Aragonese crown under Peter IV. At the outbreak of the
Spanish civil war (1936), Majorca and Ibiza were seized by Insurgent
forces—Majorca becoming a base of the Italian fleet—while
Minorca remained in the hands of the Loyalists until 1939.
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