Minorca, << mih NAWR kuh, >> also spelled Menorca, is the second largest island of the Balearic Islands, which lie off the east coast of the mainland of Spain (see Balearic Islands ). Minorca has an area of 266 square miles (689 square kilometers) and a population of about 57,000. Some iron is mined there. Farm crops include cereals and hemp, and grapes, olives, and other fruits. Metalware, textiles, soap, wine, and sandals are manufactured on the island. Tourism is a major industry. Mahon is the chief city and port.
Minorca is part of Spain. Both England and France captured the island several times. England ceded Minorca to Spain by the Treaty of Amiens in 1802.
