Balearic << `bal` ee AR ihk >> Islands is a group of five major islands and numerous smaller ones that lie east of the mainland of Spain in the Mediterranean Sea. Palma is the capital of the islands, which form a province of Spain.
The islands have a population of about 1,200,000 and an area of 1,927 square miles (4,992 square kilometers). Majorca, the largest island, has fine harbors. But in general, the islands have rugged coasts. A mild climate and the islanders’ relaxed way of life have made the islands a major tourist center. Grapes, olives, oranges, grapefruit, and other fruits flourish there. Manufactured goods are also important, especially in Majorca. They include shoes, ceramics, and metalware.
The Iberians, Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, and Byzantines all occupied the islands. A regiment of Balearic islanders became famous as stoneslingers in Julius Caesar’s armies. In the late 700’s, the Moors invaded the islands. About 1230, Aragon (now part of Spain) took all the islands except Minorca (taken in 1287).
