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Balearic Islands (Spanish, Islas Baleares),
group of islands, comprising an autonomous region and province of eastern Spain, in the Mediterranean Sea. The group's eleven islets and the four large islands of Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza, and Formentera constitute the group; the capital is the city of Palma on Majorca, the largest of the islands. Fishing and farming are the main occupations. Citrus fruit, grapes, olives, wheat, figs, vegetables, and almonds are grown, and fruit, wine, olive oil, and hogs are exported. The chief industries are the manufacture of shoes and maiolica pottery. The islands are well-known resort areas. First inhabited by the Iberians, the islands were later occupied successively by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, and Byzantines. In the 8th century the islands were conquered by the Moors and became a base for pirates preying on the ships in the Mediterranean. James I, King of Aragón, expelled the Moors in 1229.

During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), Majorca and Ibiza sided with the Nationalists and Minorca the Republicans. Area, 5,014 sq km (1,936 sq mi).

Population of Ibiza City: ca. 30.000 (2002 estimate)

"Ibiza, Spain," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2002
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