IBIZA

also spelled Iviza, or Ivica, island, Balearic Islands provincia and comunidad autnoma (autonomous community), Spain, one of the Balearic Islands in the western Mediterranean. It lies 50 mi (80 km) southwest of Majorca and has an area of 221 sq mi (572 sq km). A strategic point of great importance in ancient times, the island was inhabited by the Phoenicians and Carthaginians and has some notable archaeological sites, relics from which are housed in the Archaeological Museum at Ibiza city. The island's hilly relief, culminating in La Atalaya (1,558 ft ), is truncated in the central northern coast to form a costa brava (rugged coast) with cliffs exceeding 800 ft in height and penetrated by calas (small coves). There are several irrigated lowlands (huertas), and the hillsides are intensively terraced. Agriculture is mainly of a subsistence nature, but almonds, dried figs, and apricots are exported. Salt produced by the evaporation of seawater has been the main export for centuries (about 70,000 tons annually). Fish and charcoal, surplus to local needs, are also sent to the mainland. Because of its mild winter climate and its beaches, the island enjoys a substantial tourist trade. Most of the inhabitants live on farms and small villages scattered throughout the island, Ibiza city being the main centre and the only urban settlement. Pop. (1970) city, 16,943; island (1981), 60,937.