GRAN CANARIA

English Grand Canary island, Las Palmas province, Spain, one of the Canary Islands in the North Atlantic. It has an area of 592 sq mi (1,533 sq km). The most fertile of the Canaries, it is nearly circular in shape and is characterized by the ravines that reach from the central mountain peak, Los Pechos (6,400 ft ), to the coast. The northern slopes, with their alpine climate, contrast strongly with the arid south. Considerable tracts are covered with native pine. The economy is primarily agricultural (bananas, tomatoes, tobacco), though there is manufacture of embroidery, pottery, and baskets. The sandy beaches of Las Canteras and Las Alcaravaneras, which flank the island's largest city and chief port, Las Palmas, account for a stable tourist trade. There are many mineral springs. Pop. (1981) 672,716.