MAJORCA

Spanish and Catalan Mallorca, ancient (Latin) Balearis Major, or Majorica island, Baleares provincia and comunidad autnoma (autonomous community), Spain. Majorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands, which lie in the western Mediterranean Sea. It is 1,405 square miles (3,640 square km) in area and contains two mountainous regions, each about 50 miles (80 km) in length and occupying the western and eastern thirds of the island; they are separated by a lowland that terminates in Palma Bay on the south and Alcudia and Pollensa bays on the north. The western mountains are the higher and rise to 4,416 feet (1,346 m) at Mayor Peak. Precipitous cliffs, often over 1,000 feet (300 m) high, characterize much of the north coast. The island's varied landscape includes pine forests, olive groves, steep gullies, intensively terraced slopes, and fertile valleys. The much less rugged hills in the southeast are known for their extensive limestone caves and subterranean lakes. The central lowland, benefiting from the shelter provided by mountains in the northwest, is a rich agricultural zone with a characteristic two-tier cultivationolives, figs, apricots, oranges, and almond trees forming the upper tier; with a lower tier consisting of cereals, alfalfa, and legumes. The island's fairs and colourful ceremonies, such as those of Pollensa during Holy Week, the mountain scenery, benign climate, and the island's rich historical heritage attract thousands of visitors each year. Majorca is rich in prehistoric remains, notably talayots (rough chambered towers of stone), taulas (temples), and burial caves, among the most famous of which are those of San Vicente in the north, the type and carvings of which indicate a close relationship to those of southern France, near Arles. At Valldemosa is the abandoned monastery where the Polish composer Frdric Chopin and the French writer George Sand stayed and where Chopin wrote some of his finest mazurkas and preludes. The island's economy is based primarily on agricultural products and tourism, but stone quarries (especially of marble), superphosphate works, and light manufactures (including pottery, glassware, shoes, and rugs) and souvenirs provide some employment. Shipping services connect Majorca with the Spanish mainland and the other Balearic Islands. There are regular air services from Palma, the island and provincial capital, to Barcelona, Paris, and London. Pop. (1981) 561,215; (1994 est.) 736,865.