The Canary Islands: Spain's Atlantic Archipelago

The Canary Islands are an autonomous community of Spain, located in the Atlantic Ocean ~100 km (62 miles) west of Morocco's southern coast. The archipelago comprises eight inhabited islands:

• Tenerife – Largest (2,034 km²); Teide volcano (3,715m), Spain's highest peak
• Gran Canaria – Most populous (850,000+); diverse microclimates
• Lanzarote – Volcanic landscapes; César Manrique's artistic legacy
• Fuerteventura – Beaches, windsurfing, UNESCO biosphere reserve
• La Palma – "La Isla Bonita"; Caldera de Taburiente, stargazing
• La Gomera – Garajonay laurel forest (UNESCO); Silbo Gomero whistled language
• El Hierro – Smallest, westernmost; renewable energy pioneer
• La Graciosa – Eighth inhabited island (2018 designation); marine reserve

Status and Governance

Autonomous since 1982; own parliament and government. EU outermost region (EURATOM applies, VAT exempt). Two provincial capitals: Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (shared presidency rotates).

Economy

Tourism (15M+ visitors/year), agriculture (bananas, tomatoes, wine), fisheries, and growing renewable energy sector. Special tax zone (ZEC) attracts foreign investment.