FUERTEVENTURA  , an

island in the Atlantic Ocean, forming part of the Spanish archipelago of the Canary Islands (q.v.) . Pop . (1900) 11,669; area 665 sq. m . Fuerteventura lies between Lanzarote and Grand Canary . It has a length of 52 m., and an average width of 12 M . Though less mountainous than the other islands, its aspect is barren . There are only two springs of fresh water, and these are confined to one valley . Lava streams and other signs of volcanic action abound, but there has been no igneous activity since the Spaniards took possession . At each extremity of the island are high mountains, which send off branches along the coast so as to enclose a large arid plain . The highest peak reaches 2500 ft . In external appearance, climate and productions, Fuerteventura greatly resembles Lanzarote . An interval of three years without rain has been known .

Oliva (pop . 1900, 2464) is the largest town . A smaller place in the centre of the island named Betancuria (586) is the administrative capital . Cabras (r000) on the eastern coast is the chief port . Dromedaries are bred here .