IBIZA

IVIZA  or Iv19A, an island in the Mediterranean Sea, belonging to Spain, and forming part of the archipelago known as the Balearic Islands (q.v.) . Pop . (1900) 23,524; area 228 sq. m . Iviza lies 5o m . S.W. of Majorca and about 6o m. from Cape San Martin on the coast of Spain . Its greatest length from north-east to south-west is about 25 M. and its greatest breadth about 13 M . The coast is indented by numerous small bays, the principal of which are those of San Antonio on the north-west, and of Iviza on the south-east . Of all the Balearic group, Iviza is the most varied in its scenery and the most fruitful . The hilly parts which culminate in the Pico de Atalayasa (1560 ft.), are richly wooded . The climate is for the most part mild and agreeable, though the hot winds from the African coast are sometimes troublesome . Oil, corn and fruits (of which the most important are the fig, prickly pear, almond and carob-bean) are the principal products; hemp and flax are also grown, but the inhabitants are rather indolent, and their modes of culture are very primitive . There are numerous salt-pans along the coast, which were formerly worked by the Spanish government .

Fruit, salt, char-coal, lead and stockings of native manufacture are exported . The imports are rice, flour, sugar, woollen goods and cotton . The capital of the island, and, indeed, the only town of much importance—for the population is remarkably scattered—is Iviza or La Ciudad (6527), a fortified town on the south-east coast, consisting of a lower and upper portion, and possessing a good harbour, a 13th-century Gothic collegiate church and an ancient castle . Iviza was the see of a bishop from 1782 to 1851 . South of Iviza lies the smaller and more irregular island of Formentera (pop., 1900, 2243; area, 37 sq. m.), which is said to derive its name from the production of wheat . With Iviza it agrees both in general appearance and in the character of its products, but it is altogether destitute of streams . Goats and sheep are found in the mountains, and the coasts are greatly frequented by flamingoes . Iviza and Formentera are the principal islands of the lesser or western Balearic group, formerly known as the Pityusae or Pine Islands .