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The '''Canary Islands''' (sp. ''Islas Canarias''), often referred to simply as “the Canaries”, are a group of about a dozen islands - mostly inhabited but some only wildlife reserves - in the eastern [[Atlantic Ocean]] some 100 km (about 60 m) off the coast of north-west Africa. It is a little over 1300 km (about 820 m) south of [[Spain]] of which it is an “Autonomous Community” divided into  two  provinces. Subsequently, it has two capitals - Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. As part of Spain, it is considered part of the European Community.  It has a total population of about 2.1 million.

The '''Canary Islands''' (sp. ''Islas Canarias''), often referred to simply as “the Canaries”, are a group of about a dozen islands - mostly inhabited but some only wildlife reserves - in the eastern [[Atlantic Ocean]] some 100 km (about 60 m) off the coast of north-west Africa. It is a little over 1300 km (about 820 m) south of [[Spain]] of which it is an “Autonomous Community” divided into  two  provinces. Subsequently, it has two capitals - Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. As part of Spain, it is considered part of the European Community.  It has a total population of about 2.1 million.

The [[archipelago]] is volcanic in origin and contains Western [[Europe]]’s highest [[volcano]], Mount Teide which is a [[World Heritage]] site and an extremely popular tourist attraction. Good beaches, a mild sub-tropical maritime climate and the mixture of Spanish and African influences make the islands one of the most visited international holiday destinations on earth on. Whilst mostly rugged and barren, the many valleys support agriculture in the form of grains, citrus fruits, figs and wines.

The [[archipelago]] is volcanic in origin and contains Western [[Europe]]’s highest [[volcano]], Mount Teide which is a [[World Heritage]] site and an extremely popular tourist attraction. Good beaches, a mild sub-tropical maritime climate and the mixture of Spanish and African influences make the islands one of the most visited international holiday destinations on earth. Whilst mostly rugged and barren, the many valleys support agriculture in the form of grains, citrus fruits, figs and wines.

In ancient times it was known as “The Fortunate Isles”. It was rediscovered by [[Portugal|Portuguese]] mariners in 1341, but granted to [[Castile]] by the [[Pope]] in 1344 and formally possessed in 1401. These latter discoverers found dogs there and the archipelago’s name derives from the [[Latin]] for dog – canis. It was fought over in the fifteenth century by [[Castile]] and Portugal whilst vying for the West African trade; then acquired by [[Aragon]].

In ancient times it was known as “The Fortunate Isles”. It was rediscovered by [[Portugal|Portuguese]] mariners in 1341, but granted to [[Castile]] by the [[Pope]] in 1344 and formally possessed in 1401. These latter discoverers found dogs there and the archipelago’s name derives from the [[Latin]] for dog – canis. It was fought over in the fifteenth century by [[Castile]] and Portugal whilst vying for the West African trade; then acquired by [[Aragon]].