Ibiza Key Facts

Cala de San Miquel, Ibiza © Ibiza Tourism

Location

Located in the western Mediterranean, Ibiza forms part of the Balearic Islands, which also includes Mallorca (Majorca), Menorca and its small neighbour Formentera. The island is almost equidistant between Barcelona on the Spanish mainland, some 240km (150 miles) to the northeast and Algiers on the North African coast to the south.

Time

GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Area

571 sq km (220 sq miles).

Population

113,908 (2006).

Capital

Ibiza. Population: 37,408 (2006).

Geography

Despite only measuring approximately 35km (21 miles) in length at its longest point, and just 20km (12 miles) in width, Ibiza boasts two mountain ranges, both covered in thick hardy woodland which inspired early Greek invaders to name Ibiza and neighbouring Formentera the Islas Pitiusas (Islands of Pine Trees).

The highest point of Ibiza is Atalaya at 476m (1,561ft) while the land to the south is the lowest point and consists of salt pans that have been exploited since ancient times and continue to be both an industry and tourist attraction. The most common crops grown are olives, figs and almonds. The long, often rugged coastline is peppered with a mixture of fine sandy beaches, pebbles, rocks and cliffs.

Government

Since a parliamentary monarchy was introduced to Spain in 1978 the country has been divided into 17 autonomous regions. Ibiza is part of the Balearic Autonomous Community which has its headquarters in Palma, Mallorca (Majorca).

Head of State

King Juan Carlos I since 1975.

Head of Government

José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero since 2004.

Recent History

In March 2008, Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero's ruling Socialist Party was re-elected, winning 169 seats, just short of the 176 needed for an absolute parliamentary majority.

One of Spain's most serious domestic issues continues to be tension in the northern Basque region. In March 2006, the Basque separatist organization ETA (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna) announced a permanent ceasefire but despite a pledge to seek a political solution, relations with the government remain brittle. Spain's claim to Gibraltar continues, while Morocco claims the Spanish North African enclaves of Melilla and Ceuta.

Language

While Castillian Spanish is the principle language of most of Spain, on Ibiza the official language is Catalan which has its own local dialect known as Ibicenco. Road signs are generally in Catalan, though maps are generally in Spanish with occasional Catalonian translations so visitors should be prepared for places to have two slightly different names.

Religion

There is no official religion, but the majority of the population is Roman Catholic.

Electricity

220 or 225 volts AC, 50Hz. Generally, round two-pin plugs are in use.

Social Conventions

Spanish life has undergone rapid change in recent decades and many of the stricter religious customs are giving way to modernity, particularly in the cities and among women. In spite of this, traditions remain strong; hospitality, chivalry and courtesy thrive. Handshaking is the customary form of greeting between men, while women to whom one has already been introduced may be greeted with a fleeting kiss to either cheek. Normal social courtesies should be observed when visiting someone's home and a small gift is always appreciated. Conservative casual wear is widely acceptable. Outside resorts, scanty beachwear should be confined to beach or poolside.

The evening meal is taken late, generally 2100-2200. A law banning smoking in offices, shops, schools, hospitals, cultural centres and on public transport was introduced on 1 January 2006. Bars and restaurants must declare whether they permit or prohibit smoking. The vast majority have opted for the former.

Ibiza holidays
Find the highest quality and cheapest holiday deals in Ibiza with Low Cost Holidays travel group. Book your holidays in Ibiza today.

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