Canary Islands

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Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, with the nearest island being 108 km from the northwest African mainland. The islands include the Spanish provinces of Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and the island councils of Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. They are volcanic in origin, with the most recent volcanic activity occurring on Lanzarote and Tenerife, and are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several endemic species found nowhere else in the world. The islands' unique biodiversity is attributed to their geographical isolation and the varied ecosystems, including forests, scrublands, and volcanic landscapes. Some of the most notable species include the Canary Island pine, the Canary Islands juniper, and the endangered Canary Islands Skink. The economy of the Canary Islands is primarily based on tourism, with millions of visitors attracted to the islands' natural beauty, mild climate, and rich cultural heritage each year. The Canary Islands have a long and complex history, with human settlement dating back to the 1st century BC. The islands were inhabited by the indigenous Guanche people, who were later colonized by the Spanish in the 15th century. The archipelago played a significant role in the Age of Exploration, with Christopher Columbus stopping on the islands during his voyages to the Americas. Today, the Canary Islands are an autonomous community within Spain, with a high degree of self-governance and a strong sense of regional identity.