Minorca facts for kids

Municipal boundaries in Minorca

Minorca (Spain, Catalan: Menorca) is the most east of the Balearic Islands.

Geography

Minorcan countryside

Minorca is located east of Mallorca. It has an area of 694.39 km² (268.11 sq mi). About 88,000 people live there. The main town is Mahon, which has about 27,000 people.

History

Historic map of Minorca by Piri Reis

Minorca was influenced by the Minons. Later it was ruled by the Carthageans, after the Punic Wars by the Romans. From the 5th century AD there was a seat of a bishop on Minorca. Then the Vandals invaded it. After they left, the Moors took over. Later Minorca was ruled by the Kingdom of Mallorca and then it became a part of Spain. For a few decades Minorca was ruled by the British, but the Spanish recovered it again.

Economy

Minorca lives mainly on tourism. There is one airport near the main city.

Images for kids

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  Attack and capture of Fort St. Philip, 29 June 1756

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  Port Mahon, Minorca with British men-of-war at anchor after its capture in 1798. By John Thomas Serres

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  Port de Maó (Mahón)

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  Menorquín horse ridden by caixer at festes

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  Bottle of Gin Xoriguer, the typical gin from Menorca. It is very often mixed with lemonade

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  Cleopatra, Algendar gorge.

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  Enlargeable, detailed map of Menorca

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  Taula from the site of Talatí de Dalt about 4 km (2 mi) west of Maó.

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  Cales Coves of Menorca. Note the hand-hewn entrances to the caves.

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  Cala Trebalúger

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  Martello tower, Alcaufar with Illa de l'aire lighthouse in the distance.

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  Cala Galdana

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  Arenal d'en Castell

See also

In Spanish: Menorca para niños