Situated in between the Western Mediterranean and the Iberian Peninsula, southern France and northern Africa, the Baleares are an archipelago, made up of the four large islands of Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera as well as numerous small islands. The Baleares is one of the 17 autonomous regions of Spain and is home to over 700,000 people, nearly half of whom live in the capital city of Palma de Mallorca. The archipelago covers an area of slightly over 5,000 square kilometers and its coastline extends over 1,239 kilometers.

The four islands of Baleares are connected by planes and liners. The airports on the islands provide direct flights to major destinations in Europe. Although railway transportation is only available on one island, the road transportation network is well developed across the archipelago.

Baleares enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate, with a mild annual average temperature of 17℃ and around 300 sunny days in a year. This makes the archipelago one of the most popular holiday resorts in Europe. Each year, over a million Europeans swarm to Baleares for a wonderful holiday experience. In addition to its beautiful scenery and congenial climate, Baleares is well-suited to leisure and sports programs. It also has shopping arcades, unique cultural elements and diversified cuisines.

The industrial sector is well developed, with its shoemaking, leather, ornament and fashion industries in a leading position in the European market. Traditional industries still prosper, including stained glass, textiles, handmade pottery, wood handicrafts and boat building.

Agricultural products from Baleares such as olive oil, fish and beans are reputed as the “health foods of the Mediterranean”. The alcoholic drinks from Mallorca and Menorca are a must before and after European meals. In addition, Baleares produces the best cheese, sausage and wine in Spain.