MAJORCA, the largest of the group of Spanish islands in the Mediterranean sea known as the Balearic islands (q.v.). Pop. (1930) 302,134; area, 43o sq. miles. On the north-west the coast is precipitous, but on the other sides it is low and sloping. On the north-east the chief bays are those of Alcudia and Pol lensa ; while on the south-west is the still more important bay of Palma. In the north-west a chain of mountains runs parallel with the coast, and attains its highest elevation in Silla de Tor rellas (5,154 feet). Majorca has typical limestone scenery. Some of the valleys, such as those of Valldemosa and Stiller, have luxuriant vegetation. There are marble quarries, those near Santafiy being celebrated ; while lead, iron and cinnabar have also been obtained. Coal is found at Benisalem, Selva, Santa Maria and elsewhere.
The inhabitants are principally engaged in agriculture. Old pine woods have in many places given way to the olive, the vine and the almond tree, to fields of wheat and flax, or to orchards of figs and oranges. Inca is the centre of the oil district. The
wines are light but excellent, especially the Muscadel and Mon tona. Brandy is made and exported ; woollen and linen cloths are woven ; the silk-worm is reared and its produce manufactured; and canvas, rope and cord are largely made.
The four principal roads are those from Alcudia, Manacor, Stiller and Andraitx to the capital. The main railway line runs from Palma to Manacor and Alcudia. There is regular communi cation with Barcelona and Alicante. The principal towns include— besides Palma (88,262), Felanitx (11,666) and Manacor (15,721), which are described in separate articles—Andraitx (5,778), Inca (10,398), Lluchmayor (9,89o), Pollensa (8,771), Santafiy (5,582), Stiller (8,830), La Puebla (8,813) and Mahon (17,010).