Canary Islands Geography and Biodiversity

Study Notes

Geography

Located in the Atlantic Ocean, off the northwest coast of Africa
Archipelago consisting of 7 main islands:
1. Tenerife
2. Gran Canaria
3. Lanzarote
4. Fuerteventura
5. La Palma
6. El Hierro
7. La Gomera
Total area: approximately 7,447 km²
Volcanic origin, with varying landscapes:
- Beaches and deserts
- Mountains and forests
- Volcanic peaks and craters

Biodiversity

Unique flora and fauna due to geographical isolation
500+ endemic species, including:
- Plants: Dragon trees, Canary Island pine, and various succulents
- Animals: Giant lizard, Canary Islands skink, and several bird species
Important habitat for migratory birds and marine life
National parks and protected areas cover approximately 40% of the land

Spanish History

Discovered by Spanish explorer Juan de Bethencourt in 1402
Colonized by Spain in the 15th century
Strategic location for Spanish trade and navigation
Important hub for Spanish colonization of the Americas
Canary Islands played a significant role in the Spanish Empire's expansion

FOLK (Folk Culture, Folklore, and Folk Music)

Rich cultural heritage influenced by:
- Indigenous Guanche people
- Spanish, African, and Latin American traditions
Traditional folk music and dance:
- Isas (polyphonic songs)
- Timple (small, four-stringed instrument)
- Folk dances, such as the Malagueña and the Isa
Folk festivals and celebrations:
- Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Fiesta de la Virgin de la Candelaria
- Romería de la Virgen de la Luz

Geography

Located in the Atlantic Ocean, off the northwest coast of Africa
Consists of 7 main islands: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, El Hierro, and La Gomera
Total area: approximately 7,447 km²
Features diverse landscapes due to volcanic origin, including:
- Beaches and deserts
- Mountains and forests
- Volcanic peaks and craters

Biodiversity

Unique flora and fauna due to geographical isolation
Boasts over 500 endemic species, including:
- Plants: Dragon trees, Canary Island pine, and various succulents
- Animals: Giant lizard, Canary Islands skink, and several bird species
Important habitat for migratory birds and marine life
National parks and protected areas cover approximately 40% of the land

Spanish History

Discovered by Juan de Bethencourt in 1402
Colonized by Spain in the 15th century
Strategic location for Spanish trade and navigation
Played a significant role in the Spanish Empire's expansion, especially in the colonization of the Americas

Folk Culture

Rich cultural heritage influenced by:
- Indigenous Guanche people
- Spanish, African, and Latin American traditions
Traditional folk music and dance features:
- Isas (polyphonic songs)
- Timple (small, four-stringed instrument)
- Folk dances, such as the Malagueña and the Isa
Celebrates various folk festivals, including:
- Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Fiesta de la Virgin de la Candelaria
- Romería de la Virgen de la Luz

Folk Culture

Isa Dance: a traditional dance from La Palma, characterized by rapid footwork and complex rhythms.
Tajaraste Dance: a style of folk dance from El Hierro, known for its energetic and lively movements.

Music

Traditional Instruments: timple (a small, five-stringed instrument) and charango (a small, 10-stringed instrument) are commonly used in folk music.
"Islas Canarias": a traditional folk song often performed at festivals and celebrations.

Cuisine

Papas Arrugadas con Mojo: a traditional dish of small, wrinkled potatoes boiled in salty water and served with a spicy sauce called mojo.
Sancocho: a hearty stew made with fish or meat, vegetables, and root vegetables like yuca and sweet potatoes.
Local Ingredients: gofio, a type of toasted grain flour, is commonly used in Canarian cuisine.
Fresh Seafood: fresh fish and seafood are a staple in many local dishes due to the islands' Atlantic Ocean surroundings.

Description

Learn about the Canary Islands, an archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa, featuring 7 main islands with unique landscapes and biodiversity. Discover its volcanic origin, varying landscapes, and endemic species.