Geographical and political situation
The Canary Islands are one of the seventeen Spanish autonomous communities into which Spain is divided and are located at just over 1,000 kilometers from the Iberian Peninsula and about 100 kilometres from Africa. The islands are ubicated in the Atlantic Ocean as a strategic enclave between three continents: Europe, Africa and America.
Its unique natural conditions have established the Canary Islands as a first holiday destination, receiving over 9 million foreign tourists a year and 3 million Spanish tourists who visit the Islands attracted by the climate and the friendliness of the people.
Its natural charm is reflected in the 146 Protected Natural Areas, 4 National Parks, 3 Marine Reserves and 5 Biosphere Reserves.
The combination of all these features together with one of the highest life quality standards in Europe and its best tax conditions, make the Canary Islands a business center with a great potential:
- Location and geo-strategic links
- Incentives for Investment
- Quilified and competitive human resources
- Excellent infrastructure of services and communications
- Leading-edge technological research
| GENERAL DATA | |
| Total area | 7.447 km² |
| 1.114 Km. of coastline | |
|
257 Km. of beach
| |
| Average annual temperature | Min.15ºC - max.25ºC |
| Official language | Spanish |
| Local time | GMT |
| Currency | Euro |
| GDP | 41.411,271 millones € |
| Per capita GDP 2009 | 19.867 € |
| Population 2009 | 2.103.992 |
| Population density | 282,5 hab./km2 |
| Tourist arrivals 2009 | 13.356.325 |
| Working week | 40 hours/week |
| Minimum wage 2009 | 633,30 € / month |
| Consumer price index 2009 | 0,5% |
| Infraestructure: | |
| Airports | 8 (6 of them international) |
| Commercial harbours | 10 |
| Marinas | 12 |
| Road network | 4.261 km2 |
