7242 sq km (2796 sq miles).

1,915,540 (2004).

257 per sq km.

Provincial capitals are Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: Population: 377,660 (2003); and Santa Cruz de Tenerife: Population: 220,033 (2003).

The Canary Islands are situated off the northwest coast of Africa and consist of seven islands which are divided into two provinces. Las Palmas comprises the islands of Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is made up of Tenerife, La Palma, Gomera and Hierro. All the islands are of volcanic origin and the climate is subtropical. The landscape is varied, and includes mountain ranges, valleys, deserts, cliffs, craters and forests.