This archipelago in the western Mediterranean Sea has a colourful past, with the islands passing through Phoenician, Roman, Vandal, Byzantine, Islamic and Berber hands (and being sacked by the Swedish) before being conquered by King James I of Aragon in the 13th century. 

The Balearics were established as a Spanish province in 1833. A statute of autonomy was proposed in 1931 but was not enacted until March 1st 1983. 

Palma. on Majorca, is the capital as well as the military, judicial, and ecclesiastical centre of the autonomous community. 

Britain ruled Menorca for most of the 18th century. One relic of British influence is Menorca’s festive drink of gin and lemonade (pomada).and Mayonnaise is thought to have originated in Menorca. It is said to be named after the island’s capital, Mahón.