The Balearic Islands are an autonomous community and province of Spain. There are about 50 islands in the archipelago, but many of them are uninhabited. Ibiza is one of the Balearic Islands. It is a rock island with an area of 572.5 sq. km. Along with its southern neighbour, Formentera; it forms the Pityuses, or Pine Islands. Being strategically located on the Mediterranean Sea, Ibiza has been historically significant since the dawn of the Phoenician sailing expeditions.

FACT 1: Ibiza lies 150 km of the coast of Valencia in Eastern Spain. It is ten times the size of Manhattan Island and has been an important trading post since Phoenician times. The island produced and traded in dye, salt, fish sauce and wool.

FACT 2: The earliest records of Phoenician presence on Ibiza date back to 645 BCE. The Phoenicians founded the port of Ibossim, called Ebusus by the Romans. The port was dedicated to Bes the Egyptian goddess of dance and music. True to this dedication Ibiza in the twentieth century became home to the innovative genre of electronic music.

FACT 3: Ibiza is a popular tourist destination. The Island attracts artists musicians DJ’s actors producers and directors from all around the world. Its night clubs are famous. Ibiza town is a cultural centre for house and trance music. Famous DJ’s have weekly nights on the island and often use it as a platform to present new compositions.

FACT 4: The people of Ibiza are a melodious mix of nationalities. Only 55% of the population is born on the island, about 25% have migrated from Spain and 10 to 15% are foreigners holding dual, multinational or EU passports. As a result most of the islanders are multilingual. Evissenic (a dialect of Catalonia) is the official language along with Spanish. In addition German, English and Italian are widely spoken.

FACT 5: Ibiza claims to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, though this is not a historical fact. A monument in Ibiza ‘The Egg’ is dedicated to his memory. The geographical and cultural significance of Ibiza is now protected from destructive development and commercialism. Much of the island has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

FACT 6: Ibiza continues to play a significant role in the modern global cultural scene. Its beauty has made it the setting for innumerable photo shoots and films. The 1969 film More was shot here. The soundtrack by Pink Floyd included a track called ‘Ibiza Bar’. Many authors have also set their books in Ibiza. Notable examples are ‘Soma Blues’, ‘Joshua Then and Now’, ‘Vacation in Ibiza’ and ‘The Python Project’.

FACT 7: Ibiza is the birthplace of the Balearic Beat and Balearic Trance genres of electronic music. Famous artists have written songs about Ibiza. ‘We’re Going to Ibiza’ by the Vengaboys is one of the most popular. ‘I Dream of Ibiza’ by the Swedish House Mafia and the Approaching Nirvana hit ‘Miami 2 Ibiza’ are also hit songs.

FACT 8: Flaons is a traditional sweet from the island. Savoury dishes include arros de matamca, arros a la marinera, sofrit pages and bullit de peix.

FACT 9: Many historical sites are located on the island. The Necropolis del Puig des Molins is an ancient Phoenician burial site. Approximately 3000 tombs can be viewed here. Amulets and terracotta figures dating back to the 7^th century BCE are on display in the museum on the site. God’s Finger at Benirras Bay and Sa Caleta the site of the first Phoenician settlement are protected sites.

FACT 10: The Museu Arqueologic houses a collection of artefacts from Phoenician and Roman tomes. The Christian and Islamic periods are also represented. The history of the islands comes alive on a visit to this museum.