Minorca (Menorca both in Catalan and Spanish and increasingly in English usage; from Latin Balearis Minor, later Minorica "minor island") is one of the Balearic Islands (Illes Balears Catalan official name, Islas Baleares in Spanish), located in the Mediterranean Sea, and belonging to Spain. It takes its name from being smaller than nearby island of Majorca. It was called Nura by the Phoenicians in honoring their god Baal, meaning the "island of fire". Minorca has a population of approximately 82,000. It is located around 39°47' to 40°00'N, 3°52' to 4°24'E. Its highest point is 358 m/1174 ft above sea level. Its highest point is called Monte Toro. The island has a large collection of megalithic stone monuments: navetes, taulas, and talaiots.

Food & drink

Lingering British influence is seen in the Minorcans' taste for gin, which during the local fiestas (holidays dedicated to a town's patron saint), the islanders mix with bitter lemon to make the popular Pomada. Also famous is Queso Mahón, a cheese typical of the island.