The Canary Islands, also known informally as The Canaries, are an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean and the southernmost Autonomous Community of Spain. They are located in the northwest of Africa, with the closest point to the continent being 100 kilometres away. The islands have a population of 2.25 million people and are the most populous overse…
The Canary Islands, also known informally as The Canaries, are an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean and the southernmost Autonomous Community of Spain. They are located in the northwest of Africa, with the closest point to the continent being 100 kilometres away. The islands have a population of 2.25 million people and are the most populous overseas special territory of the European Union.
Capital: Santa Cruz de Tenerife (executive and legislative) and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (executive and judicial)
Largest city: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Highest elevation: 3,715 m (12,188 ft)
Country: Spain
Official language: Spanish
Ethnic groups (2025): 76.7% Spaniards · 23.3% foreign-born
Religion (2024): 55.7% Roman Catholicism · 39.6% non-practicing Catholic · 16.1% practicing Catholic · 14.5% atheist · 13.1% agnostic · 13% indifferent or no religion · 3.7% other religion
AdLooking for your just-right place overseas? We have the answer. Sign up to International Living today and claim your free Retirement Index 2025 report.
Save
Share
More