a group of islands in theWMediterranean, consisting of Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza, Formentera, Cabrera, and 11 islets: a province of Spain. Capital: Palma, on Majorca. Pop: 1 071 500 (2003 est). Area: 5012 sq km (1935 sq miles)
Spanish name: (Islas) Baleares (baleˈares). Catalan name: Illes Balears (ˈiʎəz bələˈas)