63-471: Betancuria is a small town and a municipality in the western part of the island of Fuerteventura in the Province of Las Palmas , Canary Islands , Spain . The population is 811 (2013), and the area is 103.64 km (40 sq mi). It is situated in a mountainous region, 4 km (2 mi) west of Antigua and 21 km (13 mi) southwest of the island capital Puerto del Rosario . By population it
126-594: A centre linked with the National University of Distance Education , offering courses in many subjects including economics, business studies, law, history and tourism. Fuerteventura is governed by the Island Department of the Government of Spain, which holds the rank of a Government Subdepartment. The government building is located in the centre of the capital city. This institution is charged with representing
189-521: A fess or. Bordure gules, with eight saltires or. Ensigned with a royal crown , open." According to José Manuel Erbez (Banderas y escudos de Canarias, 2007), the coat of arms is based on the arms of the island's provincial militia. The upper quarters represent Castile (symbolized by a castle) and León (symbolized by a lion). The lower quarter alludes to the Saavedra family; various members of this family were lords of Fuerteventura. The elongated island
252-460: A few. More recently many postcolonial countries revert to their own nomenclature for toponyms that have been named by colonial powers. Place names provide the most useful geographical reference system in the world. Consistency and accuracy are essential in referring to a place to prevent confusion in everyday business and recreation. A toponymist, through well-established local principles and procedures developed in cooperation and consultation with
315-544: A low of around 15 °C (59 °F), whereas during the summer a mean high of 28 °C (82 °F) and a low of 20 °C (68 °F) can be expected. Precipitation is about 147 mm (6 in) per year, most of which falls in autumn and winter. December is the month with highest rainfall. A sandstorm known as the Calima (similar to the Sirocco wind, which blows to the North of
378-513: A month of each other. Two separate bands of English privateers attempted to loot the town of Tuineje. These attacks were however successfully averted by the local population and the island's militia. This successful repelling of the invaders is celebrated at a re-enactment that takes place in Gran Tarajal every year in October. The island's garrison was officially instated in 1708. Its colonel assumed
441-399: A person's death for the use of a commemorative name. In the same vein, writers Pinchevski and Torgovnik (2002) consider the naming of streets as a political act in which holders of the legitimate monopoly to name aspire to engrave their ideological views in the social space. Similarly, the revisionist practice of renaming streets , as both the celebration of triumph and the repudiation of
504-421: A population of 124,152 at the start of 2023. Throughout its long history, Fuerteventura has suffered from a population decline due to the economic situation and the climate, which have made it into a desert island. However, the development of tourism during the 1980s has caused the population to grow year on year since then, doubling it in a little less than a decade. In 2005, with 86,642 registered inhabitants,
567-614: A reference to the strong winds ( fuertes vientos in Spanish) around the island coastline, and the resulting danger to nautical adventurers. However, it might have referred instead (or also) to wealth, luck or destiny. In 1339 the Mallorcan navigator Angelino Dulcert , in the Planisferio de Angelino Dulcert , referred to the island as "Forte Ventura". Another theory is that the island's name derives from "Fortunatae Insulae" (Fortunate Islands),
630-769: Is 100 km (62 mi) long and 31 km (19 mi) wide. It has an area of 1,660 km (641 sq mi). Located just 100 km (62 mi) off the coast of North Africa, it is the second biggest of the islands, after Tenerife, and has the longest white sand beaches in the archipelago. The island is a destination for sun, beach and watersports enthusiasts. It lies at the same latitude as Florida and Mexico and temperatures rarely fall below 18 °C (64 °F) or rise above 32 °C (90 °F). It counts 152 separate beaches along its seaboard — 50 km (31 mi) of white sand and 25 km (16 mi) of black volcanic shingle. The highest point in Fuerteventura
693-455: Is Pico de la Zarza (807 m) in the southwestern part of the island. Geographical features include Istmo de la Pared which is 5 km (3 mi) wide and is the narrowest part of Fuerteventura. The island is divided into two parts, the northern portion which is Maxorata and the southwestern part called the Jandía peninsula. Fuerteventura has a hot desert climate ( Köppen : BWh ). The climate
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#1733084948861756-551: Is a process that can include restoring place names by Indigenous communities themselves. Frictions sometimes arise between countries because of toponymy, as illustrated by the Macedonia naming dispute in which Greece has claimed the name Macedonia , the Sea of Japan naming dispute between Japan and Korea , as well as the Persian Gulf naming dispute . On 20 September 1996 a note on
819-461: Is divided into six municipalities , as follows: In turn, these municipalities are organised into two associations: the Mancomunidad de Municipios del Centro-Norte de Fuerteventura formed from La Oliva and Puerto del Rosario, and the remaining municipalities make up the Mancomunidad de Municipios del Centro-Sur de Fuerteventura . All municipalities are ruled by a town council, and are members of
882-403: Is home to one of the two surviving populations of the threatened Canarian Egyptian vulture . It is also inhabited by many wild dogs and cats. On the barren, rocky land there are Barbary ground squirrels and geckos . Fuerteventura also hosts several migratory and nesting birds. The island has significant populations of the collared dove , common swifts and several finch species especially in
945-507: Is mild, but mostly windy, throughout the year. The island is hence referred to as the island of eternal spring . The sea regulates air temperature, diverting hot Sahara winds away from the island. The island's name in English translates as "strong fortune" or "strong wind", the Spanish word for wind being viento . During the winter months, temperatures average a high of 22 °C (72 °F) and
1008-511: Is probably derived from an older language, such as Pelasgian , which was unknown to those who explained its origin. In his Names on the Globe , George R. Stewart theorizes that Hellespont originally meant something like 'narrow Pontus' or 'entrance to Pontus', Pontus being an ancient name for the region around the Black Sea , and by extension, for the sea itself. Especially in the 19th century,
1071-406: Is relatively abundant, and dragonfly species including the blue emperor ( Anax imperator ) and the scarlet darter ( Crocothemis erythraea ) can be found. The island's sand dunes and shoreline are home to a number of bee and wasp species including the large eumenid caterpillar hunting wasp, Delta dimidiatipenne and the blue banded bee ( Amegilla canifrons ). Hawkmoths also occur on
1134-528: Is still used today to describe the people of Fuerteventura and is derived from the ancient word 'mahos', a type of goatskin shoe worn by these original inhabitants. They lived in caves and semi-subterranean dwellings, some of which have been excavated, revealing remnants of early tools and pottery. In antiquity, the island was originally known as Planaria , in reference to the flatness of most of its terrain. Phoenician settlers landed in Fuerteventura and Lanzarote . Several Spanish and Portuguese expeditions to
1197-562: Is the hermitage of the Virgen de la Peña, the patron saint of the island of Fuerteventura. Fuerteventura Fuerteventura ( Spanish: [ˌfweɾteβenˈtuɾa] ) is one of the Canary Islands , in the Atlantic Ocean, geographically part of Macaronesia , and politically part of Spain . It is located 97 km (60 mi) away from the coast of North Africa . The island
1260-584: Is the smallest municipality in Fuerteventura as well as all of the Canary Islands. Betancuria is named after Jean de Béthencourt , who founded the town in 1404 with Gadifer de La Salle . It was the original capital of the Kingdom of the Canary Islands , and later capital of Fuerteventura. In 1424 Pope Martin V erected in Betancuria brief Bishopric of Fuerteventura, which encompassed all the Canary Islands except
1323-421: Is the study of toponyms ( proper names of places, also known as place names and geographic names ), including their origins, meanings, usage and types. Toponym is the general term for a proper name of any geographical feature , and full scope of the term also includes proper names of all cosmographical features. In a more specific sense, the term toponymy refers to an inventory of toponyms, while
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#17330849488611386-458: The Assistant Parish of Tuineje was created, which became a new parish division on 23 June 1792 under the bishop Tavira, with lands including part of the Jandía peninsular, and with a population of 1,670 inhabitants. 1780 saw the start of a barrilla plantation industry. In 1852, a free trade zone was extended by Isabella II to the Canary Islands. Military island rule, which began in 1708,
1449-636: The Betancuria Brief, edicted the establishment of the Bishopric of Fuerteventura , which encompassed all the Canary Islands save for the island of Lanzarote . The origin of this bishopric is directly related to the events that occurred after the Great Schism (1378–1417), in that the bishop of San Marcial del Rubicón of Lanzarote (at the time, the only diocese in the Canary Islands) did not recognize
1512-462: The Schengen territory make it a prime target destination for undocumented immigrants. However, many have perished while attempting the crossing. The flag of Fuerteventura is in proportions 1:2, divided vertically, green to the hoist and white to the fly end , with the coat of arms of the island in the centre. The coat of arms of Fuerteventura was prescribed by a Decree adopted on 15 October 1998 by
1575-600: The United Nations Conference on the Standardization of Geographical Names acknowledged that while common, the practice of naming geographical places after living persons (toponymic commemoration) could be problematic. Therefore, the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names recommends that it be avoided and that national authorities should set their own guidelines as to the time required after
1638-531: The United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names (UNGEGN), applies the science of toponymy to establish officially recognized geographical names. A toponymist relies not only on maps and local histories, but interviews with local residents to determine names with established local usage. The exact application of a toponym, its specific language, its pronunciation, and its origins and meaning are all important facts to be recorded during name surveys. Scholars have found that toponyms provide valuable insight into
1701-694: The Autonomous Community, and on the other, they are the local government centre for the island. In the 2003 elections, Mario Cabrera González was elected as president representing the Canarian Coalition , with 31.02% of the votes, followed by the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party with 27.53%, represented by the Vice President Domingo Fuentes Curbelo. Fuerteventura is part of the Province of Las Palmas . The island
1764-754: The FECAM (Federation of Canarian Municipalities). They are governed by the basic legislation of the local regime and their respective organic rules. About 100 individual settlements are distributed through these municipalities. The largest not being municipal seats are Corralejo (in La Oliva; pop. 10,714 in 2023), Morro Jable (in Pájara; pop. 8,245) Gran Tarajal (in Tuineje; pop. 7,584), and Costa Calma (in Pájara; pop. 5,704), all coastal localities of recent development. Toponym Toponymy , toponymics , or toponomastics
1827-555: The Fuerteventura population was formed by the following: Comparing this data with the 2001 census shows that the number of permanent residents born on the island has increased by just 3,000. The number who have moved in from abroad has increased by 22,910, making this the biggest contributor to population growth in recent years. The island has 116 schools, with a total of 14,337 pupils. Of these, 45 are primary schools, ten are secondary schools, six are for Baccalaureate students and four are vocational colleges. Fuerteventura also has
1890-535: The Government of Spain on the island, and managing all the functions that are not under control of the Canarian Government. This includes the following public services: Since 30 June 2007, the island's governor has been Eustaquio Juan Santana Gil. 4 The councils, formed as part of the Councils Act of 1912, administer the Canary Islands and have two principal functions. On one hand, they perform services for
1953-695: The Government of the Canary Islands and published on 11 November 1998 in the official gazette of the Canary Islands, No. 142, pp. 13,432–13,433. It was adopted on 24 April 1998 by the Island Council and validated on 18 September 1998 by the Heraldry Commission of the Canary Islands. The heraldic description is " per pale and per fess . First, gules , a castle or, masoned sable , its gate and windows azure . Second, argent , lion gules, crowned, armed and langued or. Third, silver, three fesses chequy gules and or, in four rows, each one charged with
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2016-702: The Sahara, to Europe) may blow from the Sahara Desert to the Northwest, and can cause high temperatures, low visibility and drying air. Temperatures during this phenomenon rise temporarily by approximately 10 degrees Celsius. The wind brings in fine red dust, The fine white sand is not blown in from Sahara, It is made up of dead coral reef and local seabed upheaval. Visibility can drop to between 100 and 200 m (328.08 and 656.17 ft ) or even lower, and together with very warm temperatures, it can even bring African locusts to
2079-515: The West coast, the first settlement on the island. After numerous difficulties, Gadifer took charge of the invasion, while Bethencourt returned to Spain to seek the recognition and support of the Castilian king . In 1405, de Béthencourt completed his conquest of the island, establishing its capital in Betancuria (Puerto Rosario took over the mantle as island capital in 1835). In 1424 Pope Martin V , through
2142-413: The age of exploration, a lot of toponyms got a different name because of national pride. Thus the famous German cartographer Petermann thought that the naming of newly discovered physical features was one of the privileges of a map-editor, especially as he was fed up with forever encountering toponyms like 'Victoria', 'Wellington', 'Smith', 'Jones', etc. He writes: "While constructing the new map to specify
2205-412: The basis for their etiological legends. The process of folk etymology usually took over, whereby a false meaning was extracted from a name based on its structure or sounds. Thus, for example, the toponym of Hellespont was explained by Greek poets as being named after Helle , daughter of Athamas , who drowned there as she crossed it with her brother Phrixus on a flying golden ram. The name, however,
2268-557: The capital. Various castles were built along the coastline, to protect against these type of attacks. The population was moved inland as a second protective measure. Because of the raids, a first Captain General was dispatched to Fuerteventura, accompanied by a number of Sergeants Major , to defend the island in the name of the Crown. At that time, Betancuria became the religious capital of the island. Two major attacks took place in 1740, within
2331-699: The detailed topographical portrayal and after consulting with and authorization of messr. Theodor von Heuglin and count Karl Graf von Waldburg-Zeil I have entered 118 names in the map: partly they are the names derived from celebrities of arctic explorations and discoveries, arctic travellers anyway as well as excellent friends, patrons, and participants of different nationalities in the newest northpolar expeditions, partly eminent German travellers in Africa, Australia, America ...". Toponyms may have different names through time, due to changes and developments in languages, political developments and border adjustments to name but
2394-495: The discipline researching such names is referred to as toponymics or toponomastics . Toponymy is a branch of onomastics , the study of proper names of all kinds. A person who studies toponymy is called toponymist . The term toponymy comes from Ancient Greek : τόπος / tópos , 'place', and ὄνομα / onoma , 'name'. The Oxford English Dictionary records toponymy (meaning "place name") first appearing in English in 1876. Since then, toponym has come to replace
2457-452: The establishment of an independent Greek state, Turkish, Slavic and Italian place names were Hellenized, as an effort of "toponymic cleansing." This nationalization of place names can also manifest itself in a postcolonial context. In Canada, there have been initiatives in recent years " to restore traditional names to reflect the Indigenous culture wherever possible ". Indigenous mapping
2520-469: The historical geography of a particular region. In 1954, F. M. Powicke said of place-name study that it "uses, enriches and tests the discoveries of archaeology and history and the rules of the philologists ." Toponyms not only illustrate ethnic settlement patterns, but they can also help identify discrete periods of immigration. Toponymists are responsible for the active preservation of their region's culture through its toponymy. They typically ensure
2583-515: The internet reflected a query by a Canadian surfer, who said as follows: 'One producer of maps labeled the water body "Persian Gulf" on a 1977 map of Iran, and then "Arabian Gulf", also in 1977, in a map which focused on the Gulf States . I would gather that this is an indication of the "politics of maps", but I would be interested to know if this was done to avoid upsetting users of the Iran map and users of
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2646-454: The island in 2018. By the 1940s the island had an airport (just west of Puerto del Rosario on the road to Tindaya, still visible today). Mass tourism began to arrive in the mid-1960s, facilitated by the construction of Fuerteventura Airport at El Matorral and the first tourist hotels. The island's proximity (a mere 100 km) to the West African coast and the fact that it is part of
2709-462: The island of Lanzarote . The origin of this bishopric is directly related to the events that occurred after the Great Schism (1378-1417). This was due to the fact that the bishop of San Marcial del Rubicón in Lanzarote (only diocese at the time of the Canary Islands) did not recognize the papacy of Martin V, as this bishop was a supporter of anti-Pope Benedict XIII . The Bishopric of Fuerteventura
2772-462: The island, Erbania, is derived from this wall's name. The island's conquest began in earnest in 1402, commanded by French knights and crusaders Jean de Béthencourt and Gadifer de la Salle . They arrived with only 63 sailors out of the original 283, as many had deserted along the way. After arriving and settling in Lanzarote , the invaders made some first excursions to the neighboring islands. In 1404, Bethencourt and Gadifer founded Betancuria , on
2835-416: The island. In the winter months, up to 80% of the rainwater flows unused into the ocean, as there is no vegetation to capture the water (also due to overgrazing by free-ranging goats near the coast). The mountain forests, which were still present in the 19th century, were all chopped down. Instead, there are many desalination plants (running on electricity) which produce the required amount of freshwater on
2898-617: The island. One of the more notable species is Hyles tithymali which feeds on endemic spurges such as Euphorbia regis-jubae . Acherontia atropos , the deaths-head hawkmoth also occurs on the island presumably feeding on members of the Solanaceae , for example, Datura innoxia and Nicotiana glauca which are common weeds in the vicinity of human habitation. The official natural symbols associated with Fuerteventura are Chlamydotis undulata fuertaventurae (hubara or houbara) and Euphorbia handiensis (Cardón de Jandía). The island had
2961-518: The island. The tourists on the island use about double the amount of water as the native inhabitants of Fuerteventura. Causes are the filling of swimming pools, watering hotel gardens and washing towels. Fuerteventura is the oldest island in the Canary Islands dating back 20 million years to a volcanic eruption from the Canary hotspot . The majority of the island was created about 5 million years ago and since then has been eroded by wind and precipitation. On
3024-665: The islands were organized around 1340, followed by Moors and European slave traders. At the end of the Iberian conquest, the island was divided into two Guanches kingdoms, one adhering to King Guize and the other to King Ayoze. The territories of these kingdoms were called Maxorata (in the North) and Jandía (in the South) respectively. They were separated by a wall, which traversed the La Pared isthmus. Some remains have been preserved. The ancient name for
3087-462: The map showing Arab Gulf States'. This symbolizes a further aspect of the topic, namely the spilling over of the problem from the purely political to the economic sphere. A geographic names board is an official body established by a government to decide on official names for geographical areas and features. Most countries have such a body, which is commonly (but not always) known under this name. Also, in some countries (especially those organised on
3150-590: The name by which the Romans knew the Canary Islands. The indigenous name of the island, before its conquest in the 15th century, was Erbania, divided into two regions (Jandía and Maxorata), from which the name majorero (originally majo or maxo) derives. However, it has been suggested that, at some point, Maxorata (which meant "the children of the country") was the aboriginal toponym of the entire island. The first settlers of Fuerteventura are believed to have come from North Africa. The word Mahorero ( Majorero ) or Maho
3213-510: The old regime is another issue of toponymy. Also, in the context of Slavic nationalism , the name of Saint Petersburg was changed to the more Slavic sounding Petrograd from 1914 to 1924, then to Leningrad following the death of Vladimir Lenin and back to Saint-Peterburg in 1991 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union . After 1830, in the wake of the Greek War of Independence and
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#17330849488613276-479: The ongoing development of a geographical names database and associated publications, for recording and disseminating authoritative hard-copy and digital toponymic data. This data may be disseminated in a wide variety of formats, including hard-copy topographic maps as well as digital formats such as geographic information systems , Google Maps , or thesauri like the Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names . In 2002,
3339-549: The papacy of Martin V, and instead adhered to anti-Pope Benedict XIII . The Bishopric of Fuerteventura was based in the Parish of Santa María de Betancuria , bestowing upon the latter the status of Grant Cathedral. After the reabsorbtion of the Diocese of San Marcial del Rubicón by the papacy of Pope Martin V, the Bishopric of Fuerteventura was abolished in 1431, only seven years after it
3402-446: The seabed off the west coast of the island rests an enormous slab of bedrock 22 km (14 mi) long and 11 km (7 mi) wide, which appears to have slid off the island largely intact at some point in prehistory, similar to the predicted future collapse of Cumbre Vieja , a geological fault on another Canary Island, La Palma . The last volcanic activity in Fuerteventura occurred between 4,000 and 5,000 years ago. Fuerteventura
3465-441: The term place-name in professional discourse among geographers . Toponyms can be divided in two principal groups: Various types of geographical toponyms (geonyms) include, in alphabetical order: Various types of cosmographical toponyms (cosmonyms) include: Probably the first toponymists were the storytellers and poets who explained the origin of specific place names as part of their tales; sometimes place-names served as
3528-412: The third of the province. At 1,659.74 km (640.83 sq mi), it is the second largest of the Canary Islands, after Tenerife . From a geological point of view, Fuerteventura is the oldest island in the archipelago. The island's name is a compound formed by the Spanish words fuerte (either "strong" or "fort") and ventura ("fortune"). Traditionally, Fuerteventura's name has been regarded as
3591-523: The title of Governor at Arms , a hereditary, lifelong appointment which has remained in the Sánchez-Dumpiérrez family. In time, this family increasingly garnered power over the other islands through alliances with the family of Arias de Saavedra and the Lady of Fuerteventura. During the same year the Assistant Parish of La Oliva and Pájara was created, to become operational in 1711. On 17 December 1790,
3654-491: The vicinity of holiday developments. Despite its arid climate, the island is also home to a surprisingly large insect fauna. Butterflies which commonly occur on the island include the clouded yellow ( Colias hyale ) and the bath white ( Pontia daplidice ) which feeds on xerophytic cruciferae . The island is also home to the monarch butterfly ( Danaus plexippus ) and its close African relative Danaus chrysippus . Around holiday developments such as Caleta de Fuste , water
3717-455: Was based in Parish of Santa María de Betancuria , for it to rank high cathedral. After the reintegration of the Diocese of San Marcial del Rubicón in the papacy of Martin V, the Bishopric of Fuerteventura was abolished only seven years after it was created in 1431. It was razed by pirates in 1593, but remained capital of Fuerteventura until 1834, when Antigua became capital. In Vega de Rio Palmas
3780-561: Was chosen among 500 European destinations by the Quality Coast International Certification Program of the European Coastal and Marine Union as one of the most attractive tourist destinations for visitors interested in cultural heritage, environment and sustainability. The best beaches to visit are Playa de Cofete, Playas de Jandia, Playas de Corralejo, Playa de Ajuy, and Playas de El Cotillo. The island
3843-557: Was created. The first census recorded a population of some 1,200 inhabitants. The population increased gradually thereafter. In 1476 the territory became the Señorío Territorial de Fuerteventura , subjected to the Catholic Monarchs . In later years, the island was invaded by the Spanish, French and the English. Over time, the island endured numerous raids. A Berber -led expedition invaded in 1593, sweeping as far inland as
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#17330849488613906-473: Was declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2009. Fuerteventura belongs to the Province of Las Palmas , one of the two provinces that form the autonomous community of the Canary Islands. The island's capital is Puerto del Rosario , where the Insule Council is found, the government of the island. Fuerteventura had 124,152 inhabitants (as of 2023 ), the fourth largest population of the Canary Islands and
3969-461: Was finally dissolved in 1859, and Puerto de Cabras (now Puerto del Rosario ) - the only municipal seat on the coast - became the new capital. The Canary Islands obtained self-governance in 1912. In 1927, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote became part of the province of Gran Canaria . The seat of the island's government ( cabildo insular ) is located in Puerto del Rosario . A total of 118,574 people lived on
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