Palmas, Las

Palmas, Las läs pälˈmäs [key], city (1990 pop. 373,846), capital of Las Palmas prov., Spain, on Grand Canary. The harbor nearby, at Puerto de la Luz, is the chief port of the Canary Islands and the busiest in Spain. Industries include fishing, fish processing, and tourism. The city was founded in 1478; still standing is a house where Columbus stayed in 1492. The city's role as a shipping point between South America and Europe contributed greatly to its growth.

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