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La Gomera is part of the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It is divided into six municipalities:
The island government (cabildo insular) is located in the capital, San Sebastián.
The island is of volcanic origin and roughly circular, about 15 miles in diameter and rising to nearly 5000 feet at the central peak of Garajonay. It is shaped rather like half of a peeled orange from which the segments have been parted, leaving deep ravines or barrancos which are coated, like icing, with laurisilva - or laurel rain forest.
The upper reaches of this densely wooded region are almost permanently shrouded in cloud and swirling mist, which has created lush and diverse vegetation. This is the Garajonay National Park which enjoys UNESCO recognition and protection of the environment. The slopes are criss-crossed by paths, presenting varying levels of challenge to walkers, and stunning views to reward the energetic.
The central mountains catch the moisture from the trade wind clouds and create a jungle climate rich in vegetation high in the cooler air, which contrasts with the warmer sun-baked cliffs near sea level.
Between these extremes is a fascinating range of vegetation, and the Gomerans have for centuries farmed the lower levels, channelling water for the irrigation of their vines, fruits and vegetables, such as bananas.
In 2003, some 19,580 people lived on La Gomera.
The local wine is distinctive, and complements a tapa (snack) of Gomerian cheese, roasted pork or goat meat.
The Gomerans have a unique way of communicating across the barrancos by an amazing kind of whistled speech called the Silbo. Invented by the original inhabitants of the island, the GuanchesGuanches (also: Guanchis or Guanchos (native Guanchinet Guan person, Chinet Teneriffe, man of Teneriffe corrupted, according to Nunez de la Pena, by Spaniards into Guanchos), were the aboriginal inhabitants of the Canary Islands. Strictly the Guanches wer, Silbo was adopted by the Spanish settlers in the 16th century15th century 16th century 17th century more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 16th century was that century which lasted from 1501 to 1600. Events Beginning of the " Little Ice Age" a cooling period that resulted in lower crop yi and survived after the extinction of the Guanches. When this unique medium of communication was about to die out early in the 21st century20th century 21st century 22nd century other centuries) Definition In calendars based on the Christian Era or Common Era, such as the Gregorian calendar, the 21st century is the current century, as of this writing, lasting from 2001- 2100. The 21st centur, the local government required all children to learn it in school.
Christopher ColumbusChristopher Columbus ( 1451 1— May 20, 1506) was an explorer and trader who crossed the Atlantic Ocean and reached the Americas in 1492 under the flag of Castilian Spain. He believed that the earth was a relatively small sphere, and argued that a ship cou made La Gomera his last port of call before crossing the Atlantic in 1492. The house in San Sebastián in which he stayed is now a tourist attraction.