| Name | La Palma |
| Status | Strategic outpost for the Republic of the Twin Crowns |
| Culture | Blended, reflecting its strategic importance |
| Economy | Agriculture • Fishing • Tourism • Transportation hub |
| Location | Off the northwestern coast of Africa, part of the Canary Islands |
| Demographics | More populous and economically significant compared to other timeline |
La Palma is one of the seven main islands that make up the Canary Islands archipelago, a Spanish territory located off the northwest coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. As part of the Republic of the Twin Crowns, La Palma plays an important strategic and economic role for the federation.
La Palma is the fifth largest of the Canary Islands, with an area of 708 square kilometers (273 square miles). The island is dominated by a massive shield volcano, Roque de los Muchachos, which at 2,426 meters (7,959 feet) is the highest point in the Canaries.
The island's geography is rugged and mountainous, with deep ravines, steep cliffs, and lush laurel forests. La Palma has a subtropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round and moderate rainfall, particularly in the northern regions. The southern parts of the island are drier and more arid.
La Palma was originally inhabited by the indigenous Guanche people, who developed a unique culture and language. The island was gradually conquered and colonized by the Spanish Crown in the 15th century, becoming part of the Kingdom of Spain.
When the Republican Revolution swept the Iberian Peninsula in the early 19th century, La Palma was seamlessly integrated into the newly formed Republic of the Twin Crowns. Due to its strategic location in the Atlantic Ocean, the island has served as an important outpost and logistics hub for the Twin Crowns' colonial activities and trade networks.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, La Palma experienced significant population growth and economic development, bolstered by its role in the Twin Crowns' maritime trade and military operations. Today, it remains an integral part of the federation, though it maintains a degree of autonomous governance.
The population of La Palma is approximately 87,000 as of 2020, making it the fourth most populous of the Canary Islands. The islanders are ethnically diverse, with a mix of Guanche, Spanish, African, and Latin American ancestries.
The dominant language is Canarian Spanish, though the use of Guanche and other minority languages persists, especially in rural areas. La Palma's culture reflects this blending of Iberian, indigenous, and African influences, evident in its architecture, cuisine, music, and folklore.
The island is known for its artisanal crafts, particularly pottery, weaving, and woodcarving. La Palma's annual festivals and carnivals also showcase its vibrant cultural heritage.
La Palma's economy is diversified, with key sectors including:
While La Palma does not have a significant heavy industry base, it plays an important role in the Twin Crowns' global trade and commercial networks. The island's strategic location and infrastructure help facilitate the movement of goods, people, and resources across the Atlantic.
As part of the Republic of the Twin Crowns, La Palma maintains a degree of autonomous governance, with its own elected regional parliament and executive branch. This allows the island to administer many policy areas, including education, healthcare, environmental protection, and cultural preservation.
However, the central government in Lisbon retains control over defense, foreign affairs, and key economic and fiscal policies. This balance of centralized authority and regional autonomy has generally fostered political stability and economic development in La Palma.
Occasional debates over the island's political relationship with the broader Twin Crowns federation do arise, but La Palma remains an integral and strategically important component of the republic.
