La Española is an island in the Caribbean, divided into two countries: Haiti and the Dominican Republic. It is the second-largest island in the Greater Antilles and is known for its diverse landscapes, including mountains, beaches, and forests. The island has a rich history, being one of the first places visited by Christopher Columbus in 1492. The total area of La Española is approximately 76,192 square kilometers (29,418 square miles). It is home to a variety of cultures, languages, and traditions, with Spanish being the official language in the Dominican Republic and Haitian Creole and French spoken in Haiti. The island's economy relies on agriculture, tourism, and services.