Laâyoune

Laâyoune is the largest city in Western Sahara, a disputed territory on the northwest coast of Africa. The city is situated on the banks of the Draa River, though the riverbed is often dry. Administratively, it is the capital of the Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra region of Morocco. The local population is primarily Sahrawi, with a significant Moroccan presence.

Historically, Laâyoune was founded by Spanish colonists in 1938 and served as the capital of Spanish Sahara. Following the Green March in 1975, Spain ceded control of the territory to Morocco and Mauritania, leading to conflict. Mauritania later withdrew its claim. Laâyoune has since been the administrative center for Moroccan authorities in the region.

The economy of Laâyoune is largely based on fishing, phosphate mining, and government administration. The city features a port at its outskirts, though it is relatively small. Infrastructure includes an airport connecting it to other Moroccan cities and some international destinations. The culture is a blend of Sahrawi traditions and Moroccan influences, with a notable Islamic heritage. The political status of Laâyoune and Western Sahara remains a subject of international dispute, with the Polisario Front advocating for an independent Sahrawi state.