Laayoune

Laayoune

Laayoune is the largest city in the disputed territory of Western Sahara, de facto occupied by Morocco. Strategically located in the northern part of the territory, Laayoune serves as the administrative capital of the Moroccan-claimed province of Laâyoune-Boujdour-Sakia El Hamra. The city's history dates back to 1938, when it was founded by the Spanish captain Antonio de Oro as a small military outpost. In the 1940s, the discovery of large deposits of phosphates in the Bou Craa area fueled the phosphate industry and the city experienced a period of rapid economic growth. Today, Laayoune is a bustling city with a population exceeding 200,000 inhabitants, comprising a mix of Moroccan settlers and indigenous Sahrawi people. The city's architecture is a blend of modern and traditional styles, with Moroccan-inspired buildings, wide boulevards, and bustling markets. The old lower town, built by the Spanish colonists, is located north of the city on the dry river Saguia el-Hamra. The St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral was constructed at the time of the Spanish and is currently inhabited by a small number of Catholic missionaries. In addition to phosphate production, Laayoune's economy is also driven by tourism, with visitors attracted to the city's rich cultural heritage, including its historic souks, mosques, and traditional Sahrawi music and dance performances. Nowadays, despite the ongoing political tensions, Laayoune has made significant strides in terms of infrastructure development.