Laayoune
Sign in to saveLaayoune or El Aaiún (, , , ) is the largest city of the disputed territory of Western Sahara, with a population of 271,344 in 2023. The city is the de jure capital of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, though it is under de facto Moroccan administration as occupied territory. The modern city is thought to have been founded by the Spanish captain Antonio de Oro in 1938. From 1958, it became the administrative capital of the Spanish Sahara, administered by the Governor General of Spanish West Africa.
AI overview
Laayoune is the largest city in Western Sahara, a disputed territory claimed by the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic but currently administered by Morocco. The city serves as the nominal capital of the Sahrawi Republic, though its actual governance and administration remain under Moroccan control.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Key facts
- Settlement.official_name
- Laayoune
- Settlement.settlement_type
- City
- Settlement.image_skyline
- El Aaiún-Laâyoune Collage.png
- Settlement.image_caption
- Left to right, top to bottom: Footprints on the sand, Place Mechouar, Street, Monumental Arch, Laayoune Cathedral
- Settlement.pushpin_map
- Western Sahara#Africa
- Settlement.pushpin_label_position
- bottom
- Settlement.pushpin_map_caption
- Location in Western Sahara
- Settlement.pushpin_relief
- yes
- Settlement.subdivision_type
- Non-self-governing territory
- Settlement.subdivision_name
- Western Sahara
- Settlement.subdivision_type1
- Claimed by
- Settlement.subdivision_type2
Article
13 sectionsContents
- History
- Climate
- Climate change
- Demographics
- Economy and status
- Sport
- Transport
- Education
- Diplomatic missions
- Gallery
- See also
- References
- External links
Laayoune or El Aaiún (, , , ) is the largest city of the disputed territory of Western Sahara, with a population of 271,344 in 2023. The city is the de jure capital of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, though it is under de facto Moroccan administration as occupied territory. The modern city is thought to have been founded by the Spanish captain Antonio de Oro in 1938. From 1958, it became the administrative capital of the Spanish Sahara, administered by the Governor General of Spanish West Africa.
In 2023, Laayoune is the capital of the Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra region administered by Morocco, it is still under the supervision of MINURSO, a UN mission.