Laâyoune

Capital of Western Sahara; population (2004) 183,700. It has expanded from a population of 25,000 in 1970 as a result of Moroccan investment (Morocco lays claim to Western Sahara). Laâyoune is the main urban centre of the country, which was formerly the Spanish Sahara, and lies in an artificial oasis where, through irrigation, cereals and vegetables are grown. To the southwest, especially at Bu Craa, there are large deposits of phosphates, which are linked to the coast by a conveyor belt 29 km/18 mi long, though exploitation has been handicapped by a shortage of water in the area. Since 1976 it has been capital of the (not internationally recognized) Laâyoune province.

The town contains a museum of Saharan culture.