Laâyoune

Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra

Heart of the Moroccan Sahara

Laâyoune, capital of the Moroccan Sahara, is a modern city born from the desert. The region holds immense resources in phosphates and fishing, driving its development.

400,000

Population

140,018 km²

Area

3 inhabitants/km²

Density

2% of national GDP

GDP

Laâyoune

Capital

Oceanic Saharan

Climate

Histoire

Founded in 1938 by the Spanish, Laâyoune was recovered by Morocco during the Green March of 1975. The region has since experienced spectacular development, symbolizing the integration of the southern provinces.

Géographie

Vast desert expanse between the Atlantic and Algeria, the region is marked by hamadas (rocky plateaus) and sebkhas (salt lakes). The Saharan climate is tempered on the coast by the ocean.

Economy & Key Sectors

Les moteurs économiques de la région Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra

Phosphates

Bou Craa deposits, 100 km conveyor

Fishing

Waters among the most fish-rich in the world

Wind energy

Tarfaya wind farm, 300 MW

Public services

Massive state investments

Key Figures

10% of world

Phosphates

300 MW

Tarfaya wind

1M tons/year

Fishing

100 billion MAD

State investments

Tourism & Discoveries

The Moroccan Sahara offers lunar landscapes, endless beaches, and legendary hospitality. Kitesurfing in Dakhla, the dunes of Laâyoune, Khnifiss park: adventure at the end of the world.