El Aaiún

El Aaiún, also Laâyoune, town, principal urban centre of Western Sahara (formerly the overseas Province of Spanish Sahara), near the Atlantic Ocean. The town is an artificially constructed oasis, where cereals and vegetables are grown by irrigation. Phosphate deposits have been discovered to the south. El Aaiún is the site of a museum of Saharan culture. The modern town was built in 1938 to serve as the administrative centre of Spanish Sahara. It remained under Spanish control until December 11, 1975, when it was occupied by Moroccan troops; the last of the Spanish forces withdrew on December 20. The town’s name is also spelt Layoun. Population (estimated) 24,519.