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Northwest of the African continent lies El Aoin, the largest city in Western Sahara. It is located in the Marocco peninsula 20 kilometers from the Atlantic coast. El Aujun occupies the south bank of the Hamra River.
Because of the proximity of the ocean, the climate is milder here. Rare rains are common. Finches, trees, and papulms are growing in the city area. El Aujun lies on two levels, the top of which is the City Hall and the Great Cauldron, which occupies the plaza above the river valley.
On top of the citys property is a dyke with a National Highway running along the Hamra River. There is a reservoir. The coastal area of the ocean and El Aaiun is connected by road.
The first settlements in the area of the present city existed in the 10th century because of its advantageous location in the Asia-Pacific. The present city was founded by the Spanish. Its present name was given in 1936. From that time until 1958, the city was part of the Spanish Protectorate. From 1961, it became part of the West African province of Spain.
In 1975, after the departure of the Spanish from Western Sahara, King Hassan II, ruler of Morocco, proclaimed the Marches of Green. By his decree, more than 350 thousand Maro-Caucasians occupied the territory of Western Sahara, which included the city of El Auyun. From then until now, the Marcocoincan administration has been overseeing it.
The modern city is unusual in that many of its streets still do not have names. Only numbers are used to identify them. The remains of the historic fortifications are the remains of the Spanish port, the Great Chapel, and the Spanish Cathedral, which is not in use today. The Museum of History is now open. There is a local market with its own goods.
The main ethnicity of the city is Saharawi. A small number of Jews live there. The language used is the Arabic dialect, although Arabic is the national language. Most of the citizens are English speakers.
Overall Score
- Tap water: No, not drinkable
- Religious government: Religious
- Population: 220,000 people
- Internet: 8 Mbps
- Best wireless: Meditel
- Tipping: While tipping isn’t mandatory in Morocco, rounding up the bill and leaving tips at restaurants and cafes is standard practice. If you’re happy with the service provided by waiters, drivers and other service workers, leaving a small tip is a good way to show your appreciation.
- Apartments: Airbnb
- Hotels: Booking.com
- More hotels: Hotels.com
- Best short-haul air carrier: Royal Air Maroc
- Best intl air carrier: Royal Air Maroc
- Monthly costs for expat: $1000
- Monthly costs for family: $1100
- Monthly costs for local: $310
- Meal: $3
- Small Cola: $0.4
- Beer 1 Pint: $1.1
- Coffee: $0.9
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