Principal Economic Centre. 445 Km south of Guelmim. Laayoune is a former oasis close to the mouth of the Seguiat El Hamra, and it has become the principal economic centre of the south.

The magnificient Mechouar Square is the centre of the city and forms the hub from which great avenues radiate. The largest and most recent quarters with the principal facilities are located around th eprincipal eatern-facing artery: the Moulay Abdelaziz mosque, the palace of Congressses, and the Hotel El Massira.

Laayoune has been equipped with modern facilities and welcomes civil servants, technicians and businessmen. Expanding tourist infraastructures(Club Mediterranee in particular) are allowing the city to consolidate its role as an excursion centre in a regi on rich in tourist potential. Laayoune also has the proportions of a growing port(3rd por6t of Morocco).

In the surrounding area along the Seguiat El Hasmra towards Smara, cave drawings representing animals have been found. The most remarkable are in Asli and Wadi Miran. 25Kms to the west of the city Foum el Oued beach is the venue for the angling competit ions organizsed on this dream-like coast. Two game reserves have been established for hunters to the north-east and south of the city so as to re-establish wildlife treatened with extinction(controlled hunting).

Partridge, hare and gazelle are plentiful to the east of the city.

Agencies organise visists and excaurtions throughout the region from this base.

The shortest are those going to the sebkhas(salt lakes), Tazgha and Tah, and to the dunes surrounding Laayoune. A half-day excursion will take you to the Lemsid oasis 110 Kms away.