What is la youne?

Laayoune, also spelled Layoune or El Aaiún, is the largest city in Western Sahara and serves as the de facto capital of the region. It is located on the Atlantic coast and has a population of around 200,000 people.

The city was originally founded by the Spanish in the 1930s and was under Spanish colonial rule until 1976, when it was annexed by Morocco following the withdrawal of Spanish forces. This led to a conflict with the Polisario Front, a Sahrawi nationalist movement seeking independence for Western Sahara.

Today, Laayoune is a major administrative, economic, and cultural center in Western Sahara. It is home to government buildings, shopping centers, universities, and international organizations. The city also has a diverse population consisting of various ethnic groups, including Sahrawis, Moroccans, and expatriates.

Laayoune is known for its traditional Sahrawi music and dance, as well as its annual cultural festival which showcases the region's rich heritage. The city's economy is primarily based on fishing, agriculture, and phosphate mining.

Despite being a disputed territory, Laayoune is considered safe for tourists and has a number of hotels, restaurants, and attractions for visitors to enjoy. However, travelers should be aware of the political situation in Western Sahara and exercise caution when traveling in the region.