Tangier Maps

Tangier (also Tangiers) is a major city in northwestern Morocco. Located on the Maghreb coast at the western entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, the city has a population of about 1,275,428 according to the 2024 census. Tangier is the capital of the Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, as well as the Tangier-Assilah prefecture of Morocco.

The history of Tangier spans over 2,500 years. Founded by Carthaginian colonists in the 5th century BC, the city has been under the control of many civilizations and empires throughout its history, including the Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Arabs, Portuguese, British, and Spanish. From 1923 to 1956, Tangier was designated as an international zone, governed by several Western powers, giving it a unique multicultural character that attracted numerous artists, writers, and businesspeople from around the world.

The city serves as a major economic center for Morocco. Its strategic location has made it one of Africa's most important ports, with Tanger-Med Port being the largest cargo port in Africa and the Mediterranean. The city has also developed into a significant industrial hub, with automotive, aerospace, and textile manufacturing sectors. Tourism plays a crucial role in Tangier's economy, with millions of visitors attracted to its historical sites, beaches, and cultural attractions annually.

Notable landmarks include the Kasbah, a historic fortress overlooking the medina and containing the former Sultan's palace, now the Museum of Mediterranean Cultures. The Grand Socco (officially Place du 9 Avril 1947) is the main entrance to the old medina and a bustling market square. The Petit Socco lies at the heart of the medina and was historically a meeting place for merchants and artists. Cape Spartel, located 14 kilometers west of the city, features a lighthouse and offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea meeting point.

Modern Tangier boasts numerous cultural institutions, including the Institut Cervantes and the American Legation, the only U.S. National Historic Landmark located outside the United States. The city's transportation infrastructure includes the Ibn Battouta Airport and a high-speed rail link to Casablanca. The city continues to develop rapidly, with new urban projects and infrastructure improvements transforming its landscape while maintaining its historical character and international significance as a gateway between Europe and Africa.