Tangier is a major port city in northern Morocco located on the Strait of Gibraltar, about 17 miles from Spain. It sits where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean and serves as the capital of the Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region. Historically, Tangier has been a center of diverse cultures and civilizations, starting as a Phoenician trading post and later under Carthaginian, Roman, and various colonial rules. From 1923 to 1956, it was an international zone attracting European and American diplomats, artists, and writers. Today, Tangier is a vibrant city known for its old medina, kasbah, and cultural heritage, as well as for being a busy port and a hub of tourism, fishing, and textile industries. It continues to modernize with new business districts, a major port (Tanger-Med), and infrastructure developments. The city also holds a royal summer residence and has a rich literary history with famous residents like Paul Bowles and Mohamed Choukri.
This unique blend of history, culture, and strategic location makes Tangier a notable gateway between Africa and Europe.