Melilla

Melilla
Name	Melilla
Settlement type	Autonomous city
Coordinates	35, 18, N, 2...
Subdivision type	Sovereign state
Subdivision name	Spain
Subdivision type1	Autonomous city
Subdivision name1	Melilla
Established title	Founded
Established date	15th century
Government type	Autonomous city
Leader title	Mayor-President
Leader name	Juan José Imbroda
Area total km2	12.3
Population total	86,384
Population as of	2021
Population density km2	auto
Postal code type	Postal code
Postal code	52001
Area code	+34 952
Website	http://www.melilla.es/

Melilla. It is one of two autonomous cities of Spain, located on the north coast of Africa across from the Iberian Peninsula. The city is an exclave and plaza de soberanía surrounded by Morocco and the Mediterranean Sea, with a history deeply intertwined with Phoenicia, the Roman Empire, and Al-Andalus.

History

The area was first settled by Phoenician traders, later becoming part of the Roman province of Mauretania Tingitana. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, it was controlled by the Vandals, the Byzantine Empire, and various Berber kingdoms. The city was conquered by the Emirate of Granada under Abu Said Faraj in the late 13th century. In 1497, forces under Pedro de Estopiñán captured it for the Crown of Castile during the reign of the Catholic Monarchs. It withstood a major siege by Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah and later became a focal point during the Rif War and conflicts involving the Regulares and the Spanish Legion. The Statute of Autonomy of Melilla was approved in 1995, formalizing its current political status.

Geography

Situated on the eastern side of the Cape of Three Forks peninsula, it borders the Mediterranean Sea and the Kingdom of Morocco. The terrain includes the Mount Gurugú range nearby. Its coastline features the Higuero Point and it lies near the border of the Moroccan province of Nador. The urban area is characterized by its distinctive Modernista architecture, with notable works by Enrique Nieto.

Demographics

The population is a mix of ethnic and religious groups, including ethnic Spanish Christians, a significant Muslim community of Riffian Berber descent, a historic Sephardic Jewish minority, and a smaller Hindu population. Major languages are Spanish and the Riffian dialect of Tamazight.

Government and politics

As an Autonomous city, it exercises devolved powers under the Spanish Constitution of 1978. The city is governed by the Assembly of Melilla, presided over by the Mayor-President of Melilla, a post held by Juan José Imbroda of the People's Party. It is represented in the Congress of Deputies and the Senate of Spain. The Spanish government retains control over immigration, defense, and foreign affairs, with a significant presence of the Civil Guard and the Spanish Army.

Economy

The economy is heavily dependent on trade, logistics, and its status as a free port, with commercial links to Morocco and mainland Spain. Key sectors include fishing, retail, and cross-border trade. The service sector dominates, supported by public administration and the presence of the Spanish military. It is part of the European Union customs territory but maintains a special tax system.

Culture

The culture reflects its diverse communities, visible in religious festivals like Eid al-Adha and Christmas. The Melilla Fair is a major annual event. The city's architecture is renowned for its concentration of Modernista buildings, second only to Barcelona, designed by architects like Enrique Nieto, a disciple of Antoni Gaudí. Culinary traditions blend Spanish, Moroccan, and Sephardic influences.

Transport

It is connected by ferry to mainland ports like Almería and Málaga via operators such as Balearia. Melilla Airport offers flights to cities including Madrid and Granada through airlines like Air Nostrum. Internal transport relies on a local bus network. A border crossing, monitored by the Civil Guard and Moroccan Gendarmerie, connects to the neighboring city of Nador.

Category:Autonomous cities of Spain Category:Populated places in Africa Category:Exclaves