Spain in Africa

Every news outlet is writing about the hundreds of desperate Africa migrants climbing razor-wire fences to get into Spain. But how? Morocco and Spain are seperated by the Strait of Gibraltar—no fences there.

Spain has held small parts of North Africa since the 15th century, although greater Morocco was a French protectorate. After Moroccan independence, Spain returned most of the territory but kept four “enclaves.” It has since returned two but has held on to Melilla and Ceuta. Ceuta, closest to Spain, is the location of the recent violence and controversy.

Wikipedia and Slate have explanatory articles, but neither of them have a map. This is where ComingAnarchy.com’s geography department steps in.

Where’s Iberian Notes when you need it?