Agadir

　　A port city in southwestern Morocco and the capital of Agadir Province. Facing the vast blue Atlantic Ocean, Agadir lies 8 kilometers south of the mouth of the Sous River, backed by the fertile Sous Plain. A short journey south leads to the renowned Sahara Desert, while the Atlas Mountains block the desert heat from the southeast, giving this desert-edge city a spring-like climate all year round. With a total population of 500,000 (1994 statistics), it consists of four towns: Agadir, Anza, Dikssouan, and Ben Sergao. The city has a history of nearly a thousand years. It was severely damaged by a powerful earthquake in 1960 and was later rebuilt. It is the country’s largest fishing port and the distribution center for agricultural products from the Sous Valley. The main industries include fish processing (especially sardine canning), as well as cement and metal processing. Exports include canned fish, citrus fruits, grains, early spring vegetables, and cement. Roads connect it to Marrakech and Essaouira. Agadir boasts beautiful scenery and a mild climate, making it not only one of Morocco’s rare natural harbors but also an excellent destination for leisure and vacation. In the eyes of many Moroccans, it is the most beautiful city in the country.