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Tingitan Peninsula facts for kids

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The Tingitan Peninsula, also known as the Tangier Peninsula, is a small piece of land in northwest Africa. It works with the southern tip of Spain to create the Strait of Gibraltar. This strait is like a doorway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

Strait of Gibraltar 5.53940W 35.97279N
The Tingitan Peninsula is at the bottom (south) of this picture.

What is the Tingitan Peninsula?

The Tingitan Peninsula is a landform that sticks out into the sea. It is located on the northwestern coast of Africa. This area is very important because of its location. It controls one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.

Where is it Located?

This peninsula is found in the country of Morocco. It forms the southern side of the Strait of Gibraltar. The Strait of Gibraltar is a narrow waterway. It connects the large Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. This makes the peninsula a key spot for ships traveling between these two big bodies of water.

Important Cities

Several important cities are located on the Tingitan Peninsula. The main cities include:

  • Tangier: A very old and busy port city. It is known for its history and trade.
  • Tétouan: Another historic city. It has a beautiful old town that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Ceuta: This city is special because it is an autonomous city of Spain. It is located on the northern coast of the peninsula.

Who Governs the Peninsula?

The land of the Tingitan Peninsula is divided. Most of it belongs to Morocco. It is part of several Moroccan areas called prefectures. These include Tanger-Assilah, Fahs-Anjra, M'Diq-Fnideq, and Tetouan. The city of Ceuta, however, is governed by Spain. It is a Spanish autonomous city. This means it has its own government, but it is still part of Spain.

A Look Back in Time

In the past, this area was part of a Roman province. This province was called Mauretania Tingitana. The name "Tingitan" comes from this historical name. It shows how long this land has been important. People have lived and traded here for thousands of years.

See also

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