# plazas de soberanía

> Spanish territories along the northern African coast

**Wikidata**: [Q191011](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q191011)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plazas_de_soberanía)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/plazas-de-soberania

## Summary

Plazas de soberanía (Spanish for "places of sovereignty") refers to a group of Spanish territories located along the northern African coast that are under Spanish sovereignty but do not constitute part of mainland Spain. These territories—including the Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera, the Chafarinas Islands, and the Alhucemas Islands—are classified as dependent territories and are the subject of a territorial dispute with Morocco, which claims sovereignty over them.

## Key Facts

- **Official name**: Plazas de soberanía (Spanish territories along the northern African coast)
- **Country**: Spain
- **Administrative classification**: Part of Extrapeninsular Spain
- **Geographic continent**: Africa
- **Territorial classification**: Dependent territory, disputed territory
- **Territory claimed by**: Morocco
- **Component territories**:
  - Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera
  - Chafarinas Islands
  - Alhucemas Islands
  - Ceuta (ceased to be classified as plaza de soberanía on 1995-03-15)
  - Melilla (ceased to be classified as plaza de soberanía on 1995-03-15)
- **Wikidata description**: Spanish territories along the northern African coast
- **OpenStreetMap relation ID**: 5921806
- **Freebase ID**: /m/01rfbs
- **INSEE countries and foreign territories code**: 99313
- **LC and MARC vocabularies ID**: countries/sh, geographicAreas/f-sh
- **Wikipedia available in**: 56+ language versions (ar, arz, ast, bn, br, bs, ca, cs, da, de, en, es, eu, fa, fi, fr, gl, hi, hr, hu, id, it, ja, ka, ko, la, lij, mk, mzn, nl, no, pl, pt, ro, ru, sc, si, simple, sr, su, sv, th, tl, tr, uk, ur, vec, vi, war, xmf, yo, zh, zh_min_nan, zu)
- **Commons category**: Plazas de soberanía
- **Encyclopaedia Britannica online ID**: place/Spanish-North-Africa (titled "Spanish North Africa")
- **Namuwiki ID**: 플라사스 데 소베라니아
- **De Agostini ID**: Plazas+de+Soberanía+Española+en+el+Norte+de+Africa
- **KBPedia ID**: PlazasDeSoberania

## FAQs

**What are the plazas de soberanía?**

The plazas de soberanía are Spanish territories situated along the northern coast of Africa that remain under Spanish sovereignty. They are considered dependent territories rather than fully independent sovereign states and are administratively part of Extrapeninsular Spain.

**Which specific territories make up the plazas de sovereignty?**

The current plazas de soberanía include the Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera (a small rocky enclave), the Chafarinas Islands (an archipelago of three islands), and the Alhucemas Islands (another small archipelago). Historically, Ceuta and Melilla were also classified as plazas de soberanía but were reclassified in 1995.

**Why are the plazas de soberanía disputed?**

Morocco claims sovereignty over these Spanish territories, viewing them as remnants of the colonial era. The dispute centers on the historical Spanish presence in northern Africa and represents an ongoing diplomatic issue between Spain and Morocco.

**How many languages have Wikipedia articles about plazas de soberanía?**

Wikipedia articles about plazas de soberanía exist in over 56 language versions, ranging from Arabic (ar) and Chinese (zh) to Yoruba (yo) and Zulu (zu), reflecting the international interest in this territorial issue.

**What is the administrative status of these territories?**

These territories are part of Extrapeninsular Spain, meaning they are Spanish territories located outside the Iberian Peninsula. They are classified as dependent territories, lacking full political independence as sovereign states.

## Why It Matters

The plazas de soberanía represent one of the last remaining instances of European sovereignty on the African continent and serve as a persistent point of diplomatic tension between Spain and Morocco. These territories hold significant geopolitical importance because they represent historical territorial claims that predate modern independent African nations and remain unresolved. For Spain, these territories are viewed as integral parts of Spanish territory with historical significance dating back centuries. For Morocco, they represent colonial enclaves that should be returned to Moroccan sovereignty. The dispute affects bilateral relations between the two countries and has implications for European Union foreign policy regarding North Africa. Additionally, the status of these territories raises broader questions about decolonization, territorial disputes, and self-determination in the 21st century. The plazas de soberanía also serve as symbols of Spain's historical maritime power and its historical presence in the Mediterranean and Atlantic approaches to Africa.

## Notable For

- One of the few remaining European territorial possessions on the African mainland
- Subject of an ongoing territorial dispute with Morocco dating to the post-colonial era
- Represent the historical extent of Spanish territorial influence in North Africa
- Include unique geographic features such as the Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera, a dramatic rock formation connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus
- Feature the Chafarinas Islands, an archipelago of three small islands (Isla del Congreso, Isla de Isabel II, and Isla del Rey)
- Contain the Alhucemas Islands, another small archipelago in the Mediterranean
- Ceuta and Melilla were historically classified as plazas de soberanía until 1995, when they received autonomous city status
- Have been the subject of diplomatic negotiations and discussions between Spain and Morocco for decades
- Represent a unique case of European territory in Africa that has not been transferred to independent African nations

## Body

### Historical Background

The plazas de soberanía trace their origins to various periods of Spanish history when Spain maintained a significant presence along the North African coast. These territories were acquired at different times throughout Spanish history, often through military conquest or diplomatic agreements. The Spanish presence in the region dates back centuries, with some of these territories serving as strategic military outposts controlling maritime routes between Europe and Africa. The historical context of these territories is deeply intertwined with Spain's role as a Mediterranean and Atlantic power, its conflicts with North African states, and its colonial ambitions in the region. Over time, as other Spanish territories in Africa gained independence or were transferred, these small enclaves remained under Spanish control, becoming increasingly anomalous in the post-colonial era.

### Component Territories

**Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera**: This is a small rocky peninsula connected to the Moroccan mainland by a narrow sandy isthmus. It represents one of the smallest Spanish territories in Africa and is notable for its dramatic geography, consisting of a high rock formation that rises sharply from the sea. The territory's strategic importance historically related to its control of maritime traffic in the nearby waters.

**Chafarinas Islands**: Located in the Mediterranean Sea near the Moroccan coast, this archipelago consists of three small islands: Isla del Congreso, Isla de Isabel II, and Isla del Rey. These islands are primarily known for their wildlife, particularly as a protected habitat for various seabird species. The islands have been under Spanish control since their capture in 1848.

**Alhucemas Islands**: Another small archipelago in the Mediterranean, consisting of several small islands and rocky outcrops. Like the Chafarinas Islands, these territories are noted more for their ecological significance than their economic or strategic value in modern times.

**Ceuta and Melilla**: These two cities were historically classified as plazas de soberanía but underwent significant administrative changes in 1995. On March 15, 1995, both Ceuta and Melilla were granted the status of autonomous cities, effectively ending their classification as plazas de soberanía. Both cities have since developed into significant urban centers with their own municipal governments, though they remain the subject of Moroccan territorial claims.

### Geographic and Administrative Context

The plazas de soberanía are located along the northern coast of Africa, specifically in regions that border the Mediterranean Sea. Geographically, they are situated in strategic positions that historically allowed Spain to control maritime traffic and maintain a military presence in the region. The territories are administratively classified as part of Extrapeninsular Spain, meaning they are Spanish territories located outside the Iberian Peninsula proper.

From an administrative perspective, these territories do not possess the same level of autonomy as Spanish autonomous communities. They are directly administered by the Spanish central government, with governance structures that differ from those of mainland Spain. This administrative arrangement reflects their unique status as dependent territories rather than fully integrated regions.

### International Disputes and Diplomatic Relations

The territorial dispute between Spain and Morocco over the plazas de soberanía represents a significant diplomatic issue between the two countries. Morocco has consistently claimed sovereignty over these territories, viewing them as colonial enclaves that should be returned to Moroccan control. This position has been a recurring theme in Moroccan foreign policy and affects the overall bilateral relationship between Spain and Morocco.

The dispute has various implications for international relations, including questions about decolonization, territorial integrity, and self-determination. Spain maintains that these territories are integral parts of Spanish territory and rejects Moroccan claims. The European Union has generally supported Spain's position, though the issue remains a sensitive topic in EU-Morocco relations.

### Cultural and Linguistic Significance

The plazas de soberanía have generated significant documentation and discussion across multiple languages and cultural contexts. Wikipedia articles about these territories exist in over 56 language versions, demonstrating the international interest in this territorial question. The various language versions reflect different perspectives and terminologies used to describe these territories.

The multiple aliases and translations of the term "plazas de soberanía" illustrate the complexity of discussing these territories in different linguistic and cultural contexts. Terms range from the Spanish "Plazas de soberanía" and "Plazas menores de soberanía" to translations in Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Korean, and many other languages, indicating the global scope of interest in these territories.

### Classification and Terminology

The plazas de soberanía are classified under multiple categorization systems, reflecting their complex political and geographic status. In library classification systems, they appear under both country codes for Spain and geographic area codes for North Africa. This dual classification acknowledges both their political affiliation with Spain and their physical location in Africa.

The term "dependent territory" is used to describe these areas, indicating that they do not possess full political independence as sovereign states but are instead territories that depend administratively on another sovereign state—in this case, Spain. This classification distinguishes them from fully independent nations and from territories that have chosen to associate with other states.

### Related Entities and External References

The plazas de soberanía are connected to various external resources and reference systems. They have entries in major geographic databases, including OpenStreetMap (relation ID 5921806), which provides detailed mapping information. The territories also appear in encyclopedic sources, including the Encyclopaedia Britannica, which addresses them under the entry "Spanish North Africa."

The Wikimedia Commons category "Plazas de sovereignty" contains visual documentation of these territories, including photographs and maps. Various academic and governmental sources discuss these territories in the context of Spanish foreign policy, African geopolitics, and territorial disputes.

### Ecological Importance

Some of the plazas de soberanía, particularly the Chafarinas Islands, have been recognized for their ecological significance. These islands serve as protected habitats for various species of seabirds and other wildlife, leading to their inclusion in conservation programs. The ecological value of these territories represents one of their modern-day significances beyond their historical and strategic importance.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. KBpedia