Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera is one of the Spanish territories on North Africa off the Moroccan coast (Plazas de soberanía), along with the coastal enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, the island of Peñón de Alhucemas, Islas Chafarinas and the small islet of Isla Perejil.
Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera is located 117 km (72.7 mi) southeast of Ceuta. It once was an island, but is now permanently connected to the Moroccan coast by a 85 m (279 feet) long sand strip (one of the world's shortest land borders). It covers about 19,000 square meters.
It was conquered by Spain in 1508 and permanently under Spain control since 1564, it is currently inhabited only by a tiny military garrison of roughly 60 men.
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Last updated: 08-02-2005 00:42:09
