Oran (Wahran) Algeria Port and second city of the country, situated on the north-west coast. The city, overlooked by the 16th-century fort of Santa Cruz on a nearby hill and surrounded by hills planted with orange, lemon and olive groves, was founded in 903 by Arabs from souther Spain. Later it was expanded by the Spaniards who ruled the region from 1509 until it fell to the Turks in 1708. In 1732 it reverted to Spain, and Spanish influence can be seen in a number of buildings and monuments. However, most of the town was devasted by an earthquake in 1709. In 1831, Oran was occupied by the French, who developed it as a modern port. Industries include cement, chemicals, fertilisers, agricultural machinery, iron smelting, fruit and fish canning, as well as the manufacture of textiles, glass, footwear and cigarettes. The port exports wheat, vegetables, wine, wool and esparto grass.

Places of interest include the Kasbah (the old Spanish and Arab city); the 18th-century mosque of the Pasha Sidi El-Houari; Fort Lamorrue, built by the Spanish in 1742; the Demaeght Museum with prehistoric exhibit and paintings; and many Moorish and Spanish gates.

Population: (estimated) 800.000