Ceuta and Melilla are linked to Spain by ferry services to Malaga, Algeciras and Almeria.

BBC: Ceuta, Melilla profile

But Ceuta and Melilla are nonetheless used by many Africans as stepping-stones to Iberia.

BBC: Ceuta, Melilla profile

When groups of immigrants pushed their way into Ceuta and Melilla, fences were erected.

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Madrid's two North African enclaves, Ceuta and Melilla, probably offer the easiest way to break into the fortress.

ECONOMIST: Morocco

First is that peculiar relationship with Ceuta, which in this particular case forms a sort of underworld and underground economy.

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His first expedition captured the formidable citadel of Ceuta, still in Iberian hands today, but the next two were disasters.

ECONOMIST: Historical biography

Ceuta, meanwhile, was a drain on Portugal's resources, as were Henry's repeated incursions into the Canary Islands which caused unending problems.

ECONOMIST: Historical biography

With its rebuilt 15th century cathedral, shipyards and a fish-processing plant, Ceuta is viewed by Spain as the more strategically-valuable enclave.

BBC: Ceuta, Melilla profile

More recently, differences over Ceuta and Melilla have not prevented a warming of relations between Morocco and Spain, particularly economic ones.

BBC: Ceuta, Melilla profile

Ceuta and Melilla are the remnants of a string of Spanish fortresses built in North Africa after King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella reconquered Andalusia from the Moors.

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For Morocco, their absence was a small victory in a long campaign to take over the 12 square kilometres of Melilla and its 65, 000 people, along with its sister-city of Ceuta, which is just a shade bigger in size and population.

ECONOMIST: Spain in North Africa