Tangier (tȧn-jēr′), a seaport of Morocco near the western entrance of the Strait of Gibraltar, is built on high ground and is defended by forts. It is the principal center of commerce in Morocco, has important trade with Europe, doing a foreign business of $4,000,000 yearly, and is the residence of consuls and the diplomatic corps sent to Morocco. Tangier, once called Tangis, is an old city, and is thought to have been founded by the Carthaginians. It became the capital of a Roman province, was held by the Portuguese for nearly two centuries, and in 1662 was presented to Charles II of England as part of the dowry of Catherine of Braganza. England held it for 22 years. In 1844 it was bombarded by the French. Population about 35,000.