Sefrou Province is an administrative province in northern Morocco, located in the Fès-Meknès region. Its capital is the city of Sefrou. The province forms a transitional area between the Saïss plain and the foothills of the Middle Atlas.
Sefrou Province | |
|---|---|
 Sefrou Prefecture headquarters | |
 Flag  Seal | |
 Interactive map of Sefrou Province | |
| Country | Morocco |
| Region | Fès-Meknès |
| Seat | Sefrou |
Geography
editSefrou Province lies southeast of Fes and covers a diverse landscape that includes plains, hills, and mountainous areas. The northern part of the province is more open and agricultural, while the southern areas rise toward the Middle Atlas, featuring forests and higher elevations.
The climate is generally Mediterranean, with cooler conditions in the upland areas. Seasonal rivers and natural springs contribute to agricultural activity and local settlement patterns.
Key towns in the province include Sefrou, El Menzel, Bhalil, Imouzzer Kandar, and Ribate El Kheir.
History
editThe region around Sefrou has long served as a link between lowland agricultural zones and mountain communities of the Middle Atlas. The city of Sefrou is known for its historical medina and cultural traditions, reflecting a mix of influences over time.
The province was established as part of Morocco’s administrative framework to support local governance and regional development.
Population
editThe population of Sefrou Province is distributed between urban centers and a significant rural hinterland. Settlement patterns vary, with higher densities in towns and more dispersed populations in agricultural and mountainous areas.
Population growth has been moderate, with ongoing migration between rural areas and nearby cities.
Economy
editThe economy is largely based on agriculture, including cereal farming, fruit cultivation, and livestock raising. The varied terrain allows for different types of agricultural activity, particularly in valleys and upland areas.
Local commerce and services are concentrated in urban centers, especially in the city of Sefrou. The province also has potential for tourism, supported by its natural landscapes and cultural heritage.
Administrative divisions
editSefrou Province is divided into several municipalities and rural communes, organized into administrative circles. The main urban municipalities include:
These towns serve as administrative and economic hubs for the surrounding rural areas.
Subdivisions
editThe province is divided administratively into the following:[1]
| Name | Geographic code | Type | Households | Population (2004) | Foreign population | Moroccan population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bhalil | 451.01.01. | Municipality | 2815 | 11638 | 6 | 11632 | |
| El Menzel | 451.01.03. | Municipality | 2476 | 11484 | 3 | 11481 | |
| Imouzzer Kandar | 451.01.05. | Municipality | 3025 | 13745 | 18 | 13727 | |
| Ribate El Kheir | 451.01.07. | Municipality | 2619 | 12654 | 0 | 12654 | |
| Sefrou | 451.01.09. | Municipality | 14344 | 64006 | 28 | 63978 | |
| Adrej | 451.03.01. | Rural commune | 479 | 2236 | 0 | 2236 | |
| Ain Timguenai | 451.03.03. | Rural commune | 1087 | 5778 | 1 | 5777 | 3570 residents live in the center, called Zaouiat Bougrine; 2208 residents live in rural areas. |
| Bir Tam Tam | 451.03.05. | Rural commune | 1818 | 9714 | 1 | 9713 | |
| Dar El Hamra | 451.03.07. | Rural commune | 841 | 4022 | 1 | 4021 | |
| Ighzrane | 451.03.09. | Rural commune | 2064 | 11050 | 0 | 11050 | |
| Mtarnagha | 451.03.11. | Rural commune | 982 | 5284 | 0 | 5284 | |
| Oulad Mkoudou | 451.03.13. | Rural commune | 1523 | 7821 | 0 | 7821 | |
| Ras Tabouda | 451.03.15. | Rural commune | 1202 | 6516 | 2 | 6514 | |
| Tafajight | 451.03.17. | Rural commune | 330 | 2047 | 0 | 2047 | |
| Ain Cheggag | 451.05.01. | Rural commune | 2737 | 15475 | 21 | 15454 | 4436 residents live in the center, called Ain Cheggag; 11039 residents live in rural areas. |
| Ait Sebaa Lajrouf | 451.05.03. | Rural commune | 3138 | 17400 | 0 | 17400 | |
| Aghbalou Aqorar | 451.07.01. | Rural commune | 3044 | 15835 | 1 | 15834 | |
| Ahl Sidi Lahcen | 451.07.03. | Rural commune | 993 | 5290 | 0 | 5290 | |
| Azzaba | 451.07.05. | Rural commune | 515 | 2493 | 1 | 2492 | |
| Kandar Sidi Khiar | 451.07.07. | Rural commune | 1429 | 8709 | 0 | 8709 | |
| Laanoussar | 451.07.09. | Rural commune | 1721 | 9343 | 0 | 9343 | |
| Sidi Youssef Ben Ahmed | 451.07.11. | Rural commune | 2218 | 11292 | 0 | 11292 | |
| Tazouta | 451.07.13. | Rural commune | 1098 | 5745 | 0 | 5745 | |
References
edit- ↑ "Recensement général de la population et de l'habitat de 2004" (PDF). Haut-commissariat au Plan, Lavieeco.com. Retrieved 27 April 2012.