Ifrane

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Ifrane (Arabic: إفران‎) (nicknamed Little Switzerland) is a town and ski resort in the Middle Atlas region of Morocco. Ifrane is part of the Meknès-Tafilalet region. The word Ifrane means "a cave" in Berber. The population is estimated at between 12 000 and 14 000.

Developed by the French during the protectorate era for their administration due to its Alpine climate, this Morrocan town has a remarkable European style, as if it were an Alpine village. Because of its elevation, the town experiences snow during the winter months and a cool climate during the summer. Ifrane is also the place where the lowest temperature was ever recorded in Africa, -23 ºC in 1935. Animals to be found there include the barbary monkey. Among the tree species are the native Atlas cedar and the introduced London plane.