Rabat-Salé-Zemmour-Zaer

Rabat-Salé-Zemmour-Zaer
الرباط سلا زمور زعير
Region

Flag

Seal

Location in Morocco
Coordinates: 34°02′N 6°50′W / 34.033°N 6.833°WCoordinates: 34°02′N 6°50′W / 34.033°N 6.833°W
Country  Morocco
Capital Rabat
Government
  Wali Hassan Amrani
Area
  Total 9,580 km2 (3,700 sq mi)
Population (2014 census)
  Total 2,676,754
Time zone WET (UTC+0)
  Summer (DST) WEST (UTC+1)

Rabat-Salé-Zemmour-Zaer (Arabic: الرباط سلا زمور زعير, Berber: Errbaṭ-Sla-Zemmur-Zɛir) is one of the sixteen regions of Morocco. It is situated in north-western Morocco. It covers an area of 9,580 km², and has a population of 2,676,754 (2014 census). The capital is Rabat.[1]

The region is made up into the following provinces and prefectures:

History

Most of the population of this region has historically been concentrated in coastal areas. The first recorded history is centered at Chellah, an early Phoenician settlement at the edge of Rabat along the southern bank of the Oued Bou Regreg. Later the Romans took control and enlarged Chellah, whose ruins are today a prominent archaeological point of interest. Chellah was a significant ancient port city town with remains including the Decumanus Maximus, a forum, a monumental fountain, a triumphal arch, and other ruins.[2]

In the seventeenth century the first regional governmental entity was formed, unifying Rabat and Salé.[3] This regime was the headquarters of Barbary pirates and held sway over a turbulent time.

Reference notes

  1. African Cities - Driving the NEPAD Initiative, UN-HABITAT ISBN 92-1-131921-8
  2. C. Michael Hogan, Chellah, The Megalithic Portal, ed. A. Burnham, 2007
  3. The Middle East and North Africa: Essays in Honor of J.C. Hurewitz, J. C. Hurewitz, Reeva S. Simon, 1990, Columbia University Press, 545 pages ISBN 0-231-07148-5