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Regions and cities

A fact sheet for each of the 12 regions, the 20 largest cities at the 2024 census, and the figures to know about the country.

Read on 10 October 2026

In short

  • Casablanca-Settat is the most populated region with 7,688,967 residents in 2024, ahead of Rabat-Salé-Kénitra (5,132,639) and Marrakech-Safi (4,892,393).
  • The three southern regions, Guelmim-Oued Noun, Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra and Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab, have 1,119,678 residents together.
  • The 2024 census counted 36,828,330 residents in Morocco, and 62.8% of them live in urban areas.
  • Between the 2014 and 2024 censuses, Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab grew from 142,955 to 219,965 residents, while Béni Mellal-Khénifra barely changed (2,520,776 to 2,525,801).
  • Four cities have more than one million residents: Casablanca, Tanger, Fès and Marrakech.

The 12 regions

Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma

طنجة - تطوان - الحسيمة

Known for the Tanger Med container port on the Strait of Gibraltar and the free economic zones set up around it.

Capital
Tanger
Population, 2024 census
4,030,222
Largest cities
Tanger (1,275,428), Tétouan (422,757), Larache (133,731), Ksar El Kébir (124,701), Martil (95,896)
Provinces and prefectures
Préfecture de Tanger-Assilah, Préfecture de M'diq-Fnideq, Province de Tétouan, Province de Fahs-Anjra, Province de Larache, Province d'Al Hoceïma, Province de Chefchaouen, Province d'Ouezzane
Airports
TNG, TTU, AHU
Ports
Tanger Med, Tanger Ville, Al Hoceïma, M'diq, Larache
Universities
Université Abdelmalek Essaâdi (Tétouan)
Phone prefixes
0539, 0531, 0537

Source: fnh.ma (read on Finances News Hebdo, not on the provider's own page)

L'Oriental

الشرق

Eastern region on the Mediterranean, with the industrial port of Béni Ensar near Nador and the university city of Oujda.

Capital
Oujda
Population, 2024 census
2,294,665
Largest cities
Oujda (506,224), Nador (158,202), Taourirt (100,402), Berkane (99,069), Guercif (80,703)
Provinces and prefectures
Préfecture d'Oujda-Angad, Province de Nador, Province de Berkane, Province de Driouch, Province de Taourirt, Province de Jerada, Province de Guercif, Province de Figuig
Airports
OUD, NDR, UAR
Ports
Nador (Béni Ensar), Saïdia, Ras Kebdana
Universities
Université Mohammed Premier (Oujda)
Phone prefixes
0536, 0532

Source: fnh.ma (read on Finances News Hebdo, not on the provider's own page)

Fès-Meknès

فاس - مكناس

Known mainly for cultural tourism, thanks to the historic and architectural heritage of Fès and Meknès.

Capital
Fès
Population, 2024 census
4,467,911
Area
38,882 km²
Largest cities
Fès (1,182,963), Meknès (556,512), Taza (150,763), Ouislane (112,180), Séfrou (86,903)
Provinces and prefectures
Préfecture de Fès, Préfecture de Meknès, Province de Boulemane, Province de Sefrou, Province de Moulay Yaâcoub, Province de Taounate, Province de Taza, Province d'El Hajeb, Province d'Ifrane
Airports
FEZ
Universities
Université Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah (Fès), Université Moulay Ismaïl (Meknès), Université Al Quaraouiyine (Fès), Al Akhawayn University (Ifrane), Université Euromed de Fès, Université Privée de Fès
Phone prefixes
0535, 0532

Source: fnh.ma (read on Finances News Hebdo, not on the provider's own page)

Rabat-Salé-Kénitra

الرباط - سلا - القنيطرة

Region of Rabat, the national capital and seat of government; Salé, Kénitra and Témara are its other large cities.

Capital
Rabat
Population, 2024 census
5,132,639
Area
18,194 km²
Largest cities
Salé (945,101), Rabat (515,619), Kénitra (507,736), Témara (297,098), Khémisset (125,834)
Provinces and prefectures
Préfecture de Rabat, Préfecture de Salé, Préfecture de Skhirate-Témara, Province de Kénitra, Province de Khémisset, Province de Sidi Kacem, Province de Sidi Slimane
Airports
RBA
Ports
Kénitra, Mehdia
Universities
Université Mohammed V (Rabat), Université Ibn Tofaïl (Kénitra), Université Internationale de Rabat (UIR)
Phone prefixes
0537, 0530, 0538

Source: fnh.ma (read on Finances News Hebdo, not on the provider's own page)

Béni Mellal-Khénifra

بني ملال - خنيفرة

Farming is the main activity of this inland region, and the basin near Khouribga holds 44% of Morocco's phosphate reserves.

Capital
Béni Mellal
Population, 2024 census
2,525,801
Area
28,374 km²
Largest cities
Béni Mellal (209,594), Khouribga (195,931), Khénifra (123,738), Fkih Ben Salah (97,380), Oued Zem (93,776)
Provinces and prefectures
Province de Béni Mellal, Province d'Azilal, Province de Fquih Ben Salah, Province de Khénifra, Province de Khouribga
Airports
BEM
Universities
Université Sultan Moulay Slimane (Béni Mellal)
Phone prefixes
0523

Source: fnh.ma (read on Finances News Hebdo, not on the provider's own page)

Casablanca-Settat

الدار البيضاء - سطات

Morocco's most populated region, with an economy based mainly on services and industry and large ports at Casablanca, Jorf Lasfar and Mohammédia.

Capital
Casablanca
Population, 2024 census
7,688,967
Area
20,166 km²
Largest cities
Casablanca (3,218,036), Dar Bouazza (302,970), El Jadida (237,464), Bouskoura (200,359), Mohammédia (194,358)
Provinces and prefectures
Préfecture de Casablanca, Préfecture de Mohammédia, Province de Nouaceur, Province de Médiouna, Province de Benslimane, Province de Berrechid, Province de Settat, Province d'El Jadida, Province de Sidi Bennour
Airports
CMN
Ports
Casablanca, Jorf Lasfar, Mohammédia, El Jadida
Universities
Université Hassan II de Casablanca, Université Hassan 1er (Settat), Université Chouaïb Doukkali (El Jadida), Université Mohammed VI des Sciences et de la Santé (Casablanca), Université Mundiapolis, Université Internationale de Casablanca
Phone prefixes
0522, 0520, 0521, 0529, 0523

Source: fnh.ma (read on Finances News Hebdo, not on the provider's own page)

Marrakech-Safi

مراكش - آسفي

Region of Marrakech, with Atlantic ports at Safi and Essaouira and a polytechnic university at Ben Guerir.

Capital
Marrakech
Population, 2024 census
4,892,393
Area
39,055 km²
Largest cities
Marrakech (1,014,813), Safi (323,888), Ben Guerir (114,872), El Kelaâ des Sraghna (106,418), Essaouira (82,962)
Provinces and prefectures
Préfecture de Marrakech, Province d'Al Haouz, Province de Chichaoua, Province d'El Kelâa des Sraghna, Province d'Essaouira, Province de Rehamna, Province de Safi, Province de Youssoufia
Airports
RAK, ESU
Ports
Safi, Essaouira
Universities
Université Cadi Ayyad (Marrakech), Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique (Benguerir), Université Privée de Marrakech
Phone prefixes
0524, 0525

Source: fnh.ma (read on Finances News Hebdo, not on the provider's own page)

Drâa-Tafilalet

درعة - تافيلالت

Inland region of oases on the edge of the Sahara, known for farming and herding, tourism, crafts and the film industry around Ouarzazate.

Capital
Errachidia
Population, 2024 census
1,655,623
Area
88,836 km²
Largest cities
Errachidia (97,687), Ouarzazate (79,218), Midelt (62,648), Tinghir (44,239), Zagora (42,294)
Provinces and prefectures
Province d'Errachidia, Province de Midelt, Province d'Ouarzazate, Province de Tinghir, Province de Zagora
Airports
ERH, OZZ, OZG
Phone prefixes
0535, 0524

Source: fnh.ma (read on Finances News Hebdo, not on the provider's own page)

Souss-Massa

سوس - ماسة

Atlantic region around Agadir, known for farming in the Souss and Massa river basins, fishing and seaside tourism.

Capital
Agadir
Population, 2024 census
3,020,431
Largest cities
Agadir (504,768), Aït Melloul (210,870), Inezgane (137,512), Dcheira El Jihadia (113,041), Lqliâa (107,133)
Provinces and prefectures
Préfecture d'Agadir-Ida-Ou-Tanane, Préfecture d'Inezgane-Aït Melloul, Province de Chtouka-Aït Baha, Province de Taroudannt, Province de Tiznit, Province de Tata
Airports
AGA
Ports
Agadir
Universities
Université Ibn Zohr (Agadir), Universiapolis - Université Internationale d'Agadir
Phone prefixes
0528, 0525

Source: fnh.ma (read on Finances News Hebdo, not on the provider's own page)

Guelmim-Oued Noun

كلميم - واد نون

Southern region where fishing is an important activity, with fishing ports at Sidi Ifni and at El Ouatia near Tan-Tan.

Capital
Guelmim
Population, 2024 census
448,685
Largest cities
Guelmim (126,729), Tan-Tan (76,134), Sidi Ifni (22,696), Bouizakarne (18,036)
Provinces and prefectures
Province de Guelmim, Province d'Assa-Zag, Province de Tan-Tan, Province de Sidi Ifni
Airports
GLN, TTA
Ports
Sidi Ifni, Tan-Tan (El Ouatia)
Phone prefixes
0528

Source: fnh.ma (read on Finances News Hebdo, not on the provider's own page)

Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra

العيون - الساقية الحمراء

Region with a trade and fishing port at Laâyoune, a phosphate port at El Marsa, fishing ports at Boujdour and Tarfaya, and wind and solar parks.

Capital
Laâyoune
Population, 2024 census
451,028
Area
140,018 km²
Largest cities
Laâyoune (262,791), Boujdour (57,360), Es-Semara (56,607), El Marsa (28,848), Tarfaya (11,030)
Provinces and prefectures
Province de Laâyoune, Province de Boujdour, Province d'Es-Semara, Province de Tarfaya
Airports
EUN, SMW
Ports
Laâyoune, El Marsa, Boujdour, Tarfaya
Universities
Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique - campus de Laâyoune
Phone prefixes
0528

Source: hcp.ma

Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab

الداخلة - وادي الذهب

Morocco's southernmost and least populated region; Dakhla has one of the largest fishing ports of the south, and a new Atlantic port is under construction.

Capital
Dakhla
Population, 2024 census
219,965
Largest cities
Dakhla (161,723)
Provinces and prefectures
Province d'Oued Ed-Dahab, Province d'Aousserd
Airports
VIL
Ports
Dakhla
Universities
Université Mohammed VI des Sciences et de la Santé - campus de Dakhla
Phone prefixes
0528

Source: fnh.ma (read on Finances News Hebdo, not on the provider's own page)

The 20 largest cities

RankCityPopulation, 2024 censusRegion
1Casablanca3,218,036Casablanca-Settat
2Tanger1,275,428Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma
3Fès1,182,963Fès-Meknès
4Marrakech1,014,813Marrakech-Safi
5Salé945,101Rabat-Salé-Kénitra
6Meknès556,512Fès-Meknès
7Rabat515,619Rabat-Salé-Kénitra
8Kénitra507,736Rabat-Salé-Kénitra
9Oujda506,224L'Oriental
10Agadir504,768Souss-Massa
11Tétouan422,757Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma
12Safi323,888Marrakech-Safi
13Dar Bouazza302,970Casablanca-Settat
14Témara297,098Rabat-Salé-Kénitra
15Laâyoune262,791Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra
16El Jadida237,464Casablanca-Settat
17Aït Melloul210,870Souss-Massa
18Béni Mellal209,594Béni Mellal-Khénifra
19Bouskoura200,359Casablanca-Settat
20Khouribga195,931Béni Mellal-Khénifra

Source: citypopulation.de (read on City Population, not on the provider's own page)

Morocco in figures

Population in 2024
The census of 1 September 2024 counted 36,828,330 residents: 36,680,178 Moroccans and 148,152 foreigners. Source: fnh.ma (read on Finances News Hebdo, not on the provider's own page)
People living in towns and cities
At the 2024 census, 62.8% of the population lives in urban areas. Source: fnh.ma (read on Finances News Hebdo, not on the provider's own page)
Moroccans living abroad
More than 6.1 million Moroccans live abroad, according to the ministry in charge of Moroccans living abroad. Source: mre.gov.ma
Registered at consulates
About 5.1 million Moroccans were registered at consulates in April 2021. The Economic, Social and Environmental Council estimates the whole community abroad at 6 to 6.5 million. Source: mre.gov.ma
Share living in Europe
Europe is home to 89% of Moroccans living abroad. Source: mre.gov.ma
Summer arrivals in 2026
The Marhaba 2026 summer operation welcomed more than 4,137,589 Moroccans living abroad. Source: mre.gov.ma
Money sent home in 2025
Moroccans living abroad sent 122,023 million dirhams to Morocco in 2025. The figure is provisional. Source: oc.gov.ma
Money sent home in 2024
Moroccans living abroad sent 118,979 million dirhams to Morocco in 2024. Source: oc.gov.ma
Money sent home, January to August 2026
From January to the end of August 2026, transfers reached 89,215 million dirhams, 9.0% more than in the same months of 2025. The figure is provisional. Source: oc.gov.ma
Official languages
Morocco has two official languages: Arabic and Amazigh (Berber).
Currency
The currency is the Moroccan dirham, written MAD, divided into 100 centimes. It is not freely convertible.
Banknotes and coins
Banknotes: 20, 50, 100 and 200 dirhams. Coins: 10 and 20 centimes, half a dirham, and 1, 2, 5 and 10 dirhams.
Time zone
Morocco returned to GMT (UTC+0) all year on 20 September 2026. The clock no longer changes for Ramadan. Source: data.iana.org (read on IANA time zone database, not on the provider's own page)
Office hours and weekend
Public administrations open Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 16:30. Saturday and Sunday are the weekend, and hours can change during Ramadan. Source: mmsp.gov.ma
Minimum wage outside farming (2025 rate)
Since 1 January 2025 the legal minimum wage outside farming is 17.1 dirhams per hour. This figure is the 2025 rate. Source: challenge.ma (read on Challenge, not on the provider's own page)
Minimum wage in farming (2025 rate)
Since 1 April 2025 the legal minimum wage in farming is 93 dirhams per day. This figure is the 2025 rate. Source: challenge.ma (read on Challenge, not on the provider's own page)
Value added tax (TVA)
The standard rate of value added tax is 20%. Lower rates apply to some goods and services.
Start of the 2026-2027 school year
Classes for the 2026-2027 school year start on Monday 7 September 2026 for all levels. Source: men.gov.ma
Paid public holidays
The official list has 17 paid public holidays a year: 10 national days and 7 days for religious feasts. Source: mmsp.gov.ma
National holidays with fixed dates
One day each: 1 January, 11 January, 14 January (Amazigh New Year), 1 May, 30 July, 14 August, 20 August, 21 August, 6 November and 18 November. Source: mmsp.gov.ma
Religious holidays
1 Moharram (1 day), Aïd Al Mawlid (2 days), Aïd Al Fitr (2 days) and Aïd Al Adha (2 days). The dates follow the lunar calendar. Source: mmsp.gov.ma
Unity Day, 31 October
31 October is Unity Day (Aïd Al Wahda), a recent public holiday. It marks the anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797.
Dialling code and phone numbers
The country code is +212. National numbers have 9 digits after the first 0. Landlines start with 05 and mobiles with 06 or 07.
Emergency numbers
Call 19 for the police, 15 for the fire brigade or an ambulance, and 177 for the Gendarmerie Royale.
Postal codes
Postal codes have five digits. The first two show the wider area and the last three the postal district.

Moroccans abroad, by country

CountryPeople
France1,615,557
Spain1,144,544
Italy712,009
Belgium438,739
Netherlands326,375
Germany182,985
Canada84,617
United Arab Emirates68,961
United States62,051

Source: mre.gov.ma

See also