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.
Geography Sefrou 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 The 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 The 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 The 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 Sefrou Province is divided into several municipalities and rural communes, organized into administrative circles. The main urban municipalities include:
Sefrou El Menzel Bhalil Imouzzer Kandar Ribate El Kheir
These towns serve as administrative and economic hubs for the surrounding rural areas.
Subdivisions The province is divided administratively into the following:
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
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