Nador Province is a province in the Oriental Region of Morocco. Its capital is Nador. According to the 2024 census, it had a population of 565,987.
The province is located in northeastern Morocco, along the Mediterranean coast. It borders Driouch Province to the west, Berkane Province to the east, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north.
History The territory of present-day Nador Province has a long history linked to its coastal position in the eastern Rif region. Among its notable historical sites are the ruins of the medieval city of Cazaza, which played a role in regional trade and defense. There are also medieval and modern ruins like the Tazouda Castle, the Fort of Basbel and the Qaâla Ifras Taqdimt (The old Castle).
In the north of the province lies Cape Tres Forcas, the site of numerous battles, including the Battle of Tres Forcas. Another notable engagement was the Battle of Wolf Ravine during the Second Melillan campaign, fought between Riffian forces led by Mohamed Ameziane and Spanish troops.
Geography Nador Province lies in the eastern part of the Rif and includes both coastal and inland areas. The region is characterized by a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The province includes important lagoons and coastal zones, notably Marchica Lagoon near the city of Nador and Cape Three Forks.
Mount Gurugu, a 900-meter-high mountain, is located here.
Infrastructure
The port of Nador West Med is under construction in Nador Province. It is planned to have an container component with a The port of Nador West Med is under construction in Nador Province. It is planned to have an initial capacity of 3 million TEU.
Major cities and towns The main cities and towns of the province include: Al Aaroui Beni Ensar Bni Chiker Farkhana Ihddaden Jaadar Kariat Arekmane Nador Ras El Ma Zeghanghane Selouane Tiztoutine Zaio
Subdivisions The province is divided administratively into the following:
Name Geographic code Type Population (2024) Notes Al Aaroui 381.01.01. Municipality 46,540 Beni Ansar 381.01.03. Municipality 50,508 Nador 381.01.05. Municipality 158,202 Zaio 381.01.07. Municipality 36,766 Zeghanghane 381.01.09. Municipality 31,431 Ras El Ma 381.01.15. Rural commune 7,527 Selouane 381.01.19. Rural commune 29,628 Bni Bouifrour 381.05.01. Rural commune 6,846 Bni Chiker 381.05.03. Rural commune 22,763 4,825 residents live in the center, called Bni Chiker; 17,938 residents live in rural areas. Bni Sidel Jbel 381.05.05. Rural commune 8,199 Bni Sidel Louta 381.05.07. Rural commune 5,366 Bouarg 381.05.09. Rural commune 44,626 Iaazzanene 381.05.13. Rural commune 12,706 Ihaddadene 381.05.15. Rural commune 15,667 13,763 residents live in the center, called Bouizazarene Ihaddadene; 1,904 residents live in rural areas. Iksane 381.05.17. Rural commune 7,731 Afsou 381.07.01. Rural commune 2,020 Al Barkanyene 381.07.03. Rural commune 2,278 Arekmane 381.07.05. Rural commune 16,477 4,602 residents live in the center, called Kariat Arekmane; 11,875 residents live in rural areas. Bni Oukil Oulad M'Hand 381.07.07. Rural commune 14,691 Hassi Berkane 381.07.09. Rural commune 7,465 Oulad Daoud Zkhanine 381.07.11. Rural commune 3,149 Oulad Settout 381.07.13. Rural commune 26,052 Tiztoutine 381.07.17. Rural commune 9,349 4,586 residents live in the center, called Tiztoutine; 4,763 residents live in rural areas.
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