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| Fez-Meknes Region | |
|---|---|
| Name | Fez-Meknes Region |
| Settlement type | Region |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | Morocco |
| Seat | Fez |
| Area total km2 | 40353 |
| Population total | 4200058 |
| Population as of | 2014 |
Fez-Meknes Region is an administrative region in northern Morocco centered on Fez and Meknes. The region encompasses historic cities such as Ifrane, Azrou, Sefrou and Taza and includes parts of the Middle Atlas and Rif Mountains. Its strategic location links the Atlantic Ocean corridor through Rabat and Casablanca with inland routes toward Fes–Saïss and Meknès Prefecture regions.
The region spans the Middle Atlas highlands, the Saïss plain, and the foothills of the Rif Mountains near Taza, bordering the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra and Béni Mellal-Khénifra regions and the autonomous Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab enclave via national corridors. Major rivers include the Sebou River basin and tributaries feeding the Oued Aggai, while elevation ranges from the plateau of Sais to peaks near Jbel Bou Iblane and forested zones around Ifrane National Park. Climatic zones vary from Mediterranean near Sefrou to continental and alpine conditions in Azrou and Ifrane with snow influence from Atlas Mountains systems.
The territory contains urban sites associated with Idris I, the foundation of Fez in the 9th century, and later dynastic capitals such as Almoravid and Almohad-era developments linked to Meknes under Moulay Ismaïl. Roman-era influences tie to nearby sites such as Volubilis, while medieval scholarly networks connected Al-Qarawiyyin in Fez with centers like Sefrou and Taza. Colonial-era administration under French Protectorate in Morocco reconfigured provincial borders, and post-independence reforms culminated in the 2015 territorial reorganization guided by the Al Hoceima protests era political debates and the New Regionalization law.
Administratively the region is divided into prefectures and provinces including Fes Prefecture, Meknès Prefecture, Ifrane Province, Sefrou Province, El Hajeb Province, Taounate Province, and Taza Province. Regional governance interfaces with national bodies such as the Ministry of Interior (Morocco) and the Royal Armed Forces for security coordination, while local councils and elected presidents emerged from reforms linked to the Constitution of Morocco (2011). Intermunicipal cooperation involves cities like Fez and Meknes and rural communes aligned with development plans influenced by the National Initiative for Human Development.
Population centers include Fez, Meknes, Ifrane, Sefrou, Azrou, and Taza, with demographic composition featuring descendants of Amazigh (Berber) communities, Arab-speaking populations, and historically Jewish communities tied to the Mellah of Fez and diasporas linked to Algeria and Spain. Languages commonly spoken include Arabic dialects, Tamazight variants, and influences from French due to education and administration under institutions like University of Al Quaraouiyine and the Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University networks. Urban migration patterns connect to labor markets in Casablanca, Rabat, and the Tangier–Tétouan–Al Hoceima economic corridor.
Economic activity centers on agriculture in the Saïss plain (cereals, olives, citrus), tourism around Fez's medina, the archaeological site of Volubilis, and royal monuments in Meknes associated with Moulay Ismaïl. Industrial zones host textile, food processing, and leather tanning linked to export supply chains with partners such as European Union markets and firms operating under trade agreements like the EU-Morocco Association Agreement. Forestry, artisanal crafts in the Fez tanneries, and seasonal fruit production integrate with initiatives by entities including the Agency for Agricultural Development and programs of the World Bank and African Development Bank.
Transport infrastructure includes the A2 motorway linking Rabat to Fes, the N6 road corridor to Meknes and Oujda, and the Fes–Saïss Airport serving international and domestic routes. Rail connections on the ONCF network connect Fez with Tangier and Casablanca, while regional bus operators and municipal transit systems serve interurban mobility alongside logistics hubs tied to Port of Casablanca through highway links. Water management projects involve dams such as Sidi Chahed and irrigation schemes aligned with national water strategies administered by the Ministry of Equipment, Transport, Logistics and Water.
Cultural heritage is anchored by Fes el-Bali medina, the Al-Qarawiyyin mosque-university, the royal compound of Dar Batha, the imperial city of Meknes with the Bab Mansour gate, and the archaeological ruins of Volubilis. Annual events include the World Sacred Music Festival in Fez and local celebrations tied to Amazigh heritage recognized by institutions like the National Institute of Archaeology and Heritage. Museums, craft cooperatives, and sites such as the Royal Stables and historic Moulay Idriss Zerhoun pilgrimage set pieces attract scholars from institutions including the British Museum and the Institut Français.
Category:Regions of Morocco