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| Oriental Region (Morocco) | |
|---|---|
| Name | Oriental Region |
| Native name | جهة الشرق |
| Country | Morocco |
| Seat | Oujda |
| Area km2 | 90887 |
| Population | 2167672 |
| Population as of | 2014 |
Oriental Region (Morocco) is the easternmost administrative region of Morocco, bordering Algeria and the Mediterranean Sea. The region's capital is Oujda and it encompasses diverse landscapes from the Rif and Beni Snassen ranges to the Saïss plains and Mediterranean coastline. Historically a frontier zone, the region connects Morocco to trans-Maghreb routes and has been shaped by Berber, Arab, Andalusi, Ottoman, and European influences.
The Oriental Region occupies territory adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea, the Strait of Gibraltar corridor to the northwest, and the highlands of the Atlas Mountains system including the Rif Mountains and the Beni Snassen massif. Coastal municipalities such as Nador and Al Hoceima lie near the Gulf of Nador and the Alboran Sea. Major rivers include the Moulouya River which drains into the Mediterranean and creates a broad alluvial plain near the city of Tétouan-adjacent basins. The regional climate varies from Mediterranean along the coast to semi-arid inland near the Eastern Sahara transition and the plains near Fes-Meknes corridor. Protected areas and ecological zones include parts of the Bouregrag Reservoir basin, the Rif National Park buffer zones, and migratory bird wetlands recognized alongside Strait of Gibraltar flyways and Doñana-linked conservation networks.
The region's prehistory featured sites connected to Iberomaurusian and Capsian industries, later populated by Berbers of the Amazigh cultural group and integrated into classical trade networks with Carthage and Roman Empire provinces such as Mauretania Tingitana. During the medieval period the area saw influence from the Idrisid dynasty, the Almoravid and Almohad caliphates, and later the Marinid and Wattasid dynasties centered in cities linked to Fez. Coastal zones experienced Andalusian migration after the fall of Granada and interaction with the Ottoman Empire's Berber corsair networks. The region was contested in the colonial era by the French Third Republic and the Spanish Empire under the Treaty of Fez, with episodes involving the Rif War and figures such as Abdelkrim al-Khattabi shaping the 20th century. Post-independence developments involved national projects by the Kingdom of Morocco and infrastructure linked to Cold War and post-Cold War partnerships with the European Union and United States aid programs.
Administratively the region aligns with Morocco's regionalization reforms that created regional councils with seats such as the council in Oujda. It comprises provinces and prefectures including Oujda-Angad Prefecture, Nador Province, Driouch Province, Berkane Province, and Jerada Province. Political representation occurs in the House of Representatives (Morocco) and local assemblies influenced by national parties such as the Istiqlal Party, the Authenticity and Modernity Party, and the Justice and Development Party. Cross-border relations involve bilateral mechanisms with Algeria (currently impacted by border closures) and transnational initiatives with the Union for the Mediterranean and regional bodies coordinating with Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Region and the Oriental economic corridor programs.
Economic activities center on agriculture in the Moulouya plain producing cereals, citrus, and vegetables tied to export markets in the European Union and Spain; industrial zones around Oujda host manufacturing and mining companies exploiting phosphate and coal deposits historically linked to sites such as Jerada. The port of Nador supports fishing fleets and trade connected to Almería and Alicante routes, while remittances from diasporas in France, Belgium, and The Netherlands bolster household incomes. Tourism leverages coastal resorts, cultural tourism in Oujda and Berkane, and eco-tourism in the Beni Snassen massif with links to operators from Morocco's National Tourism Office and international partners like the World Bank on regional development projects. Energy initiatives include rural electrification with partners such as ONEE and renewable projects tied to Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy frameworks.
The population includes Arab and Amazigh communities, with significant Riffian and Zenata tribal presences and an urbanizing trend centered on Oujda and Nador. Languages spoken include Moroccan Arabic, various Tamazight dialects, and influences from Spanish and French due to historical ties and migration patterns to Lille, Marseille, and Madrid. Social indicators reflect national reforms in public health linked to the Ministry of Health (Morocco) and education initiatives coordinated with the Ministry of National Education, Vocational Training, Higher Education and Scientific Research (Morocco), while civil society organizations and unions such as the Union Marocaine du Travail and associations affiliated with Amnesty International local chapters engage on human rights, labor, and development issues.
Cultural life combines Amazigh musical traditions like Ahouach and Gnawa influences with Andalusi legacy in architecture and crafts evident in the medinas of Oujda and surrounding towns. Festivals include regional events linked to harvest traditions and contemporary festivals interacting with institutions such as the National Council of Moroccan Human Rights and cultural centers partnered with the Institut du Monde Arabe. Architectural heritage ranges from vernacular kasbahs to French Protectorate-era buildings associated with figures like Lyautey and conservation efforts connected to UNESCO lists for Moroccan cultural landscapes. Culinary specialties mix Moroccan cuisine staples with coastal seafood traditions known in port towns and olive and citrus products from the Berkane area.
Transport infrastructure comprises road corridors connecting Oujda to Fez, Tangier, and Casablanca via national highways such as the N2 and A2 projects, rail links on lines operated by ONCF connecting to the national network, and the Angads Airport serving regional and European destinations including links to Paris-Orly, Madrid–Barajas, and Brussels Airport. Port facilities at Nador and smaller fishing ports integrate with Mediterranean ferry networks to Almeria and Alicante. Water management projects involve reservoirs and irrigation schemes implemented with technical assistance from agencies like the African Development Bank and the European Investment Bank, while telecommunications expansion is driven by providers such as Maroc Telecom and regional broadband initiatives tied to the Ministry of Industry, Trade, Green and Digital Economy (Morocco).
Category:Regions of Morocco