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| Prefecture of Rabat | |
|---|---|
| Name | Rabat Prefecture |
| Native name | Rabat |
| Settlement type | Prefecture |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | Morocco |
| Subdivision type1 | Region |
| Subdivision name1 | Rabat-Salé-Kénitra |
| Seat | Rabat |
| Area total km2 | 117 |
| Population total | 577827 |
| Population as of | 2014 |
| Timezone | CET |
Prefecture of Rabat The Prefecture of Rabat is an administrative division centered on the city of Rabat, serving as the political and cultural capital within Morocco and the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region. It hosts national institutions including the Royal Palace (Rabat), international missions such as the Embassy of the United States, Rabat, and major cultural sites like the Kasbah of the Udayas, positioning it at the nexus of Moroccan diplomacy, heritage, and urban governance.
The prefecture sits on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Bouregreg River, bordered by the prefecture of Salé and the province of Skhirate-Témara, encompassing coastal districts near Avenue Mohammed V, the Agdal Gardens, and the historical Medina of Rabat. Its topography includes the promontory of the Kasbah of the Udayas, the riverine estuary leading toward the Atlantic Ocean, and urban neighborhoods adjacent to Chellah, an archaeological complex with Roman and Almoravid remains. Climatic influences derive from the nearby Canary Current and regional patterns observed across North Africa.
The area reflects layers from antiquity through modernity, with proximate Chellah showing Phoenician and Roman Empire occupation, while the medieval era features the construction of fortifications by the Almohad Caliphate and the later prominence under the Idrisid dynasty. In the 17th century, the nearby city of Salé and corsair activities intersected with Rabat's development, and the 19th and 20th centuries saw the imposition of the French protectorate in Morocco and urban projects influenced by figures like Henri Prost. Following independence declared by the Kingdom of Morocco and the reign of King Mohammed V, Rabat was designated the capital, hosting the Parliament of Morocco and becoming the seat for organizations such as the Arab League's regional engagements and the United Nations's diplomatic missions.
The prefecture contains municipal divisions aligned with Moroccan administrative law, coordinating with national institutions like the Royal Cabinet (Morocco), the Prime Minister of Morocco's office, and ministries such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Morocco). Local governance interfaces with judicial entities including the Court of Cassation (Morocco) and public agencies responsible for heritage sites such as Centre des Archives Royales. The prefecture also accommodates international representations from countries like France, Spain, and United States alongside multilateral delegations including the European Union delegation.
Population figures reflect urban concentrations in quarters such as Agdal, Hassan, and the Medina of Rabat, with census data collected by the High Commission for Planning (Morocco). The prefecture's demographic profile includes Moroccan ethnic groups and expatriate communities from countries represented by embassies—examples include citizens from France, Spain, China, and members of the diplomatic corps linked to the African Union and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Religious sites such as the Hassan Tower and neighborhood mosques coexist with cultural centers hosting organizations like the Institut Français and the British Council.
Economic activity centers on public administration around the Ministry of Interior (Morocco), diplomatic services, tourism to attractions like the Kasbah of the Udayas and Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, and sectors including retail along Avenue Mohammed V and services clustered near Agdal. The prefecture benefits from events held at venues such as the Théâtre National Mohammed V and conferences involving entities like the World Bank and African Development Bank; commercial linkages extend to financial institutions including the Bank al-Maghrib headquarters and international firms with regional offices located in Rabat.
Rabat's infrastructure includes the Rabat-Salé Airport, rail termini on the ONCF network connecting to Casablanca and Tangier, and the Rabat-Agdal railway station serving intercity routes. Urban transit incorporates the Rabat-Salé tramway and highway connections via the A1 motorway toward Casablanca and the A5 motorway toward Kénitra, while port facilities on the Bouregreg River and marina developments link to Atlantic maritime routes. Utilities and public works are managed in coordination with agencies such as the Office National de l'Electricité et de l'Eau Potable and municipal services overseeing heritage conservation near Chellah and the Medina of Rabat.
The prefecture contains UNESCO-recognized sites including the Historic City of Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City: a Shared Heritage inscription with landmarks like the Hassan Tower, the Kasbah of the Udayas, and Chellah, alongside institutions such as the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, the Archaeological Museum (Rabat), and the Musée Mohammed VI d'Art Moderne. Cultural life features performances at the Théâtre National Mohammed V, festivals with participation from artists associated with the Festival Mawazine and exhibitions involving the Institut du Monde Arabe, while culinary scenes in the Medina of Rabat and along Avenue Mohammed V reflect Moroccan and international influences from neighboring countries such as Portugal and Spain.
Category:Rabat Category:Prefectures of Morocco