Morocco Reference

Administrative Regions of Morocco

Explore the 12 administrative regions of Morocco established in 2015, with key data for each region.

12
Regions
36.07M
Population
710,850
Area (km2)
Morocco has been divided into 12 administrative regions since the 2015 regionalization reform. Each region has its own elected council and president with autonomous governance powers.

Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima

Capital: Tangier

3.86M
Population
17,262
km²
8
Provinces

Oriental

Capital: Oujda

2.43M
Population
90,127
km²
8
Provinces

Fes-Meknes

Capital: Fes

4.43M
Population
40,075
km²
9
Provinces

Rabat-Sale-Kenitra

Capital: Rabat

4.77M
Population
18,194
km²
7
Provinces

Beni Mellal-Khenifra

Capital: Beni Mellal

2.59M
Population
28,374
km²
5
Provinces

Casablanca-Settat

Capital: Casablanca

7.41M
Population
19,448
km²
9
Provinces

Marrakech-Safi

Capital: Marrakech

4.74M
Population
39,167
km²
8
Provinces

Draa-Tafilalet

Capital: Errachidia

1.83M
Population
88,836
km²
5
Provinces

Souss-Massa

Capital: Agadir

2.98M
Population
51,642
km²
6
Provinces

Guelmim-Oued Noun

Capital: Guelmim

0.44M
Population
46,108
km²
4
Provinces

Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra

Capital: Laayoune

0.41M
Population
139,480
km²
4
Provinces

Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab

Capital: Dakhla

0.18M
Population
142,865
km²
2
Provinces

About

Morocco is divided into 12 administrative regions following the 2015 territorial reform, each led by a wali and governed by an elected regional council. Together these regions group 75 provinces and prefectures covering the entire country, from the Mediterranean north to the southern Saharan provinces. Casablanca-Settat stands out as the economic heart of Morocco with more than 7 million inhabitants, while Rabat-Sale-Kenitra hosts the administrative capital and Marrakech-Safi drives much of the tourism sector. Fes-Meknes, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima and the Oriental region anchor the north, while Souss-Massa, Draa-Tafilalet, Beni Mellal-Khenifra, Guelmim-Oued Noun, Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra and Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab shape the center and south. This page lists each Moroccan region with its capital city, population, surface area, provinces and key facts, a practical reference for students, entrepreneurs, researchers and administrations.

About Morocco's Regional System

2015 Regionalization Reform

In 2015, Morocco restructured from 16 to 12 regions as part of the advanced regionalization initiative. This reform aimed to decentralize governance and promote balanced regional development.

Regional Governance

Each region has an elected regional council led by a president. Regions have autonomous budgets and decision-making authority over local economic development, infrastructure, and social programs.

Economic Diversity

Regions vary significantly in economic activity. Casablanca-Settat is the economic powerhouse, Rabat-Sale-Kenitra houses the political capital, and Souss-Massa and Marrakech-Safi are tourism leaders.

Development Goals

The regionalization reform aims to reduce regional disparities by empowering local governance. Each region develops its own economic strategy aligned with national development plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many regions does Morocco have?

Morocco has 12 administrative regions since the 2015 regionalization reform. Previously, there were 16 regions. Each region has its own capital, elected council, and governance structure.

Which is the most populated region?

Casablanca-Settat is the most populated region with approximately 7.41 million inhabitants. It is the economic capital of Morocco and home to the largest city, Casablanca.

Which is the largest region by area?

Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab is the largest region by area (142,865 km2), followed by Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra (139,480 km2). Both are in the southern Saharan part of Morocco.

What is the capital of Morocco?

Rabat is the political capital of Morocco, located in the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra region. Casablanca is the economic capital and largest city.