Rabat : Ask Biography

Administration

Full name

Rabat

Official name

Rabat

Native name

الرباط ⵕⴱⴰⵟ

Other name

ar-Ribāṭ Rbat

Country

Morocco

Region

Rabat-Salé-Zemmour-Zaer

First settled

3rd century BC

Founded by Almohads

1146

Government

Mayor

Fathallah Oualalou

Geography

Total Area

45.17 sq mi (117 km2)

Elevation

246.1 ft (75 m)

Demography

Total Population

620996 (2004)

Density (pop.)

auto/km² (0/sq mi)

Metro (pop.)

1670192

Home | City | Rabat

Rabat (Arabic الرباط Amazigh ⵕⴱⴰⵟ, transliterated ar-Rabāṭ or ar-Ribāṭ or Rbat, literally "Fortified Place"), is the capital and third largest city of the Kingdom of Morocco with a population of approximately 650,000 (2010). It is also the capital of the Rabat-Salé-Zemmour-Zaer region.

The city is located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg. On the facing shore of the river lies Salé, Rabat's bedroom community. Together with Temara the cities account for a combined metropolitan population of 1.8 million. Silting problems have diminished the Rabat's role as a port; however, Rabat and Salé still maintain important textile, food processing and construction industries. In addition, tourism and the presence of all foreign embassies in Morocco serve to make Rabat one of the most important cities in the country. Controversy surrounds sweatshop labour by major multinational corporations in the area (see Salé).

Rabat is accessible by train through the ONCF system and by plane through the nearby Rabat-Salé Airport.