Ouezzane Province

Ouezzane Province is a predominantly rural province in the Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region of northwestern Morocco. Its capital is Ouezzane.

History

Ouezzane Province was created in 2009 as part of a territorial reorganization aimed at improving local governance and regional balance. It was formed from territories previously belonging mainly to Sidi Kacem Province (former Gharb-Chrarda-Beni Hssen region) and Chefchaouen Province (former Tanger-Tetouan region).

The city of Ouezzane, the provincial capital, has historically been an important religious and cultural center, notably due to the presence of the Ouazzania zawiya, founded in the 17th century.

Geography

Ouezzane Province is located in northwestern Morocco, within the Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region. It lies in a transitional zone between the western Rif mountains and the plains of the Gharb.

It is bordered by:

• Chefchaouen Province to the north;
• Taounate Province to the east;
• Sidi Kacem Province to the south;
• Larache Province to the west.

The landscape is characterized by hills and Rif mountain ranges interspersed with fertile valleys. The climate is Mediterranean, with relatively wet winters and hot, dry summers.

The local economy is primarily based on agriculture, including olive cultivation, cereal farming, and livestock breeding.

Administrative divisions

Ouezzane Province is composed of 17 communes, formed from territories previously belonging to Sidi Kacem Province and Chefchaouen Province.

It includes:

• one urban commune (municipality): Ouezzane, the provincial capital;
• sixteen rural communes: Ain Beida, Asjen, Bni Quolla, Brichka, Imzoufren, Kalaat Bouqorra, Lamjaara, Masmouda, Mokrisset, Ounnana, Sidi Ahmed Cherif, Sibi Bousber, Sidi Redouane, Teroual, Zghira, and Zoumi.

Demography

The province is divided administratively into the following municipalities and communes:

References