Oujda

Oriental

Gateway to the East, Land of Contrasts

The Oriental, a vast border region with Algeria, offers spectacular landscapes: the Marchica lagoon, the Zegzel gorges, and the beaches of Saïdia, the "blue pearl" of the Mediterranean.

2.4 million

Population

90,127 km²

Area

27 inhabitants/km²

Density

5% of national GDP

GDP

Oujda

Capital

Semi-arid continental

Climate

Histoire

A historic crossroads between central Maghreb and Morocco, the Oriental has been marked by trans-Saharan trade. Oujda, founded in the 10th century, was long a transit city between the two countries.

Géographie

The region extends from the eastern Rif mountains to the desert high plateaus. The continental climate is harsh, with very hot summers and cold winters. The Mediterranean coast offers a milder microclimate.

Economy & Key Sectors

Les moteurs économiques de la région Oriental

Renewable energy

Wind farm, Noor Midelt solar plant

Beach tourism

Saïdia resort, Marchica lagoon

Mining

Lead, zinc, coal from Jerada

Agriculture

Citrus fruits, olives, dates from Figuig

Key Figures

30,000 beds

Saïdia resort

300 MW

Wind energy

520 km

Border

60,000

Students

Tourism & Discoveries

The Oriental reveals hidden treasures: Saïdia and its 14 km of beach, the Marchica lagoon undergoing renaissance, the spectacular Zegzel gorges, and the mythical oasis of Figuig.