Morocco is considered one of the most geographically diverse countries in North Africa, combining coastal beaches, mountains, plateaus, and desert areas. This natural diversity is reflected in the extension and distribution of cities, making their areas clearly different from one region to another. In this context, the importance of examining the ranking of Morocco’s largest cities in terms of area is highlighted, as it reflects the features of urban expansion and areas of regional development. For those interested in following geographical and demographic changes in a renewed manner, developments can be viewed via: Morocco now live To keep up with everything new immediately within this changing geographical framework.
An overview of Moroccan geography and the diversity of spaces between cities
Morocco is characterized by a unique geography that extends from the Mediterranean Sea in the north to the depths of the Sahara Desert in the south. These natural disparities directly affected the distribution of cities in terms of size and area. The cities of the north, such as Tangier and Tetouan, are often confined between the sea and the mountains, while the cities of the south, such as Laayoune, extend over vast desert spaces.
What is the importance of knowing the ranking of the largest cities in Morocco in terms of area?
Understanding the ranking of Morocco’s largest cities in terms of area helps provide a clear vision of the cities’ ability to urbanize, accommodate the growing population, and develop infrastructure. This arrangement also contributes to directing development policies, determining infrastructure investment priorities, and creating a balance between population density and urban sprawl.
The official ranking of the largest cities in Morocco in terms of area
Based on official administrative and geographic data, the approximate ranking of the largest Moroccan cities in terms of area is as follows:
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The eyes
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Agadir
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Marrakesh
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Oujda
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Casablanca
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Rabat
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Fez
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Tangier
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Beni Mellal
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Khenifra
This ranking reflects geographical expansion and does not necessarily reflect population size or level of development.
The difference between geographical area and population in classifying cities
A city’s importance is often measured by its population, but space plays an essential role in assessing its viability for future growth. Some cities, such as Al Ain, despite their vast area, are not considered among the most crowded cities, while we find cities such as Casablanca, which are relatively small in area but have the highest population density. Therefore, the ranking of the largest cities in Morocco in terms of area highlights this important disparity.
How is the area of cities in Morocco calculated?
Modern techniques are adopted for cadastral calculation, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and satellite images. The administrative boundaries of each city are determined by the Ministry of the Interior and local authorities, which include urban areas, suburbs, and incorporated neighbourhoods. These official data are relied upon to rank the largest cities in Morocco in terms of area in an accurate and organized manner.
Factors affecting the expansion of Moroccan cities
Factors affecting the expansion of Moroccan cities include:
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Demographic growth
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Geographical location
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Economic activities
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The presence of natural resources
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Urban and investment policies
Cities such as Marrakesh and Tangier witnessed massive urban expansion due to tourism and industrial activities, while some other cities remained within their traditional borders.
The importance of distinguishing between geographical area and population in evaluating Moroccan cities
A city is often viewed solely from the perspective of its population, but this criterion is not sufficient to understand its development potential. A city like Casablanca, despite its population density, is relatively small in terms of area, compared to Laayoune, which is geographically superior despite its small population. This disparity forces us to read twice, taking into account:
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Space as an element indicative of expansion possibilities.
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Density as an indicator of pressure on infrastructure.
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The relationship between geographical expansion and the ability to absorb population and urban growth.
Major cities of Morocco: urban sprawl and urban reality
Major cities in Morocco have witnessed major transformations in just a few decades:
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Casablanca: Expanded relatively slowly due to its coastal location, but is bustling with economic activity.
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Marrakesh: It witnessed expansion towards the south and west, driven by tourism and investments.
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Tangier: It has developed rapidly yet Completion of Tangier Med Port.
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Agadir: It extended towards the southern desert to become one of the most expanded coastal cities.
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Rabat: The political capital expanded in an organized manner, especially towards Salé and Temara.
Each of these cities represents a different model in the relationship of geographical expansion to economic and urban growth.
Cities with a special character: Laayoune, Oujda, Beni Mellal and Khenifra
These cities have unique geographical characteristics:
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Laayoune: Thanks to its open desert location, it has a huge area that is not bounded by natural obstacles.
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Oujda: Its expansion towards the east is supported by its proximity to the Algerian border.
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Beni Mellal and Khenifra: Although they are located in mountainous areas, they have expanded into the surrounding plains, with extensive lands being used for agriculture and housing.
These models highlight that terrain is not necessarily a barrier to expansion, but is sometimes a source of diversity of uses.
How has infrastructure affected the geographical extent of cities?
Morocco has witnessed remarkable development in infrastructure, which has helped some cities expand rapidly:
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Highway projects: facilitated access to the outskirts, which encouraged construction outside the core.
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High-speed trains: connected major cities and created new growth areas on their peripheries.
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Industrial facilities: Development areas were created at the expense of open lands.
All of these projects contributed to changing the geographical map of cities, and pushed some regions to advanced ranks in the official classifications of space.
Coastal versus inland cities: who has the most space?
There is a clear contrast between inland and coastal cities:
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Coastal cities such as Casablanca and Agadir face natural barriers (the sea) that limit expansion.
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Inland cities such as Al Ain and Beni Mellal have open land allowing almost unlimited growth.
For this reason, we find that some cities far from the coast excel in sprawl despite their lack of fame or population density.
Urban expansion and its limitations: a critical reading of space
Geographical space does not always mean development or progress, as we find that:
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Some large cities suffer from poor infrastructure or scarcity of services.
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Relatively small cities are more effective and efficient in using their space.
Therefore, sprawl must be understood as one factor among several elements when assessing the reality and potential of the city.
How is the map of urban sprawl in Morocco changing?
The rapid development of cities Moroccan foretells imminent changes in geographical arrangement:
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Cities such as Dakhla and Nador are witnessing development projects that will double their areas.
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Regional development programs are redrawing expansion priorities.
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Demographic shifts and internal migrations redistribute the population to new cities.
This means that the ranking of cities in terms of area will witness continued dynamism in the near future.
Balanced understanding of space and its importance in planning
In the end, we cannot just monitor areas or compare numbers. Rather, we have to understand:
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How are these spaces actually used?
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What is the relationship between geography and infrastructure?
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How do urban policies direct this expansion towards equitable and sustainable development?
Space is a planning tool, not ranking medals, and understanding its dimensions in depth enables decision makers to draw a balanced and comprehensive urban future.
In conclusion: Will the map of the largest cities in Morocco in terms of area change?
With continued population growth and major urban projects, the current arrangement is expected to change. Cities such as Dakhla and Nador may witness jumps in area in the coming years, which will reshape the ranking of Morocco’s largest cities in terms of area according to development changes.
