Ben Guerir () is a city in central

Morocco Morocco, officially the Kingdom of Morocco, is a country in the Maghreb region of North Africa. It has coastlines on the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and has land borders with Algeria to Algeria–Morocc ...

and the administrative center of the

Rehamna province Rehamna () or Rhamna is a province in the Moroccan region of Marrakesh-Safi. Its population in 2014 was 315,077. Subdivisions The 23 rural communes are attached to 7 caidats, themselves part of 2 circles: * circle of Rehamna ** caidat of Oulad T ...

, within the

Marrakesh-Safi Marrakesh-Safi () is one of the twelve regions of Morocco.Jounaux.ma
Its popul ...

region. It is recognized as a hub for

higher education Tertiary education (higher education, or post-secondary education) is the educational level following the completion of secondary education. The World Bank defines tertiary education as including universities, colleges, and vocational schools ...

and a key military location. The city is situated in the historical territory of the

Rahamna Rahamna (), also spelled Rehamna or Rhamna, is an Arab tribe that descends from the Yemeni Banu Ma'qil tribe. They today are situated in the region north of Marrakesh but first settled north of the Sahara between the 13th and 15th centuries. Thei ...

tribe and is notable for its educational, industrial, and military significance.

Geography

Ben Guerir lies in a semi-arid zone in central Morocco, north of

Marrakesh Marrakesh or Marrakech (; , ) is the fourth-largest city in Morocco. It is one of the four imperial cities of Morocco and is the capital of the Marrakesh–Safi Regions of Morocco, region. The city lies west of the foothills of the Atlas Mounta ...

. Its geographical location has historically made it a strategic center within the Rehamna tribal territory and later a key node in national development strategies.

Demographics

According to the

2014 Moroccan census The 2014 Moroccan census was held in Morocco between 1 September and 20 September 2014. The census was conducted by the High Planning Commission. By 2024, the population had increased to 114,872, reflecting continued growth over the previous two decades.

Education

Ben Guerir is home to University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P), a major institution focusing on research, innovation, and sustainable development. The university played a central role in the city’s transformation into a knowledge and technology hub. Additionally, the city hosts the Lycée Mohammed VI d'Excellence, a selective high school that also offers

post-secondary Tertiary education (higher education, or post-secondary education) is the educational level following the completion of secondary education. The World Bank defines tertiary education as including universities, colleges, and vocational schools ...

preparatory classes for admission to elite universities, with a strong focus on science and engineering. In December 2024, Ben Guerir was officially recognized as a

UNESCO The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO ) is a List of specialized agencies of the United Nations, specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) with the aim of promoting world peace and International secur ...

Learning City for its efforts in promoting inclusive education, lifelong learning, and sustainable urban development.

Economy

The city is a major center for the extraction and processing of

phosphate rock Phosphorite, phosphate rock or rock phosphate is a non- detrital sedimentary rock that contains high amounts of phosphate minerals. The phosphate content of phosphorite (or grade of phosphate rock) varies greatly, from 4% to 20% phosphorus pentox ...

, primarily operated by the

OCP Group The OCP Group (OCP S.A.) (formerly Office Chérifien des Phosphates) is a Moroccan state-owned phosphate rock miner, phosphoric acid manufacturer and fertilizer producer. Founded in 1920, the company has grown to become the world's largest pro ...

, one of the world's largest phosphate exporters. In recent years, OCP has spearheaded efforts to develop Ben Guerir into a model

green city A sustainable city, eco-city, or green city is a city designed with consideration for the social, economic, and environmental impact (commonly referred to as the triple bottom line), as well as a resilient habitat for existing populations. The ...

, integrating sustainable urban planning and environmental practices.

Military

Ben Guerir hosts the Ben Guerir Air Base, which has strategic importance and contributes to the city’s military character.

References