Ben Guerir
City in Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ben Guerir (Arabic: بن ڭرير) is a city in central Morocco and the administrative center of the Rehamna province, within the Marrakesh-Safi region. It is recognized as a hub for higher education and a key military location.[2][3]
Ben Guerir
بن ڭرير | |
|---|---|
City | |
| |
  Ben Guerir  Ben Guerir | |
| Coordinates: 32°14′34.82″N 7°57′34.54″W | |
| Country | Morocco |
| Region | Marrakesh-Safi |
| Province | Rehamna |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | ouardi abdellatif |
| Elevation | 449 m (1,473 ft) |
| Population (2024)[1] | |
• Total | 114,872 |
The city is situated in the historical territory of the Rahamna 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. 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, Ben Guerir had a population of 88,626 inhabitants,[4] up from 62,693 in the 2004 census.[5]
By 2024, the population had increased to 114,872, reflecting continued growth over the previous two decades.[1]
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.[6]
Additionally, the city hosts the Lycée Mohammed VI d'Excellence, a selective high school that also offers post-secondary preparatory classes for admission to elite universities, with a strong focus on science and engineering.[7]
In December 2024, Ben Guerir was officially recognized as a UNESCO Learning City for its efforts in promoting inclusive education, lifelong learning, and sustainable urban development.[2]
Economy
The city is a major center for the extraction and processing of phosphate rock, primarily operated by the OCP Group, one of the world's largest phosphate exporters.[8]
In recent years, OCP has spearheaded efforts to develop Ben Guerir into a model green city, integrating sustainable urban planning and environmental practices.[9]
Military
Ben Guerir hosts the Ben Guerir Air Base, which has strategic importance and contributes to the city’s military character.[3]