The regions of Morocco are called oblasts, and there are sixteen in total. Only thirteen of the regions are within the territory of Morocco itself. One region, which the Moroccan government lists as part of the country, is entirely within annexed Western Sahara, and two are partially within the country.
Northern regions of Morocco
Fes-Boulman. The main city of this region of Morocco is the famous Fes. Although the region has no access to the ocean, tourists flock here in large numbers. Attracts travelers to the old city, laid in the IX century, with winding streets and monuments of ancient architecture. Also of interest are the artisanal areas of Fez, such as the tanners' quarter and the potters' quarter.
Garb Shrarda-Beni-Hsen. The region is located on the Atlantic Ocean. Its central city is Kenitra, a port located on the Cebu River. The ocean coast is 12 km from here, and the city is one of the industrial centers of Morocco.
Tangier-Tetouan. One of the most maritime regions of Morocco. The region is washed by the Mediterranean Sea to the northeast, the Strait of Gibraltar to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The center of the region is Tangier. This city, port, and industrial center attract tourists with its peculiar flavor, in which European influence is mixed with typical Arab traditions. Around Tangier and in the region as a whole, there are a considerable number of beaches. The resort town of Asilah is notable.
Taza-El Hoceima-Taounat. The main town in this remote area of Morocco is Taza. It is here that the famous Moroccan carpets are made in large numbers.
Eastern. This region of Morocco borders Algeria and Spanish-controlled territories. Its main city, Oujda, is a hub in Morocco's network of railroads and highways.
Central Regions of Morocco
Meknes-Tafilalet. A border region of Morocco with Algeria. The central city of the region, Meknes, is famous for its old town and the picturesque ruins in the surrounding area, the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Volubilis.
Rabat-Sale-Zammur-Zaer. Morocco's coastal region sprawls around the kingdom's capital, Rabat. The capital is full of attractions, and there are quite a few beaches along the coast. Rabat is the seat of the royal family of Morocco. Among the area's attractions is the National Zoo of Morocco.
Big Casablanca. This small region on the very edge of the Atlantic coast is the economic center of Morocco. It is home to the kingdom's largest city, Casablanca. This huge port harmoniously blends features of antiquity in the form of the streets of the Old City with the details of modern life.
Shawiya Ouardiga. The Atlantic coast of this region of Morocco is quite insignificant. The administrative center of the region is the city of Settat. Its biggest attraction is the Ismail Fortress right in the center of the city.
Duccala Abda. This area stretches along the Atlantic coast. In addition to beaches and other tourist spots, there are barite mines here. And the central city of Safi is also a major Moroccan port.
Marrakech-Tensift El Hauz. This area of Morocco also has access to the Atlantic coast. Marrakech, the central city of the region, is a tourist Mecca of sorts, invariably attracting hundreds and thousands of vacationers.
Souss-Massa This region stretches across Morocco, from the border to the ocean coast. The local administrative center, Agadir, is one of the most open to tourists. Agadir and its surroundings are where most of Morocco's beach activity is centered.
Tadla Azilal. A small region in central Morocco, equidistant from both ocean and desert. It is crossed by the Middle Atlas range with Mount Tassemit. At its foot nestles the administrative center of the region, the city of Beni Mellal.
Southern regions of Morocco
Three local areas are disputed territory because they were annexed by Morocco from Western Sahara.
Goulimimim-es-Smara. The southern half of this area is part of Western Sahara, annexed by Morocco from its neighbors. The local administrative center, the town of Goulimin, is famous for its camel market.
El Ayoun - Boujdour - Saguiet el Hamra. Another territory annexed from Western Sahara almost entirely. Its central city is El Ayoun.
Wadi el-Dahab el-Kuwira. This coastal region is also a disputed territory of Morocco. The central town of the region is Dakhla, around which are excellent conditions for a variety of surfing.
