Rabat

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Rabat الرباط (ar-Ribaaṭ) ⴻⵕⵕⴱⴰⵟ - Eṛṛbaṭ Clockwise from top left:Kasbah of the Udayas, Mohammad V Avenue, Hassan Tower, Moroccan Parliament Building, Night in Bou Regreg Marina, View of Kasbah of the Udayas from Bou Regreg, Enblem of Rabat Flag Seal Rabat Coordinates: 34°02′N 6°50′W / 34.033°N 6.833°W / 34.033; -6.833 Country  Morocco Region Rabat-Salé-Zemmour-Zaer Founded by Almohads 1146 Government  • Mayor Fathallah Oualalou Area  • City 117 km2 (45.17 sq mi) Elevation 75 m (246 ft) Highest elevation 135 m (443 ft) Lowest elevation 0 m (0 ft) Population (2012)  • City 620,996  • Density Bad rounding here5,300/km2 (Bad rounding here14,000/sq mi)  • Metro 2,120,192  • Population Rank in Morocco 3rd Website http://www.rabat.ma/

Rabat (Arabic: الرباط, ar-Ribaaṭ, literally "Fortified Place"; Berber: ⴻⵕⵕⴱⴰⵟ, Eṛṛbaṭ, Moroccan Arabic: الرباط, Eṛṛbaṭ) is the capital and second largest city of Morocco with a population of approximately 1.2 million (2012). It is also the capital of the Rabat-Salé-Zemmour-Zaer region.

The city is located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg. On the facing shore of the river lies Salé, the city's main commuter town. Together with Temara the cities account for a combined metropolitan population of 1.8 million. Silt-related problems have diminished Rabat's role as a port; however, Rabat and Salé still maintain important textile, food processing and construction industries. In addition, tourism and the presence of all foreign embassies in Morocco serve to make Rabat one of the most important cities in the country.

Rabat is accessible by train through the ONCF system and by plane through the nearby Rabat-Salé Airport.

The Moroccan capital was recently awarded second place in "Top Travel Destinations of 2013" by CNN.

UNESCO World Heritage Site Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City: a Shared Heritage Name as inscribed on the World Heritage List Country Morocco Type Cultural Criteria ii, iv Reference 1401 UNESCO region Arab States Inscription history Inscription 2012 (36th Session)