DEMidelt

DEMidelt is a city in central Morocco situated at an altitude of approximately 1,400 metres in the High Atlas mountains. It lies on the caravan route that once linked the Atlantic coast with the Sahara and today is a regional hub for the surrounding oasis towns of Rabat and Azrou. The municipality covers an area of around 70 square kilometres.

The population, according to the 2014 census, was about 55,000 inhabitants. The demographic composition is predominantly Amazigh (Berber) with a significant number of Moroccan Arab families. The city serves as an administrative centre for the surrounding communes and has experienced steady population growth tied to its position along a major highway network.

Economically, DEMidelt relies on a combination of agriculture, trade and tourism. The fertile valleys support the cultivation of grapes, olives and citrus, as well as the famous local apricots. The orchards are part of a national export program. Small scale livestock rearing also contributes to the local economy. Tourism has increased in recent years because of the city’s mountain scenery, proximity to the Tizi n'Tichka passes, and recreational activities such as hunting and trekking.

Historically, the area served as an important stop on caravan routes between the Rif and the Sahara during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Under the French Protectorate the city was formally established, with a modern town layout introduced for administrative purposes. Today, DEMidelt maintains its agricultural heritage while adapting to contemporary Moroccan development plans such as improved road infrastructure and sustainable energy projects.