Marrakech is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Morocco. The city is located in the northwest African country’s central plain, at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. Marrakech is known for its large Medina, or old city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Medina is surrounded by walls and is home to many mosques, palaces, and other historical landmarks. Marrakech has a subtropical desert climate and experiences hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters.

History

Marrakesh, also spelled Marrakech, is a major city of the Kingdom of Morocco. It serves as the capital city of the mid-southwestern region of Marrakesh-Safi. The region has a population of over 3.6 million (2014 census). Marrakesh is one of the kingdom’s four former imperial cities—including Fes, Rabat, and Tangier— along with Casablanca, which serves as Morocco’s economic capital.

Geography

Marrakech is a city in the central-western part of Morocco. It is the fourth largest city in the country, after Casablanca, Fes and Tangier, and is the capital of the mid-southwestern region of Marrakech-Safi. The region has a population of over 3 million. Marrakech is located to the north of the foothills of the Atlas Mountains and to the south of the Sahara Desert. The city was founded in 1070 byYusuf ibn Tashfin, leader of the Moroccan Almoravids.

Weather

Marrakech has a hot semi-arid climate , similar to that of most of Morocco. The city has a cold and wet winter season from November to February when temperatures range from 5–15 °C (41–59 °F) and rainfall is frequent. There is sporadic snowfall in the High Atlas Mountains, which overlook the city to the south. From March to June, the weather is warm and dry with average temperatures ranging from 20–30 °C (68–86 °F). Rainfall is rare during this time of year.

Demographics

As of the 2009 Moroccan census, Marrakech had a population of 931,450. The number of tourists visiting Marrakech in 2014 was estimated to be 2.31 million, up from 1.455 million in 2013

47% of the population is under the age of 20 and 15% are over the age of 60. The median age is 26 years old.

Marrakech is ethnically diverse with Arabs (including Berber), black Africans, sub-Saharan Africans, and Europeans all present in the city. Arabs make up the majority of the population at 60%, followed by black Africans at 30%. Sub-Saharan Africans and Europeans make up 5% and 3% of the population respectively.

Economy

Marrakech has a thriving economy due mainly to itsTourism, Agriculture and Trade. The service sector is the most important sector in Marrakech’s economy, accounting for more than 60% of the city’s GDP. This is followed by the agriculture and industry sector which account for 20% and 15% respectively. Trade also plays a significant role in the city’s economy with many shops and markets located throughout Marrakech.

The main industries in Marrakech are tourism, agriculture and trade. The service sector is the most important sector in Marrakech’s economy, accounting for more than 60% of the city’s GDP. This is followed by the agriculture and industry sector which account for 20% and 15% respectively. Trade also plays a significant role in the city’s economy with many shops and markets located throughout Marrakech.

The main agricultural products grown in Marrakech are olives, dates, grains, vegetables and fruit. The city is also home to many livestock such as sheep, goats, cows and chickens. The main industries are tourism, textiles and handicrafts. Manufacturing is limited but there are some small factories producing goods such as shoes, soap and food products.

Infrastructure

Marrakech is one of the most developed cities in Morocco. It has a modern infrastructure, with good roads, reliable public transportation, and adequate medical facilities. There is also a good selection of hotels and restaurants. The city is well connected to the rest of Morocco and the world by air and rail.

Tourism

Marrakech is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Morocco. The city is home to a number of historical landmarks and attractions, as well as a number of modern amenities and facilities. The city is served by two airports, Marrakech Menara Airport and Marrakech-Saiss Airport, which offer a range of domestic and international flights.

Culture

Marrakech is a city in the western Moroccan region of Maghreb. The modern name is a corruption of the old Berber name Murikini or Muriken, which means “the land of God”. The city itself is located on the site of an ancient city which has become known as the “Pearl of the South” or “Capital of the South”. Marrakech was founded in 1062 by Abu Bakr ibn Umar, chieftain of the Almoravids. It served as their capital until 1147, when Marrakech fell to the Almohads.

Notable people

Marrakech has been home to some notable people throughout history, including:

-Ibn Battuta: Moroccan explorer and author of one of the most famous travelogues of all time.
-Yves Saint Laurent: Legendary fashion designer who was inspired by Marrakech and often visited the city.
-Paul Bowles: American writer and composer who made Marrakech his home in the latter part of his life.