Rabat

For the Maltese city on Gozo Island which can also be called Rabat, see Victoria, Malta.

Rabat, population 1.2 million (2005 estimate), is the capital of the Kingdom of Morocco. The city is located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Oued Bou Regreg. On the facing shore of Oued Bou Regreg lies Salé, Rabat's bedroom community. Together the two cities account for a population of 1.6 million.

Unfortunately, silting problems have diminished the city's role as a port; however, Rabat and Salé still maintain relatively important textile, food processing and construction industries.

In addition, tourism and the presence of all foreign embassies in Morocco serve to make Rabat the second most important city in the country after the larger and more economically significant Casablanca.

History

There have been settlements on the site since ancient times. It became a Muslim fortress circa 700. Prior to Moroccan independence in 1956, Rabat was capital of the French protectorate of Morocco since it was invaded by France in 1912.

Muhammad V University is located in the city.

External links

• Entry in Lexicorient
• rabatcit for more information