Benguerir on arvau

Wikipedia / Benguerir

Benguerir () is a city in central Morocco and the administrative center of the Rehamna province, within the Marrakesh-Safi region. It is recognized as a hub for higher education and a key military location.

The city is situated in the historical territory of the Rahamna tribe and is notable for its educational, industrial, and military significance.

Geography

Benguerir lies in a semi-arid zone in central Morocco, north of Marrakesh. Its geographical location has historically made it a strategic center within the Rehamna tribal territory and later a key node in national development strategies.

Demographics

According to the 2014 Moroccan census, Benguerir had a population of 88,626 inhabitants, up from 62,693 in the 2004 census.

By 2024, the population had increased to 114,872, reflecting continued growth over the previous two decades.

Education

Benguerir is home to University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P), a major institution focusing on research, innovation, and sustainable development. The university played a central role in the city’s transformation into a knowledge and technology hub.

Additionally, the city hosts the Lycée Mohammed VI d'Excellence, a selective high school that also offers post-secondary preparatory classes for admission to elite universities, with a strong focus on science and engineering.

In December 2024, Benguerir was officially recognized as a UNESCO Learning City for its efforts in promoting inclusive education, lifelong learning, and sustainable urban development.

Economy

The city is a major center for the extraction and processing of phosphate rock, primarily operated by the OCP Group, one of the world's largest phosphate exporters.

In recent years, OCP has spearheaded efforts to develop Benguerir into a model green city, integrating sustainable urban planning and environmental practices.

Military

Benguerir hosts the Ben Guerir Air Base, which has strategic importance and contributes to the city’s military character.