Beni Mellal , Morocco

Beni-Mellal, is the capital city of the Tadla-Azilal Region, with a population of 163,286 (2004 census). It sits at the foot of Mount Tassemit (2247m), and next to the plains of Beni Amir. As the city lies quite far inland and is shielded by the Middle Atlas mountains the area has a real continental climate with very hot summers and quite cold winters. Because of these factors the overall climate can be considered in a fluctuative state generally moderating between two larger extremes in temperature and climate. This climate situation is similar to what exists in Marquette, Michigan and many other places that have climate fluctation as a result of the continental climate shift. The walls of the city go back to Mawlay Ismail, in 1688, as well as the Kasba Bel-Kush but most of the city is quite modern and forms an important economic centre for the region particularly in the areas of petrochemical production as well as textile manufacturing which forms the backbone of the wider community. Local agricultural products as oranges, olives, figs etc. find their way to the market via Beni Mellal The city has good connections via the road to Casablanca to the East and lies on the ancient route - now a national road - from Fez to Marrakech. The national rail-operator ONCF is also extending the railtrack from Casablanca to (nearby) Oued Zem to the city.