Province Ben Slimane, Region Grand Casablanca-Settat, Communes & Villes du Maroc

Province Ben Slimane

The province or prefecture, respectively predominantly rural or urban, is a local public entity with legal personality and financial autonomy. It manages community affairs through an assembly whose number of members varies according to the population and administrative division.

The province of Benslimane is part of the Casablanca-Settat region. It covers approximately 2,760 km², making it a moderately sized territory.
Its geographical location is one of its main assets: it lies between Morocco's two major metropolitan areas, Casablanca and Rabat. This position allows Benslimane to benefit both from proximity to large urban centers and from a more natural setting.
Historically, the territory of Benslimane corresponded to the area controlled by the Ziaïda tribe, which was part of the Chaouia confederation.
The province was officially established in 1977 following the division of the former Settat province.

👥 Population & Administrative Organization
Administratively, the province is composed of 15 communes, including two urban communes — Benslimane (the capital) and Bouznika — as well as several rural communes organized into caïdats and circles.
In terms of population, the numbers have steadily increased: it rose from approximately 138,437 inhabitants in 1982 to around 199,612 in 2004. More recent 2024 data indicate a legal population of about 278,768 inhabitants.
This growth has been accompanied by urban development and strengthened infrastructure, thanks to its strategic position between major cities, the coast, and agricultural areas.

🌾 Economy: Agriculture, Forests, and Territorial Diversity
The economy of Benslimane largely relies on the primary sector. The province is often described as one of Morocco's “granaries” due to its strong agricultural vocation.
Agriculture & Livestock: A large part of the territory — over 55–58% — is devoted to arable land.
Cereals: During the 2018–2019 campaign, approximately 93,000 hectares were sown with autumn cereals, including soft wheat, durum wheat, and barley.
Diversification: In addition to cereals, legumes and fodder crops are cultivated, and some areas practice livestock farming, enriching the rural fabric.
The province also has significant forested areas, adding an environmental and sylvan dimension to its profile.
However, subsistence agriculture and traditional crops are fragile: recurrent droughts affect yields, prompting some farmers to reconsider their practices or redirect their plots.

🌊 Coastline, Nature & Tourism: Multiple Assets
Benslimane benefits from an Atlantic coastline of approximately 35 km, especially around Bouznika, giving the province strong potential for seaside tourism.
The province thus combines:
Sea & beaches: ideal for seaside tourism, swimming, water sports, and summer stays.
Forests & nature: extensive forested areas offer a favorable setting for eco-tourism, hiking, and recreational activities in nature.
Leisure activities: tourist zones with infrastructure development potential, appealing both to visitors and investors.
Additionally, the province aims to develop its academic sector with a 100-hectare university campus project, reflecting a commitment to investing in education and structural infrastructure.

🏗️ Urban Development and Perspectives
Recently, the province has launched major urban development projects. The Berrechid-Benslimane Urban Agency has announced several tenders to develop key infrastructure axes in Benslimane and Bouznika, as part of a major project linked to the future construction of a large stadium, especially in view of hosting the 2030 World Cup.
This effort is part of a broader strategy to modernize infrastructure, promote investment, and enhance the natural assets of the province — whether agricultural, coastal, or forested.

🔎 Challenges & Issues
Like many agricultural and rural regions, Benslimane faces several challenges:
Water security: droughts and reduced rainfall make agriculture more fragile.
Need for economic diversification: while agriculture remains a central pillar, the province must develop other sectors (industry, services, tourism, infrastructure) to create jobs, attract investment, and provide opportunities for younger generations.
Rapid urbanization and the need for balanced development: with urban growth and ongoing projects, it is important to preserve the environment, agricultural land, forests, and the coastline while meeting development needs.