Souss Massa Draa: Natural and Cultural Diversity in the Heart of Morocco

Region of Souss-Massa-Drâa is one of the regions of Morocco, located in the center of the country, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Algerian border. It is bordered to the north by the regions of Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz and Beni Mellal-Khenifra, to the east by the region of Meknes-Tafilalet and the Moroccan-Algerian border, to the west by the Atlantic Ocean, and to the south by the region of Guelmim-Oued Noun.

With an area of 70,880 square kilometers, Souss-Massa-Drâa constitutes 10% of the country's total area. The region is divided into nine provinces and prefectures, featuring diverse landscapes including plains, mountain ranges, and desert lands. The High Atlas Mountains, the Anti-Atlas Mountains, and the Bani Mountains are the most important mountain ranges in the region.

The population of the region is around 3.6 million people. It is renowned for its tourism and agriculture, with agriculture and vegetables being a significant economic sector. Statistics indicate that the region contributes to half of Morocco's agricultural exports.

History:

During the 16th century, Leo Africanus described Massa, a town within the urban communities of the Souss-Massa-Drâa region. He mentioned that it consisted of three small cities, each about a kilometer and a half apart. These cities were built by ancient Amazigh (Berber) people on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by crude clay walls, with the large Souss River flowing between them. He also noted that these cities were situated amidst a forest unlike other forests.

Climate:

The region generally has a dry climate due to various factors, including the influence of the desert and the topography. Rainfall varies across different areas, with an average annual precipitation of about 300 millimeters.

Notable Tourist Sites:

• Todgha Gorge: A famous natural attraction in the region.