The Region of Laayoune Sakia El Hamra is located at the heart of the Sahara and covers an area of 140018 km², about 19.7% of the national territory. It is bordered to the north by the Region of Guelmim-Oued Noud, to the south by the Region of Dakhla-Oued Eddahab and to the east by the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and to the west by the Atlantic Ocean.
According to the General Population and Housing Census 2014, density in the Region has remarkably increased by 47% over the past three decades and reached 367758 inhabitants in 2014.
Administratively, the Region includes four prefectures: Laayoune, Tarfaya, Al Marssa, Boujdour and Es-smara.
The Region is characterized by its Atlantic coastline that extends over 575 km2, with an important port infrastructure consisting of three main fishing ports: Tarfaya, Laayoune and Boujdour.
The industrial sector in the Region is growing with an increasing number of industrial units. Most of these units operate mainly in fish production.
The Region is rich in mining activities, and its mines provide 5% of the national production. It also produces other mineral materials such as salt and sand.
The Region has a strategic location between Agadir and the Canary Islands. It is characterized by the nature of its tourist areas, sand dunes and beautiful beaches, which increasingly attract local and foreign tourists.
Region : Laayoune Sakia El Hamra
Capital city of the region : Laayoune
Population : 367758 habitants
Area : 140018 km²
Provinces and districts:
Significant progress has been made during the past few years in basic medical care and the expansion of health infrastructure.
According to 2021 statistics, thanks to the numerous achievements and quality services provided in health facilities, both in rural and urban areas, the health care rate in the southern provinces is well above the national average.
The number of pupils, students and teachers, as well as the number of school, university and vocational training infrastructures reveals meaningfully the exceptional development of the southern provinces in terms of education since Morocco recovered its Sahara.
Under the impulsion of the Southern Provinces Development Program launched by HM King Mohammed VI in 2015, the pace of this development has been accelerated leading to increasing schooling rate in these regions over the national average.
Projects are at the heart of the development program launched by HM King Mohammed VI in 2015 in the southern provinces. Accordingly, there has been the initiation of a number of projects in these regions, including ports, airports, road networks and socio-cultural institutions.
Many of these structuring projects will turn the southern provinces into an economic hub that plays a substantial role at the regional, national and continental levels. They involve the expressway linking Tiznit and Dakhla, solar and wind power stations, the industrial program Phosboucraâ and the Dakhla Atlantic Port, whose construction will start soon.
