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Zaida | |
|---|---|
Town | |
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  Zaida Location in Morocco | |
| Coordinates:32°49′N4°57′W / 32.817°N 4.950°W /32.817; -4.950 | |
| Country |  Morocco |
| Region | Drâa-Tafilalet |
| Province | Midelt Province |
| Elevation | 4,783 ft (1,458 m) |
| Population (2024) | |
• Total | 14,449 |
| Time zone | UTC+0 (WET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+1 (WEST) |
Zaida (inBerber: ⵣⴰⵢⴷⴰ, and inArabic: زايدة) is a Berber village in the central-western region of Morocco. It is located about 30 kilometers southeast of the city ofMidelt and is known for its apple production.
The population of Zaida is approximately 14,449 inhabitants (2024), most of whom are farmers. The village is heavily reliant on agriculture, with inhabitants cultivating apples, olive trees, and cereals.
Here are some additional facts about Zaida, Morocco:
| Year | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 3760 | |
| 2004 | 4968 | |
| 2014 | 13181 | [2] · [3] |
| 2024 | 14449 | [4] |
For a long time, this village has been known for its apple cultivation. At the beginning of its commercial exploitation, the main brand was called Baldi. With the rise of agriculture in Morocco, new apple varieties have been imported, which yield results as good as in their countries of origin. Today, several dozen varieties of apples are produced, includingGala Royale,Gala Mondiale,Delicious,Golden,Star,Terbana,Bouzgoudou,Zirzima,Hana, andBaldi.
Zaida is located on National Road N13, at the intersection with National Road N29. It is called "the gateway to the Sahara" because travelers heading to the Sahara pass through this town, especially tourists visiting Merzouga and the Tafilalet region.
Thanks to its geographic location, Zaida has become an essential[according to whom?] stop where drivers and travelers pause for a break.[citation needed] It features shops such as fruit and dried fruit stalls, as well as restaurants serving grilled dishes.
Zaida is a relatively new town, located at the crossroads of two national roads (RN 13 and RN 33), and it is also traversed by the famousMoulouya River. Its establishment dates back to the installation of mining companies in the 20th centuryth century. Before the arrival of these companies, the town consisted of various Amazigh tribes (Ait Ala Omimoun, Ait Ouloussan, Ait Ighrbin, Ait Ghyat, etc.).
Capital:Errachidia | ||
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