Soualem

Last updated
Soualem
Rural commune and town
Had Soualem
Municipalite de Had Soualem.jpg
بلدية حد السوالم -Municipalité de Had Soualem
CountryFlag of Morocco.svg  Morocco
Region Casablanca-Settat
Province Berrechid
Population
 (2024) [1]
  Total
74,762
Time zone UTC+1 (WET)
  Summer (DST) UTC+1 (WEST)

Soualem is a town in Berrechid Province, Casablanca-Settat, Morocco. In the 2024 Moroccan census the commune recorded a population of 74,762 people . [1] According to the 2014 census it had a population of 36,765. [2]

Contents

Had Soualem is known for its rapid growth and proximity to Casablanca, it has become a dynamic hub for commerce and residential life. However, its development has brought both opportunities and challenges.

Population Growth

Had Soualem has witnessed a significant increase in population, rising from 36,765 in 2014 to 74,762 in 2024, according to the Moroccan census. This growth is largely driven by its appeal as a residential area for those working in Casablanca, thanks to its affordability and location along key transportation routes.

Culture

High-quality meat and "Choua" : One of Had Soualem's defining features is the exceptional quality of its meat. The town is widely recognized for its traditional choua (barbecue), attracting visitors from nearby cities to enjoy fresh, flavorful cuts. Restaurants and local butchers in Had Soualem take pride in offering some of the best meat in the region.

Souk Al-Had: Every Sunday, Had Soualem comes alive with its vibrant Souk Al-Had. This weekly market is a central part of the town's identity, offering everything from fresh produce and high-quality meat to household goods and traditional items. It is not just a shopping destination but also a social and cultural gathering point for residents and visitors alike.

Challenges

Health Challenges: With the rapid population increase, healthcare facilities have struggled to keep up. The town faces a shortage of hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical services, making it challenging for residents to access timely care.

Security Concerns: Like many rapidly urbanizing areas, Had Soualem faces security challenges, including petty crimes and vandalism. While authorities have made efforts to improve security, there is still a need for police presence and community initiatives to ensure safety for residents.

Lack of Gardens or Public Spaces: Despite its growth, Had Soualem lacks essential public spaces such as parks or gardens where citizens can relax, socialize, or simply enjoy nature. This has been a frequent concern among residents who feel the town needs green spaces to enhance quality of life.

Conclusion

Had Soualem is a town of contrasts. It boasts cultural richness and culinary delights, particularly its high-quality meat and vibrant Sunday market. However, the rapid pace of urbanization has brought challenges, including a lack of recreational spaces, healthcare infrastructure, and adequate security measures. Addressing these issues will be essential to ensuring a balanced and sustainable future for this growing town.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Casablanca</span> Largest city in Morocco

Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and the country's economic and business centre. Located on the Atlantic coast of the Chaouia plain in the central-western part of Morocco, the city has a population of about 3.71 million in the urban area, and over 4.27 million in Greater Casablanca, making it the most populous city in the Maghreb region, and the eighth-largest in the Arab world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bishop, Georgia</span> Town in Georgia, United States

Bishop is a town in Oconee County, Georgia, United States, known for its historical charm, community-focused events, and scenic rural setting. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 332. Part of the Athens-Clarke County metropolitan area, the town is approximately 12 miles southwest of Athens, a hub of education and culture as home to the University of Georgia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Slum</span> Highly populated urban residential area consisting mostly of decrepit housing units

A slum is a highly populated urban residential area consisting of densely packed housing units of weak build quality and often associated with poverty. The infrastructure in slums is often deteriorated or incomplete, and they are primarily inhabited by impoverished people. Although slums are usually located in urban areas, in some countries they can be located in suburban areas where housing quality is low and living conditions are poor. While slums differ in size and other characteristics, most lack reliable sanitation services, supply of clean water, reliable electricity, law enforcement, and other basic services. Slum residences vary from shanty houses to professionally built dwellings which, because of poor-quality construction or lack of basic maintenance, have deteriorated.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Agadir</span> City in Souss-Massa, Morocco

Agadir is a major city in Morocco, on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean near the foot of the Atlas Mountains, just north of the point where the Souss River flows into the ocean, and 509 kilometres (316 mi) south of Casablanca. Agadir is the capital of the Agadir Ida-U-Tanan Prefecture and of the Souss-Massa economic region.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Urban sprawl</span> Expansion of auto-oriented, low-density development in suburbs

Urban sprawl is defined as "the spreading of urban developments on undeveloped land near a more or less densely populated city". Urban sprawl has been described as the unrestricted growth in many urban areas of housing, commercial development, and roads over large expanses of land, with little concern for very dense urban planning. Sometimes the urban areas described as the most "sprawling" are the most densely populated. In addition to describing a special form of urbanization, the term also relates to the social and environmental consequences associated with this development. In modern times some suburban areas described as "sprawl" have less detached housing and higher density than the nearby core city. Medieval suburbs suffered from the loss of protection of city walls, before the advent of industrial warfare. Modern disadvantages and costs include increased travel time, transport costs, pollution, and destruction of the countryside. The revenue for building and maintaining urban infrastructure in these areas are gained mostly through property and sales taxes. Most jobs in the US are now located in suburbs generating much of the revenue, although a lack of growth will require higher tax rates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mohammedia</span> Place in Casablanca-Settat, Morocco

Mohammedia, known until 1960 as Fedala, is a port city on the west coast of Morocco between Casablanca and Rabat in the region of Casablanca-Settat. It hosts the most important oil refinery of Morocco, Samir Refinery, which makes it the center of the Moroccan petroleum industry. It has a population of 208,612 according to the 2014 Moroccan census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Settat</span> Municipality and city in Casablanca-Settat, Morocco

Settat is a city in Morocco between the national capital Rabat and Marrakesh. Settat is located 83.9 km (52.1 mi) by road south of the centre of Casablanca, roughly an hour's drive. It is the capital of Settat Province and is its largest city in both size and population. According to the 2014 Moroccan census, it had a population of 142,250 people, up from 116,570 people in the 2004 census. Settat is 370 m (1,210 ft) above sea level, built on a plateau surrounded by foothills in all directions. The antiquities of Settat include the very old Ismailiya Kasbah distinguished by the statue of a steed which lies at the center of the city.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Midelt</span> Place in Drâa-Tafilalet, Morocco

Midelt is a town in Morocco, in the high plains between the Middle Atlas and High Atlas mountain ranges. With a population of 55,304 recorded in the 2014 Moroccan census, Midelt serves as the commercial center of a large agricultural hinterland. It is also one of Morocco's principal cities for the mining of several minerals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Urbanization in China</span> Overview of urbanization in China

Urbanization in China increased in speed following the initiation of the reform and opening policy. By the end of 2023, China had an urbanization rate of 66.2% and is expected to reach 75-80% by 2035.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bouznika</span> Municipality in Casablanca-Settat, Morocco

Bouznika is a city in Casablanca-Settat, Morocco, in the historical region of Chaouia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Guercif</span> Town in Oriental, Morocco

Guercif is a town and municipality in Guercif Province, Oriental, Morocco. It is the province's capital. According to the 2014 census the municipality had a population of 90,880 people living in 18,779 households.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oued Zem</span> City in Béni Mellal-Khénifra, Morocco

Oued Zem is a city in Khouribga Province, Béni Mellal-Khénifra, Morocco. According to the 2014 Moroccan census, Oued Zem had a population of 95,267.

Deroua is a town in Berrechid Province, Casablanca-Settat, Morocco. It lies to the south of Casablanca, just to the northeast of Mohamed V International Airport. According to the 2014 Moroccan census it recorded a population of 47,719, up from 10,373 in the 2004 census.

Souk El Arbaa is a town in Kénitra Province, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, Morocco. In the 2014 Moroccan census it recorded a population of 69,265. According to the 2004 census it had a population of 43,392.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ait Ourir</span> Municipality and town in Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco

Ait Ourir is a town and municipality in Al Haouz Province, Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco. At the time of the 2004 census, the commune had a total population of 20,005 people living in 3767 households. The town lies on the northern bank of the Ourika River, 29.8 kilometres (18.5 mi) by road to the northwest of Tighedouine and 33.3 kilometres (20.7 mi) east of the city centre of Marrakesh.

Urbanisation in Indonesia increased tremendously following the country's rapid development in the 1970s. Since then, Indonesia has been facing a very high urbanisation rates driven by rural-urban migration. In 1950, 15% of Indonesia's population lived in urban areas. In 1990, 40 years later, this number doubled to 30%. Indonesia took only another 20 years to increase its urban population to 44% as reported in 2010. The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reported that the average population density of Jakarta, the capital, had reached more than 14,400 people per square kilometer. The BPS also predicted that the population in Jakarta will reach 11 million people in 2020 unless measures are taken to control the population.

Sidi Rahal Chatai is a coastal town in the Casablanca-Settat region of Morocco. It is located 33 kilometers west of Casablanca. It recorded a population of 20,628 in the 2014 Moroccan census. It is a popular area for surfing especially in winter, as there is a consistent surf. It is a popular destination for Casablanca residents to spend their summer holidays.

Urbanisation in Pakistan has increased since the time of independence and has several different causes. The majority of southern Pakistan's population lives along the Indus River. Karachi is its most populous city. In the northern half of the country, most of the population lives in an arc formed by the cities of Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Gujrat, Jhelum, Sargodha, Sheikhupura, Nowshera, Mardan and Peshawar. During 1990–2008, city dwellers made up 36% of Pakistan's population, making it the most urbanised nation in South Asia. Furthermore, 50% of Pakistanis live in towns of 5,000 people or more. Pakistan is one of south Asia's most rapidly urbanising countries, as of at least early 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boulaouane</span> Rural commune and town in Casablanca-Settat, Morocco

Boulaouane is a small town and rural commune in El Jadida Province of the Casablanca-Settat region of Morocco. The town is near the Oum Er-Rbia River and the fortress overlooks that river. At the time of the 2004 census, the commune had a total population of 14,404 people living in 2319 households.

References

  1. 1 2 "POPULATION LÉGALE DES RÉGIONS, PROVINCES, PRÉFECTURES, MUNICIPALITÉS, ARRONDISSEMENTS ET COMMUNES DU ROYAUME D'APRÈS LES RÉSULTATS DU RGPH 2014" (in Arabic and French). High Commission for Planning. 8 April 2015. Retrieved 29 September 2017.
  2. "World Gazetteer". Archived from the original on 2012-12-05.

33°25′N7°50′W / 33.41°N 7.84°W / 33.41; -7.84