Zaio

Zaio (Arabic زايو, Zayu DMG ) is a city in the province of Nador in Morocco. The city had 2004 29.851 inhabitants.

Location and transport

Zaio (also Zaio ) located at the foot of the mountain Al- Idara between Nador and Berkane on the National Road N2. To the Mediterranean Sea to the north about 20 km away and the nearest major city to Nador in northeast 30nbspkm, . On the outskirts of the Zaio Moulouya flows past. The city is part of the Oriental region, and is located in the northeast of the country. The roads are well developed, while the south and east of the mountain dirt roads predominate.

History

The story Zaios began in 1700 with the natives, the Ouled Settout. However, these settled from about 1825 from Zaio and moved to Sabra, Moulay Sidi Atman and Bouarge because the influx of new immigrants has been growing. These were mostly farmers, traders and importers. End of 1800 Zaio developed into a meeting place for traders from Berkane, Oujda, Nador and the rest of the entire Oriental region. Since 1960 Zaio is known for its orange crop and olive growing.

Population

Around 75 % of residents are Arabized Berbers. About 20% are original Berber and the rest are foreigners from France, Spain and Germany. In Zaio has a club Chouala. Founded on social solidarity in Zaio who fights for the legal promotion of poorer women and children.

Language

Live as well as Arab- berberischsprachige inhabitants in Zaio. In rare cases, you will encounter French and German -speaking inhabitants in Zaio because the local schools have set themselves the goal to open up more opportunities on the European labor market to young people.

Economy

Orange groves and olive plantations are one of the main sources of income in the region. Grown in plantations for about 20 tons of sugar beets. The sugar factory AL -Ghazal in Zaio is the largest of its kind in Morocco. Add the sugar, the company sells all over the country. In addition to the sugar production still exists a brick Group.

Religion

Approximately 99 % of the population are Sunni Muslims Zaio Maliki genetic direction. 1% are Christians (mostly Catholics ) or others.