# Nador

> Moroccan town located in the Eastern Rif in the Iqel'iyen (Imazouzen) region

**Wikidata**: [Q824594](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q824594)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nador)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nador

## Summary
Nador is a Moroccan city located in the Eastern Rif region, specifically in the Iqel'iyen (Imazouzen) area. It serves as the capital of Nador Province and is classified as a "big city" with a population exceeding 100,000. Founded in 1722, Nador is a key urban center in northeastern Morocco, known for its strategic location near the Mediterranean coast and its role as a provincial capital.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: Nador is classified as a "city" and a "big city" (population ≥100,000).
- **Location**: Situated in the Eastern Rif region of Morocco, within the Iqel'iyen (Imazouzen) area.
- **Administrative Role**: Capital of Nador Province.
- **Founding**: Established in 1722.
- **Population**:
  - 112,450 (1994 census)
  - 126,207 (2004 census)
  - 161,726 (2014 census)
  - 158,202 (2024 census)
- **Coordinates**: 35.1667° N, 2.93333° W.
- **Elevation**: 42 meters above sea level.
- **Postal Code**: 62000.
- **Time Zone**: UTC±00:00 (UTC+01:00 during daylight saving time).
- **Official Names**: "الناضور" (Arabic) and "Nador."
- **Aliases**: Ennaḍor, Villa Nador, Benisidel, Beni Sidel, ナドル, جماعة الناضور.
- **Connected Entities**:
  - **Nador Province**: The province where Nador is located.
  - **Nador International Airport**: Serves the city and the Oriental region.
  - **Hilal de Nador**: Association football club founded in 1956.
  - **Fath Riadi de Nador**: Association football club founded in 1971.
  - **FerriMaroc**: Moroccan ferry company headquartered in Nador.
  - **Gourougou Forest**: Coastal forest near Nador.
  - **Nador Transmitter**: Radio infrastructure in the region.
  - **Cazaza**: Former Spanish coastal enclave near Nador (15th–16th century).
  - **Morocco–Spain Border**: Nador is near this international border.
- **Twin City**: Amsterdam.
- **Geographic Code (2015)**: 02.381.01.05.
- **Households**:
  - 20,649 (1994)
  - 26,961 (2004)
  - 37,565 (2014)
  - 43,049 (2024)

## FAQs
**What is the population of Nador?**
Nador's population has grown significantly over the decades, reaching 158,202 in the 2024 census. Earlier censuses recorded 161,726 (2014), 126,207 (2004), and 112,450 (1994).

**Where is Nador located?**
Nador is in the Eastern Rif region of Morocco, specifically in the Iqel'iyen (Imazouzen) area. It is the capital of Nador Province and lies near the Mediterranean coast.

**What are the notable organizations or clubs based in Nador?**
Nador is home to two football clubs: Hilal de Nador (founded 1956) and Fath Riadi de Nador (founded 1971). It also hosts the headquarters of FerriMaroc, a Moroccan ferry company.

**What is the historical significance of Nador?**
Nador was founded in 1722 and has historical ties to the region, including proximity to the former Spanish enclave of Cazaza (15th–16th century). It is also near the Morocco–Spain border, highlighting its geopolitical importance.

**What is the elevation and geographic context of Nador?**
Nador is situated at an elevation of 42 meters above sea level and is close to natural features like the Gourougou Forest and the Mediterranean coast.

## Why It Matters
Nador plays a crucial role as an administrative and economic hub in northeastern Morocco. As the capital of Nador Province, it serves as a key urban center for governance, commerce, and transportation, including Nador International Airport and FerriMaroc’s ferry services. Its proximity to the Morocco–Spain border and historical sites like Cazaza underscores its strategic and cultural significance. The city’s growing population and household numbers reflect its expanding influence in the region.

## Notable For
- Being the capital of Nador Province.
- Hosting Nador International Airport, a major transportation hub.
- Home to two football clubs: Hilal de Nador and Fath Riadi de Nador.
- Headquarters of FerriMaroc, a key ferry company.
- Proximity to the Gourougou Forest and the former Spanish enclave of Cazaza.
- Twin city relationship with Amsterdam.
- Significant population growth, with over 150,000 residents as of 2024.

## Body
### **History and Founding**
Nador was founded in 1722 and has since developed into a major city in the Eastern Rif region of Morocco. Its location in the Iqel'iyen (Imazouzen) area places it within a historically significant part of the country, near the former Spanish coastal enclave of Cazaza (15th–16th century). The city’s establishment reflects its long-standing role as a regional center.

### **Geography and Location**
Nador is situated at coordinates 35.1667° N, 2.93333° W, at an elevation of 42 meters above sea level. It lies in the Eastern Rif, close to the Mediterranean coast and the Morocco–Spain border, enhancing its strategic importance. The city is surrounded by notable natural features, including the Gourougou Forest.

### **Administrative and Political Role**
As the capital of Nador Province, the city serves as an administrative hub for the region. It is classified as an "urban commune of Morocco" and a "big city," reflecting its governance and urban development status. Nador is also twinned with Amsterdam, highlighting its international connections.

### **Demographics and Population Growth**
Nador’s population has shown steady growth:
- **1994**: 112,450 residents (20,649 households)
- **2004**: 126,207 residents (26,961 households)
- **2014**: 161,726 residents (37,565 households)
- **2024**: 158,202 residents (43,049 households)

The city’s expanding household numbers and population reflect its increasing urbanization and economic activity.

### **Economy and Transportation**
Nador is a key transportation hub, home to Nador International Airport, which serves the Oriental region of Morocco. The city also hosts the headquarters of FerriMaroc, a Moroccan ferry company founded in 1969, facilitating maritime connections. These infrastructure elements underscore Nador’s role in regional and international trade.

### **Culture and Sports**
Nador is known for its football clubs:
- **Hilal de Nador**: Founded in 1956.
- **Fath Riadi de Nador**: Founded in 1971.

These clubs contribute to the city’s cultural and sporting identity, engaging local communities and fostering regional pride.

### **Notable Landmarks and Infrastructure**
- **Nador International Airport**: A critical transportation link for the region.
- **Nador Transmitter**: Radio infrastructure supporting communications.
- **Gourougou Forest**: A coastal forest near the city, adding to its natural landscape.

### **International Relations**
Nador is twinned with Amsterdam, reflecting its global connections and cultural exchanges. Its proximity to the Morocco–Spain border further emphasizes its role in cross-border interactions.

### **Identifiers and References**
Nador is recognized by various identifiers, including:
- **Geonames ID**: 2541479
- **Wikidata ID**: 
- **Postal Code**: 62000
- **Moroccan Geographic Code (2015)**: 02.381.01.05

These identifiers facilitate its inclusion in global databases and geographic systems.

### **Cultural and Linguistic Context**
The city’s official names include "الناضور" (Arabic) and "Nador," with aliases like Ennaḍor and Villa Nador. Its multilingual presence is reflected in Wikipedia articles across numerous languages, including Arabic, French, Spanish, and English, highlighting its cultural diversity and global recognition.

## References

1. 2014 Moroccan census
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. [Source](http://www.hcp.ma/file/103036/)
6. [POPULATION LÉGALE DES RÉGIONS, PROVINCES, PRÉFECTURES, MUNICIPALITÉS, ARRONDISSEMENTS ET COMMUNES DU ROYAUME D'APRÈS LES RÉSULTATS DU RGPH 2014](http://rgph2014.hcp.ma/file/166326/)
7. [2024 Moroccan census](https://www.hcp.ma/Population-legale-du-Royaume-du-Maroc-repartie-par-regions-provinces-et-prefectures-et-communes-selon-les-resultats-du_a3974.html)
8. [Source](http://rgph2014.hcp.ma/file/166326/)
9. GeoNames
10. BBC Things
11. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
12. [Source](https://www.hcp.ma/Population-legale-du-Royaume-du-Maroc-repartie-par-regions-provinces-et-prefectures-et-communes-selon-les-resultats-du_a3974.html)