Population Distribution in the Municipality of Elmahbes
The Municipality of Elmahbes is home to a diverse community of residents who live in harmony with their unique desert environment, blending culture, traditions, and Bedouin identity.
As of the latest 2024 census, the population of the Municipality of Elmahbes is approximately 19 139 people, with men representing a larger portion of the population at around 65%. This figure reflects the predominance of the male demographic, which plays a major role in economic activities such as herding and small-scale trade.
- Number of households: 170
- Number of Moroccan residents: 19,138
- Number of foreign residents: 1
The majority of the population is between the ages of 15 and 59, comprising 71.8% of the local community. This highlights the youthful and active nature of the population, despite the challenging conditions imposed by the desert environment and the lack of economic opportunities.
The Municipality of Elmahbes is made up of major tribes with a long history in the region, including the Ait Oussa tribe, the Rkibat tribe, and other tribes such as the A'raib. These tribes are distinguished by their deep-rooted traditions and culture, which continue to play a significant role in the daily lives of the residents, giving the community a cohesive and enduring character.
Despite the efforts made, the municipality faces a significant challenge in the field of education, with the illiteracy rate among the population standing at approximately 38.6%. This issue is particularly pronounced among females. The main contributing factors include a lack of educational infrastructure and the distance of educational institutions from some villages, which creates a barrier for some families in sending their children to school.
Statistics indicate that the rate of celibacy is relatively high among men, which is largely due to the limited availability of stable job opportunities. Additionally, around 7.3% of the population faces difficult economic conditions, with a relatively high poverty rate according to 2007 statistics. This situation pushes some residents to migrate in search of better job prospects in nearby cities.
The residents of Elmahbes are distinguished by their deep connection to their authentic desert values and traditions. The municipality serves as an example of community life based on cooperation and solidarity, where everyone works together to preserve their cultural identity and heritage. This strong sense of unity helps maintain the unique Bedouin way of life, ensuring that traditions are passed down through generations and continue to shape the community's social and cultural fabric.
Despite the challenges, the Municipality of Elmahbes aspires to improve the living conditions of its residents by enhancing infrastructure and creating new opportunities for the youth. It also seeks to provide a conducive educational environment and achieve sustainable development, ensuring that El Mahbes remains a place of authenticity and a model for preserving traditions.