Oriental
Easternmost region; Algeria border closed since 1994; Oujda/Nador cities; mining heritage (Jerada); Mediterranean tourism; limited industrial integration.
Oriental (L'Oriental) is Morocco's easternmost region bordering Algeria—but the border has been closed since 1994, constraining cross-border commerce. The region includes major cities Oujda and Nador. Nador's port and industrial zone attract manufacturing investment. Mining historically significant (lead, zinc, coal at Jerada). Agriculture includes irrigated citrus production. Tourism grows around Mediterranean beaches and cultural heritage sites. The region faces economic challenges from border closure and distance from Casablanca-Tangier industrial axis. Morocco's new development model emphasizes reducing regional disparities between coastal and interior regions. Integration into the Tangier-Mediterranean industrial corridor remains limited. The region's economy relies more heavily on services and agriculture than manufacturing compared to northern coastal regions.