Nador is populated by Tarifit-Berber (Thamazight n Arif) speaking population of more than 180,000 dwellers. The current governor of Nador province is Abdelouafi Lftit. The city became independent with the rest of Morocco in 1956.
Overview
The economy of Nador city and the province of Nador includes fishery, agriculture, some light and heavy industry. In the summer months a lot of Morrocan nationals originating from the Nador area and living in Europe visit the city. They stay with relatives, own or rent
an appartment or use one of the many hotels in the city. These visits give an important impulse to the regions' economy. Also trade is an important activity in the city. The location of the city near the sea and close the the Spanish enclave Melilla are catalysts for international trade. In the past Nador was infamous as centre of smuggling, as many Mediteranian sea-ports. In present time only some illegal import of goods via Mellilia reminds of the activities in the past. Many used consumer-goods from Europe find their way to North-Africa via Mellilia and Nador. All kinds of goods find their way via this route: used clothes and shoes up to large electric devices as washing-machines.Nador transmitter
Near Nador there is the transmission site for long-wave and shortwave of Medi 1 Radio which broadcasts to all Maghreb countries. The aerial masts of Medi 1 Radio for long-wave are approximately 380 metres high and belong to the tallest constructions in Africa.
Nador Quarters
Main Nador city quarters and neighborhoods are:
- El Kindy
- Laarasi
- Anafag / Lmatar / New Nador
- Laari Shikh
- Ammas n Temdint / Centro (city downtown)
- Ait Mimoun (Ait Mimoun Market)
- Isebbanen
- Tireqqaâ
- Downtown Nador: a relatively developed area in comparison with the rest of the city. Downtown lies in the center of the city and was partially developed by the Spanish colonials.
Tourism
During the summer months Nador is visited by a large amount of Moroccan nationals originating from the province or city of Nador. The (local) government also wants to attract foreign touri
sts and for this reason they try to give the city a better look: café's must use metal or wooden chairs outside (and not plastic), houses have to be painted in one colour throughout the city and they have re-developed the main boulevard along the sea. Until early 2008 the city-end of the boulevard was formed by the Rif Hotel, but in the spring of 2008 the existing hotel (see picture) was demolished and the road alongside the boulevard extended. This new road by-passes the city centre and runs directly towards the main roundabout at the entrance of Nador via the Road to Taoima. The remaining grounds where the hotel and its facilities were located is being redeveloped into a new hotel-complex.
