Rabat

For other uses, see Rabat (disambiguation).

Rabat الرباط (Arabic) ⵕⵕⴱⴰⵟ (Standard Moroccan Tamazight)
Capital city
River Bou Regreg and the Kasbah of the Udayas Mausoleum of Mohammed V Royal Palace Chellah Necropolis Hassan Tower Avenue Mohammed V
Seal
Interactive map of Rabat
Coordinates: 34°01′16″N 6°50′29″W
Country	Morocco
Region	Rabat-Salé-Kénitra
Government
• Mayor	Fatiha El Moudni (RNI)
Area
• Capital city	117 km2 (45 sq mi)
Highest elevation	160 m (520 ft)
Lowest elevation	0 m (0 ft)
Population  (2024)
• Capital city	515,619
• Rank	7th in Morocco
• Density	4,400/km2 (11,400/sq mi)
• Metro	2,120,192
Demonym	Rbati
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
Website	mairiederabat.ma/ar-AR
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Official name	Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City: a Shared Heritage
Type	Cultural
Criteria	ii, iv
Designated	2012 (36th session)
Reference no.	1401
Region	Arab States

Rabat is the capital city of Morocco, located on the northwestern coasts of the Atlantic Ocean. Rabat is the country's seventh-largest city with a population of 515,619 (2024) and the second largest metropolitan area after Casablanca, with a population of approximately 2.1 million (2025). It is also the capital city of the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra administrative region. Rabat is located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg, opposite Salé, the city's main commuter town.

Rabat was founded in the 12th century, by the Almohads. After a period of growth, the city fell into a period of decline. In the 17th century, Rabat became a haven for the Barbary corsairs. When the French established a protectorate over Morocco in 1912, Rabat became its administrative center. When Morocco achieved independence in 1956, Rabat became its capital.

Rabat is one of the four imperial cities of Morocco, and its medina is listed as a World Heritage Site. It is accessible by train through the ONCF system and by plane through the nearby Rabat–Salé Airport.