Time Zone |
Africa/Casablanca |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+1 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC+0 |
Time Zone |
Africa/Niamey |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+1 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Marrakech, the historic imperial city of Morocco, is located in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains in the southwest of the country and is known as the "Red City" for its iconic red earthen architecture. It has been an important trade and cultural center in North Africa since the Almoravid dynasty founded it in the 11th century, and the Old Town (Medina), designated a World Heritage Site in 1985, is a collection of winding alleyways that house traditional bazaars, mosques and palaces, such as the street performances in the Djemaa Square, the minarets of the Koutoubia Mosque, and the exquisite mosaics of the Bahia Palace. With its exotic blend of Berber, Arab and Andalusian flavors, spice markets, leather workshops and garden courtyards (such as the Jardin Majorelle), it's a must-visit for a taste of Morocco's tradition and modernity.
Diffa, the capital of the Diffa region in southeastern Niger, is located on the southern edge of the Sahara Desert and shares a border with Nigeria, making it one of the most important border cities in Niger. The city is located in the lower Niger River basin around the climate of the tropical desert climate, hot and dry throughout the year, the average annual precipitation is less than 300 millimeters. The economy is based on agriculture and animal husbandry, and the surrounding areas are rich in millet, sorghum and livestock. Diffa, as a regional trade center, undertakes the function of cross-border trade with neighboring countries, such as Nigeria, and is especially famous for the trade of livestock, agricultural products and handicrafts. The city is culturally diverse, with Hausa, Tuareg and Kanuri ethnic groups living in the area, and is unique in its crafts such as traditional leather weaving and silversmithing. Despite infrastructural challenges, Diffa remains an important economic and cultural node in the south-east of the Niger, thanks to its strategic location and rich cultural heritage.