Set more or less in the middle of Morocco's Atlantic coastline on the left bank of the mouth of Bou Regreg River, Rabat is Morocco's political and administrative capital and the official residence of the King. All ministries and embassies are located in Rabat.
 Apart from its governmental activities, Rabat is one of the country's main industrial centers where, among other things, textiles, processed food, and building materials are manufactured.
The city contains several of Morocco's major educational institutions, including Mohammed V University, the National Conservatory of Music, Dance, and Dramatic Arts and institutes of agricultural, public administration and applied economics studies. Rabat is also one of Morocco's many outstanding tourist attractions. Theatre Mohamed V is located in the centre of the town with a few galleries and an archeological museum. Rabat has a very active art scene for independant artists, with the addition of a visual arts space in 2002.
 Rabat was founded as an Arab army outpost in the 12th century and given the generic name for military encampment, Ribat, which is still in use today.
For centuries Rabat and Salé were rival principalities but eventually Rabat began to dominate the area and Salé's power was ultimately eclipsed altogether by its larger neighbor.
In the early 17th century it became a center of anti-European piracy centered at the stronghold of the Kasbah des Oudaias.
Rabat was first made a modern capital in 1912 by Morocco's French overlords and remained the nation's capital after independence in 1956 and is the residence of the royal family.
Rabat Tourist Attractions :
Chellah
Chellah was known as a necropolis until 1931, when excavations uncovered some Roman ruins. A garden leads to a terrace affording an unparalleled view both of the Roman ruins and of the minaret of the Merinide Mosque, decorated with polychrome glazed earthenware tiles.
Chellah Necropolis
In the 13th and 14th centuries the Merinides honored Rabat by making it the site of the Chellah necropolis, building on the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Sala.
Oudaya kasbah
Construction of the Oudayas Kasbah in Rabat dates to the 11th century. A ribat, a real fortress, was built here to protect the Oudayas, and it affords a fine view over Salé and the ocean. The interior of the Kasbah is well worth a visit.
Oudaya Museum
 The Oudaïas Museum is situated in the opulent 17th century lodge built by Moulay Ismail as his first Rabat residence, with a lush garden that is a masterpiece. At the far end of the lodge is a room reproducing an ancient Moroccan interior with a vast bay opening onto this glorious spectacle. Cushions in brocade, silk and gold cover the divans around the room. A little further on, in a cool marble room, stand rows of ancient illuminated Qur'ans, jewelry, pottery and musical instruments. There is also an exquisite collection of carpets.
Hassan tower Mausoleum
On the side of the Hassan Tower is the mausoleum where King Mohamed V lies. It is in this very place where the late Mohamed V, returning from exile, gathered thousands of Moroccans to thank God for giving independence to his country.
Mohammed V Mausoleum
Mohamed V mausoleum, built in 1956, honors the architect of Moroccan independence. It is situated at the same site as the Hassan Tower.
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