Oulad Chbana
Oulad Chbana is a small town and rural commune in Settat Province of the Casablanca-Settat region in central Morocco.
Geography
Oulad Chbana lies on the Chaouia plateau at roughly 370 m above sea level, about 25 km southwest of the city of Settat and 80 km south of Casablanca. The surrounding landscape is gently rolling, with cereal fields and olive groves dominating the local land use.
Administration
The commune is part of the Settat Province within the Casablanca-Settat region. It is one of 17 rural communes in the province’s Circle of El Borouj.
Demographics
At the time of the 2004 census, Oulad Chbana had 7,925 inhabitants in 1,195 households. By the 2014 national census, the population had risen to 8,081 residents living in 1,319 households, of whom 47.9 % were female and 52.1 % male. The average household size was about 6.1 persons.
Economy
Agriculture is the mainstay of the local economy, with wheat, barley and olives as principal crops. Small-scale livestock and poultry farming also contribute to household incomes.
Infrastructure
Oulad Chbana is linked by regional roads to Settat and neighbouring communes. The nearest major highway is the A7 Casablanca–Marrakesh, accessible at Settat. There is a primary school and a health centre; secondary schooling and hospital services are in Settat.
Culture and Society
The commune is predominantly Muslim; local life revolves around the weekly souk and seasonal agricultural festivals. Traditional Chaouia music and dance are still practised at family and community events.