Demnate

Demnate
—  Berber  —
Demnate Location in Morocco
Coordinates: 31°43′52″N 7°2′10″W / 31.73111°N 7.03611°W / 31.73111; -7.03611Coordinates: 31°43′52″N 7°2′10″W / 31.73111°N 7.03611°W / 31.73111; -7.03611
Country	Morocco
Region	Tadla-Azilal
Population (2010)
– Total	39,000
Time zone	WET (UTC+0)
– Summer (DST)	WEST (UTC+1)

Demnate (Arabic: دمنات‎) is a town in central Morocco, in the Atlas Mountains. It is located at around 31°43′52″N 7°2′10″W / 31.73111°N 7.03611°W / 31.73111; -7.03611. Demnate is a mid-sized city, of 40 thousand and is larger than Azilal. Located at the foot of the high Atlas Mountains roughly 110 km east of Marrakech. The majority of the Demnate population speaks Berber; the local dialect is Tashelheit, as well as Darija and some French. Demnate is the oldest city in the south as it used to be a linking point between the Moroccan south and Marrakech. The Berber villages that surround Demnate are still full of tradition and have some of the most beautiful natural scenes in the entire south. The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains and has some very nice natural attractions close by, including the natural land bridge Iminifery, dinosaur traces, and the Ouzoud Falls. One of the highest mountains in Morocco (Rat) is located within miles southwest of Demnate. Demnate has many weavers and is well know for its deposits of red clay which local artisans make into beautiful pottery. Demnate, being a large city, has recognized local authority many of who were born in Demnate or close by. The Qayd has an office at the north end of town. There is a large and active police station. Electricity is available 24 hours a day, but the water is turned off at night around 8pm. There is a souk bus station with buses daily to most major cities. Internet and phone in the home is available for a price.

Demnate has 3 hospitals and a diabetes center. One hospital is public, one a children's hospital and for lung patients, and the third is for emergencies. Some choose to travel to Marrakesh for major medical treatment. Although the hospitals are free, herbal and home remedies are common and hospital visits are for more extreme or chronic maladies. Malnutrition does not appear to be a problem. Water in Denate is treated and completely safe to drink. People are aware of germs and that poultry must be cooked thoroughly. Hand washing happens, but not regularly or correctly. Dental care in the home seems to be non existent. There are many dentists in Demnate, and we are sure they have plenty of business. The youth express concerns about smoking and diabetes. There are AIDS/HIV awareness posters at the Youth Center, the diabetes center, and all three hospitals.

As far as social institutions that work with the youth Demnate has 3 major facilities: the Youth Center, the Environmental Center, and the Woman’s Center. The Youth Center has an active theater group and computer classes, along with soccer. The environmental center has expositions on environmental concerns and takes kids on field trips to the natural land bride. The woman’s center is a mystery. Some residents know of it, others say Demnate doesn't have one.

There are many social issues in Demnate, much like in any large city. Child labor exists and is normal. Their work includes carpentry, shoe shining, cart pushing, and working with tailors. Some of these children go to school, some do not. Child abuse is very common, and is considered normal, although it is recognized by the community as a problem. Police do not intervene in cases of child abuse. There is no orphanage in Demnate. There is an association for the handicapped and all schools are handicap accessible.

External links

• Lexicorient
• http://www.demnate.net