human weight from the mountain fortress to the open plain and facilitated the process of military control of the French occupation of the region. The massive influx of workers in the agriculture sector from different Moroccan regions has also disrupted the homogeneous tribal fabric. Economy Berkane is considered the capital of the citrus fruit industry of Morocco, and high-quality fresh fruit and vegetables are plentiful year round. It is known for its farms of clementines. Also, a large statue of an orange is at the center of town. It is very close to Saïdia, a popular beach resort town on the Mediterranean, as well as Tafoughalt, a small village in the nearby mountains known for its healthy air and herb markets. Berkane is also a commercial and business strip. Ibn Sina/Rue Dehb or Alhob (meaning "The Street of Gold" or "Street of Love") is lined with many of the most popular cafes and jewelry shops. The city sprawls into the hillsides and connects via bridge to a small neighboring town, Sidi Slimane, giving the impression that it is much larger than the census claims. Notable people Abdelkader El Brazi, Former international goalkeeper Aziz Bouhaddouz, International footballer Fouzi Lekjaa, Football administrator and businessman Hicham El Guerrouj, Former olympic athlete, world record holder for the fastest mile also the current world record holder in the 1500m and 2000m Mohammed Hendouf, Moroccan-Belgian kickboxer Twin towns – sister cities Berkane is twinned with: Bondy, France Perpignan, France Saint-Gilles, Belgium Zeist, Netherlands References External links Nador Rif News شبكة أخبار الناظور و الريف أريفينو.نت ; www.ariffino.net Berkane entry in lexicorient Berkane Fort Web Site Populated places in Berkane Province Municipalities of Morocco Provincial capitals in Morocco