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The Moroccan kingdom underwent a change in its administrative organization in 1997, with a reform concerning a new law of decentralization and local development. So instead of having all decisions taken in the capital, Rabat, each of the new 16 economic regions has a part of its own decisions taken in it, and assumes the responsibility of managing its local issues. Each region is headed by a Wali, and has a governor and a regional council.

The area of Marrakech – Tensift – El Haouz was created following the promulgation of the law n° 47/96 on the organization of the area, and the decree n° 2.97.246 of 17 August 1997 fixing the number of areas, their territorial limits, as well as the number of advisers to be elected.

Marrakech – Tensift – El Haouz is one of the sixteen regions of Morocco. It is located in the centre of the kingdom and includes a part of the High Atlas, covering an area of 31,160 km², which is 4.5% of the total territory of the country, for a population estimated at 3,102,652 inhabitants (2004 census), which is around 10% of the total Moroccan population… The capital of this region is Marrakech.

The region is divided into the following prefectures and provinces:
• Prefecture of Marrakech Medina;
• Prefecture of Marrakech Menara;
• Prefecture of Sidi Youssef Ben Ali;
• Province of Al Haouz;
• Province of Chichaoua;
• Province of Kelaat Sraghna;
• Province of Essaouira.

The area of Marrakech – Tensift – El Haouz is surrounded by Chaouia – Ourdigha and Doukkala – Abda in the north, the Atlantic Ocean in the west, Tadla – Azilal in the east, and the High Atlas of the Souss – Massa – Drâa region in the south.