Redeyef (Arabic: الرّدَيِّف, romanized: Ar Rudayyif) is a town and commune in the Gafsa Governorate of southwestern Tunisia. It is located approximately 34°23′N 8°09′E, west of the city of Gafsa and east of the Tunisian-Algerian border.
Overview
Redeyef sits at the center of one of the world's most important phosphate mining basins. The city's economy is predominantly based on phosphate extraction, with deposits first discovered in the region in 1885. The town serves as a key settlement in the phosphate-rich mining basin of the Gafsa region.
Demographics
According to the 2014 census, the municipality of Redeyef had a population of 25,046 (12,245 males and 12,801 females), with 6,029 homes and 5,603 families. Earlier figures from the 2004 census recorded a population of 26,143.
Infrastructure
Redeyef is the terminus of a railway line connecting Métlaoui to Redeyef. This railway line was built primarily for transporting phosphates from the mines. It is notable for running through the scenic Selja Gorges, a dramatic canyon landscape that has become a point of interest.
Government
The mayor of Redeyef is Ahmed Tababi, representing the Popular Front political coalition.
References
- Institut National de la Statistique (Tunisia) – 2004 and 2014 census data.
- Wikipedia article on Redeyef.
