Ghafun

Ghafun غافون
Metropolis
Location within Salamat
Country	Salamat
Province	Ghafunya
Daira	Daira of Ghafun
Baladiya	Baladiyat of Ghafun
Major city	Ghafun
Government
• Body	Baladiyat of Ghafun
• Mayor	Abdellah Djaoudj (National Salvation Party)
Elevation	9 m (30 ft)
Highest elevation	227 m (745 ft)
Lowest elevation	0 m (0 ft)
Population  (2022)
• Total	1,981,027
• Rank	2nd
• Metro	3,115,833
Demonym	Ghafuni
Time zone	UTC-1
Postal code	03001-03033
Area code	+395-03
Website	www.ghafunbaladiyah.sl

Ghafun (Arabic : غافون) is the 2nd biggest city of Salamat. Located in the west of the country, it borders the Anchor Lake and occupies an important place in naval trade in the region. Its population is of 3,115,833 as of 2022.

Geography

Ghafun is located in the Ghafun plain, which stretches from the sea to Yryel. It has occasional hills, like the Jabal Harroud area in western Ghafun which is at over 200 meters above sea level, but is mostly flat and prone to floods. The Khaliwi mountains also start just north of Ghafun. The city of Ghafun is not irrigated by rivers, but projects of canals were studied in the 70s and most recently in the 2000s.

Climate

The climate of Ghafun is a tropical savanna climate (Koppen : Aw). The box below is more detailed ;

Climate data for Ghafun-Lakhdar Airport (1990–2020 averages)
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °C (°F)	36.1 (97.0)	35.8 (96.4)	35.5 (95.9)	35.2 (95.4)	35.0 (95.0)	34.7 (94.5)	34.8 (94.6)	35.0 (95.0)	35.2 (95.4)	35.6 (96.1)	35.7 (96.3)	36.2 (97.2)	36.2 (97.2)
Average high °C (°F)	28.4 (83.1)	27.3 (81.1)	27.0 (80.6)	26.5 (79.7)	25.4 (77.7)	25.1 (77.2)	24.8 (76.6)	25.5 (77.9)	26.1 (79.0)	26.9 (80.4)	27.6 (81.7)	28.7 (83.7)	26.6 (79.9)
Daily mean °C (°F)	24.9 (76.8)	24.2 (75.6)	23.6 (74.5)	23.2 (73.8)	22.7 (72.9)	22.4 (72.3)	22.3 (72.1)	22.6 (72.7)	23.3 (73.9)	24.0 (75.2)	24.5 (76.1)	25.3 (77.5)	23.6 (74.5)
Average low °C (°F)	17.3 (63.1)	17.0 (62.6)	16.6 (61.9)	16.2 (61.2)	15.8 (60.4)	15.4 (59.7)	15.5 (59.9)	15.9 (60.6)	16.3 (61.3)	16.6 (61.9)	17.0 (62.6)	17.4 (63.3)	16.4 (61.5)
Record low °C (°F)	13.4 (56.1)	12.5 (54.5)	6.4 (43.5)	9.8 (49.6)	11.2 (52.2)	13.2 (55.8)	12.6 (54.7)	13.3 (55.9)	10.2 (50.4)	4.8 (40.6)	13.5 (56.3)	12.3 (54.1)	4.8 (40.6)
Average precipitation mm (inches)	263.1 (10.36)	192.9 (7.59)	110.5 (4.35)	30.3 (1.19)	13.7 (0.54)	1.6 (0.06)	5.6 (0.22)	13.2 (0.52)	40.8 (1.61)	67.5 (2.66)	169.9 (6.69)	215.3 (8.48)	1,124.4 (44.27)
Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm)	25	20	15	6	2	0	0	2	7	9	18	22	126
Source: weathersalamat.com.sl

Ghafun's weather is mostly influenced by winds, which determine the temperature. Most of the time, winds blow from the southeast and bring cooler temperatures, but during the night, winds blow from the west and brings warmer temperatures. Also, at some moments of the year (early/mid-March and in mid-October), winds blow from the north, bringing cool air from the Khaliwi mountains to Ghafun and thus breaking records of cold weather. The dry season spans from April to September and the sky is mostly clear, and the wet season is mostly overcast.

Districts

Ghafun has 33 districts. The most important districts are :

• Medina, which englobes the entire Medina of Ghafun, which is the old town.
• Wast, where most commerces and monuments are located. It is the most important part of Ghafun, as most of its administrative buildings are located inside it.
• Jami'a Ghafun I, which hosts the University of Ghafun.
• Jabal Harroud, which hosts the Jabal Harroud park, which oversees the city of Ghafun. It is a major touristic site and a protected area.
• Markaz Al Tiknulujia is the innovation pole of the city. Most startups and enterprises are located there.

Transportation

Public transportation

Public transportation in Ghafun is an essential aspect of the city's infrastructure. The city boasts a modern metro system that serves thousands of commuters daily, connecting them to various parts of the city.

Metro System

Main article: Ghafun metro

The Ghafun Metro System, also known as the Ghafun Underground, is a rapid transit system that serves the city of Ghafun. The metro system currently has two lines which are the Red line and the Green line, both of which intersect at two points which make the system's hub ; the Port and Firas stations.

The Red line is the longest line in the system, running from the northeastern part of the city to the southwestern part, with a total of 19 stations. The line serves densely populated neighborhoods, shopping centers, and important municipal buildings, as well as stadiums, monuments and the port of Ghafun.

The Green line, on the other hand, runs from the northwestern part of the city to the southeastern part, with a total of 20 stations. The line connects commuters to residential areas, the university, and the city's cultural center, as well as the airport and parks.

The two lines operate from 6:00 am to 12:00 am daily, with trains departing every 3-5 minutes during peak hours and every 10 minutes during off-peak hours. The metro system is fully automated.

Fares for the Ghafun Metro are based on a distance-based system, with a minimum fare of 100 Salamati dinars and a maximum fare of 450 SLD. Commuters can purchase tickets at vending machines located in each station or use rechargeable smart cards.

Other Modes of Transportation

In addition to the metro system, Ghafun also boasts other modes of transportation, such as buses, taxis, and trams. The city has a well-developed bus network, with both government-run and private companies providing services to commuters. The buses operate on various routes, connecting commuters to different parts of the city.

Taxis are also a popular mode of transportation in Ghafun, with both traditional yellow taxis and ride-hailing services available. The city has a regulated taxi fare system, with fares based on distance and time of day.

The Ghafun tram system is another mode of transportation that serves specific areas of the city. The tram network currently has two lines, connecting commuters to the city's historic district and the university of Ghafun.

Rail transportation

Rail transportation in Ghafun is an important part of the city's transportation infrastructure. With a population of 3 million, Ghafun is one of the largest cities in the region, and rail transportation plays a significant role in connecting the city's residents and visitors to other parts of the country.

The rail system in Ghafun is operated by the National Company of Salamati Rails (NCSR), which is a state-owned enterprise responsible for the management and operation of the country's rail infrastructure.

The main railway station in Ghafun is the Central Station, which serves as the hub for all rail transportation in the city. The station is located in the city center, and it is easily accessible by public transport, including buses, the metro and taxis. The Central Station is a modern facility with all necessary amenities, including waiting areas, restaurants, and shops.

The rail network in Ghafun comprises both passenger and freight trains. Passenger trains run regularly between Ghafun and other major cities, including Dar Al Hamma, Nazarab, and Douara.

Freight trains are an essential part of the rail transportation system in Ghafun, as they transport goods between the city and other parts of the country. The rail network in Ghafun is connected to the Ghafun Industrial Zone located west of the city, making it an important link in the country's economy.

Air transportation

Air transportation plays a significant role in the city's connectivity and economy. The city has one airport, which cater to both domestic and international travel, as well as military operations.

Ghafun-Lakhdar Airport (GHL), located approximately 10 kilometers from the city center, is the only airport serving the city. It is a modern and well-equipped airport that handles a large number of passengers every year. GHL has three terminals, one for domestic flights, another for international flights and a third for the military. The airport has three runways.

The airport has numerous facilities and services to ensure that passengers have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. These facilities include several lounges, restaurants, cafes, duty-free shops, and retail stores. The airport also offers banking services, ATMs, and currency exchange services. Additionally, the airport has a prayer room and a medical clinic to cater to passengers' religious and medical needs.

Several airlines operate out of GHL, including national and international carriers. These airlines connect Ghafun to several domestic and international destinations, making it a hub for air travel in the region. Airlines that operate out of GHL include SalamAir, the national carrier.

Monuments and remarkable areas

Ghafun is full of monuments, including :

• Sid Ahmad Mausoleum, burial place of a Sufi saint of the time of the Ankur Caliphate
• Saha At-Tujar or Place of the Merchants, which is the PK 0 of Ghafun
• Jabal Harroud, which overlooks the entire city and is a protected park
• Masjid Al-Bahr, a mosque with a 211-meter tall minaret which was built just next to the sea
• Firas, a park in the center of the city, which was the ancient residence of the Muradid Dynasty before being destroyed in the 1880s by the Riamese
• Sidi Ghaleb Mausoleum, which is the burial place of another Sufi saint
• Bab Al-Ramadhan, an ancient gate of the city which was the border of the small Ramadhan Caliphate between 1785 and 1787

Sports

Ghafun has two sports complex, located in the Alastad and Hamis districts, respectively in the northeast and the south of the city.

The Dorda Sport Complex is located in the Alastad district in the northeast. It is the biggest sport complex of the city, which was built in the 1990s. It contains football stadiums and pitches, basketball and tennis courts, a baseball stadium and swimming pools which are especially crowded during the dry season. It is also home to the football club of the city Ghafun FC.

The Southern Sport Complex was built in the 1970s and is located in the Hamis district in the south of Ghafun. It consists of football pitches, basketball courts and a swimming pool.

Media

Television

Television in Ghafun is a vital component of the city's media landscape. Ghafun is home to a thriving television industry that caters to the diverse tastes of its residents.

The city is served by both public and private television networks, which provide news, entertainment, and educational programming to viewers. The two most prominent public networks are Salamat TV channels (1,2,3) (SLTV) and Ghafun TV, both of which are owned and operated by the government. These networks provide a range of programming, including news, current affairs, and cultural programs that highlight the city's rich history and traditions. Ghafun TV is more axed on the city, as it is a local channel.

In addition to public television, Ghafun is home to several private networks, mostly local, including Al-Salam TV and Al-Fayhaa TV, both of which are popular with viewers. These networks specialize in entertainment programming, including drama series, reality shows, and game shows.

Sports are also an essential component of television programming in Ghafun. Local sports channels, such as Al-Dawriya TV, provide live coverage of these matches, ensuring that fans never miss a moment of the action.

Radio

Radio in Ghafun is a significant part of the city's media landscape, providing news, music, and entertainment to its three million residents. Ghafun is home to several radio stations that broadcast in various languages and genres.

One of the most popular radio stations in Ghafun is Radio Ghafun, which broadcasts 24 hours a day in both Arabic and English. The station covers local news, sports, and current events, as well as playing a mix of popular music from around the world. Radio Ghafun has a loyal following among young people in the city, who tune in to hear the latest hits and stay up to date on local happenings.

Another prominent radio station in Ghafun is Radio Al-Fateh, which broadcasts exclusively in Arabic. The station's programming includes news, religious programs, and cultural shows that reflect the city's Islamic heritage. Radio Al-Fateh is popular among older listeners who appreciate the station's traditional values and emphasis on community.

In addition to these established stations, Ghafun is home to several newer, niche radio stations that cater to specific audiences. These include Radio Jazz, which broadcasts jazz music from around the world, and Jil FM, which plays hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

Ghafun was also home to multiple propaganda radio stations in the 80s, during the Jalil Al Kharrabi period. The city was used as a door to the west, with new transmitters being set up near Jabal Harroud to broadcast to Ghashir, Yryel and Arzaqa on mediumwave band and to Western Thrismari and Thuadia on shortwave.

Overall, radio played and still plays a vital role in the cultural life of Ghafun, providing a platform for local news, music, and entertainment. The city's radio landscape reflects its diverse population and its long history as a hub of trade and culture in the region.

Internet

As of 2021, it is estimated that approximately 60% of the population in Ghafun has access to the internet. This is largely due to the expansion of broadband internet services and the increasing popularity of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

In terms of internet service providers, Ghafun has several options available to its residents. Major national providers such as Salamobile, Alcotel, and GSMSIM all have a presence in the city, providing a range of internet packages to suit different needs and budgets.

In addition to traditional fixed-line broadband, mobile internet services have become increasingly popular in Ghafun. With the widespread availability of 3G and 4G networks, many residents now rely on mobile internet as their primary means of accessing the internet. This has allowed for greater flexibility and convenience in terms of internet usage, as well as making it easier for residents to stay connected while on the go.

Public Wi-Fi hotspots have also become more common in Ghafun in recent years. These hotspots can be found in a variety of locations such as cafes, shopping malls, and public parks, allowing residents to access the internet for free or at a low cost. This has helped to bridge the digital divide for those who may not be able to afford traditional internet services.

Despite the significant progress that has been made in expanding internet access in Ghafun, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. Many residents in the city still lack access to reliable and affordable internet services, particularly in poorer areas like the Al Hammam district in North Ghafun. Additionally, there are concerns about internet censorship and restrictions on online content in the country, which could impact the freedom of information and expression online.

Foreign consulates

Ghafun is home to TBA consulates. Here's a list of consulates in the city :

Country	Address	Phone number	Consul
TBD	TBD	(+395)-03-01-???????	TBD
TBD	TBD	(+395)-03-01-???????	TBD
TBD	TBD	(+395)-03-01-???????	TBD