Ghafun
Ghafun
غافون | |
|---|---|
 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 |
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
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.