Its administrative center is the city of Ghardaia, located 600 km (370 mi) south of the capital Algiers.

Since the state is located in desert areas, the climate of the region is arid desert, the temperature range is wide between day and night, and between winter and summer; the winter temperature ranges between 1 and 25 °C (34 and 77 °F), and between 18 and 48 °C (64 and 118 °F) in summer.

2015 - Violence causing the death of over 20 citizens as a result of ethnic tension between "Bani Mzab and Arab Bedouin from various branches of the Chaamba tribe".

The Mzab includes Zelfana and Guerrara in the east and is merged to the region of Chaamba in the south.

Many old small built-up areas, fallen into ruins long time ago, can be counted: in nearby al Atteuf we mention Agharm Netlazdit, Oukheira, and Aoulaoual, Tmazzert once existed near Bounoura and Agharm Enwadday has preceded the present city of Melika.

The position of Wali of Ghardaia was held by many national political figures since its establishment on 4 February 1984 under Law No.