With a population of 196,196 (2014 census),[1] Khouribga owes its growth to the phosphate deposits nearby.

The city was founded in 1923 by the authorities of the French protectorate when they discovered phosphate in the region,[2] for which Morocco is considered to be the biggest exporter in the world.

The Province of Khouribga has a large phosphate reserve estimated 35 to 40 billion cubic meters, which has been mined since 1920s and is ranked first at the international level.

Also Khouribga is one of the cities that brings hard currency and that is due to its community residents from Italy.

The phosphate mines in the Ouled Abdoun Basin are notable source of fossils, especially Mosasaur and Sharks jaws and teeth.