As of the 2008 census it has a population of 32,518 , up from 28,022 in 1998 , with an annual growth rate of 1.5 % , the lowest in the province .
It was once an important trade link of the trans - Saharan caravan route .
As of the 2008 census trade link has a population of 32,518 , up from 28,022 in 1998 , with an annual growth rate of 1.5 % , the lowest in the province .
It was once an important trade link of the trans - Saharan caravan route .