The most westerly country of North Africa, the Kingdom of Morocco
shares coastlines with both the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Centuries
of independence and its rugged topography have contributed to the
development of a distinctive Moroccan culture which is an eclectic
mix of Arab, Berber, European and African influences.
Morocco became the theatre of war between European powers who were
striving to bolster their trading activities in the region. The northern
half was occupied by Spain in 1860 while it became a French protectorate
from 1912. It declared its independence from France in 1956.
Also known as the Maghreb, Morocco annexed Western Sahara in 1975,
but the status of the territory still remains disputed.
Travel overview
Though Morocco is just an hour's ride on the ferry from Spain, it
is a world away from Europe in culture and experience. Notwithstanding
the years of colonial rule manifesting in the modern and cosmopolitan
cities like Casablanca and Rabat, a medieval past makes its presence
felt throughout the country.
Fes, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, retains the medieval
charm. The capital city of Marrakesh, called "Morocco City"
is a beautiful place is known for its architectural attractions including
the Koutoubia Minaret, the most perfect Islamic monument in North
Africa. Other Tourist attractions in Morocco include the city of Tangier,
its white sandy beaches and the snow-capped peaks of Atlas Mountains.
Meknes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is well worth a visit. Not to
be missed are the world heritage sites of Ait Benhaddou, Volubilis,
known for its exciting Roman ruins, Djemaa el-Fna meaning “Place
of the Dead”.
The spectacular caves of Hercules at Cape Spartel are a treat to
watch. The Drâa Valley and Hassan II Mosque, known to be the
third largest religious monument in the world, are well worth a visit.
Visitors can also enjoy activities like pony riding, swimming, boating,
hiking, trekking, diving, and deep-sea fishing.
Capital: Rabat
Location: Northern Africa
Climate: Mediterranean
Total Area: 446,550 sq km
Total Population: 33,757,175
Population Growth Rate: 1.528%
Sex Ratio: 0.994 male(s)/female
Literacy: 52.3%
Ethnic Groups: Arab-Berber, Jewish
Irrigated land: 14,450 sq km
Languages: Arabic, Berber dialects, French
Time Zone: UTC 0
Currency: Moroccan dirham (MAD
Neighbouring countries: Algeria, Western Sahara, Spain
Type of govt.: constitutional monarchy
Head of Govt.: Prime Minister Driss Jettou
Major Political Parties: Action Party or PA , Alliance of Liberties
or ADL , Annahj Addimocrati or Annahj, Avant Garde Social Democratic
Party or PADS, Citizen Forces or FC , Citizen's Initiatives for Development
,Constitutional Union or UC , Democratic and Independence Party or
PDI ,Democratic and Social Movement or MDS ,Democratic Forces Front
or FFD, Democratic Socialist Party or PSD , Democratic Union or UD
, Environment and Development Party or PED , Front of Democratic Forces
or FFD , Istiqlal Party (Independence Party) or PI , Justice and Development
Party or PJD , Moroccan Liberal Party or PML , National Democratic
Party or PND , National Ittihadi Congress Party or CNI , National
Popular Movement or MNP ,National Rally of Independents or RNI , National
Union of Popular Forces or UNFP, Parti Al Ahd or Al Ahd , Party of
Progress and Socialism or PPS ,Party of Renewal and Equity or PRE
, Party of the Unified Socialist Left or GSU , Popular Movement or
MP , Popular Movement Union or UMP , Reform and Development Party
or PRD , Social Center Party or PSC ,Socialist Union of Popular Forces
or USFP
Participation in International Organizations: AfDB, AFESD, ABEDA,
ACCT, AMF, FAO, G-77, AMU, EBRD, IAEA, IBRD, ICCt, ICRM, ICAO, ICC,
IDA, IDB, IHO, ILO, IMF, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IMO, Interpol, ISO, ITU,
ITUC, IOC, IOM, IPU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OIC, OIF, MINUSTAH, MONUC,
OPCW, UNCTAD, UNESCO, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, UNITAR,
UNOCI, UNWTO, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Major Agricultural Products: citrus, wine, barley, wheat, vegetables,
olives, livestock
Natural Resources & Minerals: phosphates, lead, zinc, iron ore,
manganese, fish, salt.
Industry & Transport: phosphate rock mining and processing, food
processing, leather goods, textiles, construction, tourism
Airports: 60
Railways: 1,907 km
Roadways: 57,493 km
Major Trade Partners: France, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Italy,
China, Germany, UK, India
Exports: $11.72 billion
Imports: $21.22 billion |
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