|
Description Morocco by rbd.me
|
|
In 788, about a century after the Arab conquest of North Africa, successive Moorish dynasties began to rule in Morocco. In the 16th century, the Sa'adi monarchy, particularly under Ahmad AL-MANSUR (1578-1603), repelled foreign invaders and inaugurated a golden age. In 1860, Spain occupied northern Morocco and ushered in a half century of trade rivalry among European powers that saw Morocco's sovereignty steadily erode; in 1912, the French imposed a protectorate over the country. A protracted independence struggle with France ended successfully in 1956. The internationalized city of Tangier and most Spanish possessions were turned over to the new country that same year. Morocco virtually annexed Western Sahara during the late 1970s, but final resolution on the status of the territory remains unresolved. Gradual political reforms in the 1990s resulted in the establishment of a bicameral legislature, which first met in 1997. The country has made improvements in human rights under King MOHAMMED VI and its press is moderately free, but the government occasionally takes action against journalists who report on three broad subjects considered to be taboo: the monarchy, Islam, and the status of Western Sahara. Despite the continuing reforms, ultimate authority remains in the hands of the monarch.
WebCam
|
|
Location
|
|
Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Western Sahara
|
|
Area - comparative
|
|
slightly larger than California
|
|
Natural resources Morocco
|
|
phosphates, iron ore, manganese, lead, zinc, fish, salt
|
|
Population Morocco
|
|
31,627,428 (July 2010 est.)
|
|
Religions Morocco
|
|
Muslim 98.7%, Christian 1.1%, Jewish 0.2%
|
|
Languages
|
|
Arabic (official), Berber dialects, French often the language of business, government, and diplomacy
|
|
Education Morocco expenditures
|
|
NA
|
|
Government Morocco type
|
|
constitutional monarchy
|
|
Independence
|
|
2 March 1956 (from France)
|
|
Morocco Economy - overview
|
|
Economic policies pursued since 2003 by King Mohammed VI have brought macroeconomic stability to the country with generally low inflation, improved financial sector performance, and steady progress in developing the services and industrial sectors. The National Initiative for Human Development (INDH), a $2 billion initiative launched by the King in 2005, has improved social welfare through a successful rural electrification program, an overhaul of the tourism and agriculture sectors, and the gradual replacement of urban slums with decent housing. Despite the INDH's success, Morocco continues to grapple with a high illiteracy rate, a low education enrollment rate, and a high urban youth unemployment rate of around 30%. Moroccan exports have dropped sharply since mid-2008 as a result of the decline in global phosphates prices--the bulk of Moroccan exports by value--and the global economic slowdown. The recession in Europe--Morocco's main export market--also prompted a decline in the flow of foreign tourists and remittances, two primary sources of foreign currency. A record agricultural harvest, strong government spending, and domestic consumption, however, combined to offset losses from weak exports and helped GDP grow by 5.1% in 2009. Despite structural adjustment programs supported by the IMF, the World Bank, and the Paris Club, the dirham is only fully convertible for selected transactions. In 2006, Morocco entered a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US, and in 2008 entered into an advanced status in its 2000 Association Agreement with the EU. Morocco's primary economic challenge is to accelerate and sustain growth in order to reduce high levels of unemployment and underemployment. Long-term challenges include improving education and job prospects for Morocco's youth, closing the income gap between the rich and the poor, confronting corruption, and expanding and diversifying exports beyond phosphates and low-value added products.
|
|
Investment Morocco
|
|
32.5% of GDP (2009 est.)
|
|
Industries Morocco
|
|
barley, wheat, citrus fruits, grapes, vegetables, olives; livestock; wine
|
|
Airports Morocco
|
|
.ma
|
|
