Morocco: The Jewel of North Africa
Morocco: The Jewel of North Africa

Morocco: The Jewel of North Africa

Explore the Enchanting Kingdom of Morocco

Introduction:

Morocco, officially known as the Kingdom of Morocco, is located in North Africa with coastlines on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by Algeria to the east and southeast, and Western Sahara to the south. The country is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes, from the Sahara Desert to the Atlas Mountains. The capital city is Rabat, while the largest city is Casablanca.

Morocco’s geography is varied, featuring mountains, deserts, and extensive coastlines. The climate ranges from Mediterranean in the coastal regions to continental in the interior and arid in the desert areas.

Economically, Morocco has a mixed economy with significant contributions from agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and tourism. The country is one of the world’s largest producers of phosphates and has a growing renewable energy sector. The Moroccan dirham (MAD) is the official currency.

Culturally, Morocco is a melting pot of Arab, Berber, and European influences. The country is known for its vibrant traditions in music, dance, and cuisine. Festivals such as the Fez Festival of World Sacred Music and the Marrakech International Film Festival attract visitors from around the world. Arabic and Berber are the official languages, and French is widely spoken.

Politically, Morocco is a constitutional monarchy with an elected parliament. King Mohammed VI has been the reigning monarch since 1999. The country has a unique status in the Arab world due to its relatively progressive stance on women’s rights and civil liberties.

Tourism plays a vital role in Morocco’s economy, with millions of visitors each year. Key attractions include the historic cities of Fez and Marrakech, the scenic Atlas Mountains, and the Sahara Desert. Morocco’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture make it a top destination for travelers.


110 Facts About Morocco (2024) (Part 1)


Basic Information

CategoryDetails
1. Current NameMorocco
2. National Nameالمملكة المغربية (Al-Mamlakah al-Maghribiyah)
3. Former NamesKingdom of Marrakesh, Kingdom of Fez
4. Date of Establishment789 AD
5. Date of IndependenceMarch 2, 1956 (from France and Spain)
6. LeadershipKing: Mohammed VI, Prime Minister: Aziz Akhannouch
7. Government TypeConstitutional monarchy
Morocco: The Jewel of North Africa
Morocco: The Jewel of North Africa

Geography

CategoryDetails
8. Capital CityRabat
9. Important CitiesCasablanca, Marrakech, Fez, Tangier, Agadir
10. Land Area446,550 square kilometers
11. Total Area710,850 square kilometers (includes Western Sahara)
12. Neighboring Countries (Land)Algeria, Western Sahara
13. Neighboring Countries (Sea)Spain (across the Strait of Gibraltar)
14. UNESCO World Heritage SitesMedina of Fez, Medina of Marrakech, Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou (9 sites)
15. UNESCO World Natural SitesNone
16. ClimateMediterranean, arid, and semi-arid
17. BiodiversityDiverse flora and fauna, including Barbary macaques and the endangered Moroccan fir
18. Famous RiverOum Er-Rbia
19. Famous MountainJebel Toubkal (highest peak in the Atlas Mountains)
20. Coastline Length1,835 kilometers
21. Major IslandsNone within Morocco’s territorial waters
22. Longest RiverDraa River
23. Highest WaterfallCascades d’Ouzoud
24. Largest LakeLake Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah
25. Largest ForestMiddle Atlas Cedar Forest
Morocco: The Jewel of North Africa
Morocco: The Jewel of North Africa

Population

CategoryDetails
26. Population (2024)Approximately 38 million
27. Population (1950)8.9 million
28. Population (1900)4.9 million
29. Projected Population (2070)50 million
30. Population Density85 people per square kilometer
31. Urban Population (%)63%
32. Rural Population (%)37%
Morocco: The Jewel of North Africa

Demographics

CategoryDetails
33. Ethnicity/RaceArab-Berber (99%), Other (1%)
34. LanguagesArabic (official), Berber (official), French
35. National LanguageArabic, Berber
36. ReligionIslam (Sunni Muslim)
37. Median Age29.5 years
38. Life Expectancy76.7 years
39. Birth Rate17.1 births per 1,000 people
40. Death Rate5.5 deaths per 1,000 people
Morocco: The Jewel of North Africa
Morocco: The Jewel of North Africa

Economic Indicators

CategoryDetails
41. Monetary UnitMoroccan Dirham (MAD)
42. GDP$132 billion (2022 est.)
43. GDP per Capita (PPP)$8,374 (2022 est.)
44. Income LevelLower-middle income
45. Consumer Price Inflation1.6% (2022 est.)
46. Current Account Balance-$4.5 billion (2022 est.)
47. Exchange Rate (Per $)1 USD = 9.94 MAD
48. Unemployment Rate10.7% (2022 est.)
49. Stocks Inward ($ billion)64.8 (2022 est.)
50. Real GDP Growth (%)3.0% (2022 est.)
51. Labor Force (Million)12 million
52. Major IndustriesPhosphates, textiles, clothing, tourism, agriculture
53. Major ExportsPhosphates, textiles, electrical components, fish, agricultural products
54. Major ImportsCrude oil, telecommunications equipment, wheat, gas
55. Public Debt (% of GDP)68.2% (2022 est.)
56. Tax Revenue (% of GDP)21% (2022 est.)
57. Minimum Wage2,828 MAD per month
58. Average Household Income43,000 MAD per year
59. Inflation Rate1.6% (2022)
60. Interest Rate2.25% (2022)
61. Major Trade PartnersFrance, Spain, China, Italy, United States
Morocco: The Jewel of North Africa
Morocco: The Jewel of North Africa

Social Indicators

CategoryDetails
62. Literacy Rate73.8%
63. Fertility Rate2.4 children per woman
64. Infant Mortality Rate18.6 per 1,000 live births
65. Under-5 Mortality Rate22.7 per 1,000 live births
66. National HolidaysIndependence Day, Throne Day, Labor Day, Green March Day
67. Health Care SystemDeveloping, with major improvements needed
68. Health Expenditure (% of GDP)6.2% (2022 est.)
69. Obesity Rate20.4% of adults
70. Drinking Water Source85% of the population has access to clean drinking water
71. Access to Sanitation77% of the population has access to improved sanitation facilities
72. Average Life Satisfaction5.9/10
**73. Major Health
Morocco: The Jewel of North Africa
Morocco: The Jewel of North Africa


Social Indicators (continued)

CategoryDetails
73. Major Health IssuesCardiovascular diseases, diabetes, respiratory infections

Culture and Society

CategoryDetails
74. National SportFootball (Soccer)
75. National AnimalBarbary Lion
76. National FlowerRose
77. Famous CuisineCouscous, Tagine, Pastilla, Harira
78. Famous MusicAndalusian classical music, Chaabi, Gnawa
79. Major FestivalsMawazine, Fes Festival of World Sacred Music, Marrakech International Film Festival
80. Traditional DanceChaabi, Ahidous, Gnaoua
81. Famous ArtistsHassan El Glaoui, Farid Belkahia, Chaibia Talal
82. Famous WritersTahar Ben Jelloun, Leila Abouzeid, Mohamed Choukri
83. Cultural InfluencesArab, Berber, French, Spanish
84. Popular SportsFootball, Basketball, Athletics
85. Religious PracticesIslam (Sunni Muslim), with religious tolerance towards Jews and Christians

Education

CategoryDetails
86. Best Public UniversityMohammed V University
87. Best Private UniversityAl Akhawayn University
88. Education Expenditure (% of GDP)6.4% (2022 est.)
89. Literacy Rate73.8%
90. Primary School Enrollment99%
91. Secondary School Enrollment58%
92. Higher Education Enrollment14%
93. Major Fields of StudyEngineering, Business, Social Sciences, Medicine
94. Number of Universities23
95. International Students14,000
96. Graduation Rate65% (high school)
Morocco: The Jewel of North Africa
Morocco: The Jewel of North Africa

Environment

CategoryDetails
97. Pollution LevelsModerate, with major urban areas experiencing higher levels
98. Forest Coverage12% of total land area
99. Protected Areas10% of land area protected
100. Renewable Energy Use36% of total energy consumption (2022)
101. Endangered SpeciesBarbary macaque, Mediterranean monk seal
102. National ParksToubkal National Park, Ifrane National Park
103. Environmental PoliciesFocus on renewable energy and sustainable agriculture

International Standing

CategoryDetails
104. Military StrengthModerate
105. Country Rank121st in Human Development Index (2022)
106. Happiness Rank79th (World Happiness Report, 2022)
107. Passport Rank79th (Henley Passport Index, 2022)
108. Tourism Rank52nd (UNWTO Tourism Ranking, 2019)
109. Global Economy Rank61st (World Bank, 2022)
110. Science and Technology Rank82nd (Global Innovation Index, 2021)

History of Morocco

Morocco has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The Berbers, the indigenous people of North Africa, have inhabited Morocco for at least 5,000 years. The region was influenced by several civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, and Romans. The Arab invasion in the 7th century introduced Islam to Morocco, and the country became part of the Umayyad Caliphate.

The establishment of the Idrisid dynasty in 788 marked the beginning of an independent Moroccan state. Over the centuries, various dynasties, including the Almoravids, Almohads, Merinids, and Saadians, ruled Morocco, each contributing to the country’s cultural and architectural heritage. The Alaouite dynasty, which began in the 17th century, still rules Morocco today.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, European powers, particularly France and Spain, increased their influence in Morocco. The Treaty of Fez in 1912 established Morocco as a French protectorate, while Spain controlled parts of northern and southern Morocco. The struggle for independence intensified after World War II, and Morocco finally gained full independence from France and Spain on March 2, 1956.

King Mohammed V, who played a crucial role in the independence movement, became the first king of modern Morocco. His son, King Hassan II, ruled from 1961 to 1999, implementing significant political and economic reforms. The current king, Mohammed VI, has continued to modernize the country while addressing social and economic challenges.


The Flag of Morocco

The flag of Morocco consists of a red field with a green pentagram, or five-pointed star, in the center. The red color represents hardiness, bravery, strength, and valor, while the green color symbolizes love, joy, wisdom, peace, and hope. The five points of the star stand for the five pillars of Islam, reflecting Morocco’s deep Islamic heritage.

Morocco: The Jewel of North Africa
Morocco: The Jewel of North Africa

The current design of the Moroccan flag was adopted on November 17, 1915, during the reign of Sultan Yusef. The pentagram, also known as the Seal of Solomon, is a traditional symbol in Islamic art and represents the connection between God and the nation. The simplicity and boldness of the flag’s design make it a powerful symbol of Morocco’s identity and unity.


References

  1. “Morocco.” Encyclopædia Britannica. britannica.com
  2. “History of Morocco.” History.com. history.com
  3. “The Flag of Morocco.” CIA World Factbook. cia.gov
  4. “Moroccan Economy.” World Bank. worldbank.org
  5. “UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Morocco.” UNESCO. unesco.org
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