Geography

• Area: 446,550 sq. km. (172,413 sq. mi.) slightly larger than California.
• Major cities: Rabat (Capital), Casablanca, Marrakech, Fes, Meknes, Tangier.
• Terrain: Coastal plains, mountains, desert.
• Climate: Mediterranean to more extreme in the interior and south.

People

• Nationality: Noun and adjective--Moroccan(s).
• Population (2004): 31,478,000.
• Annual growth rate (2004): 1.4%.
• Ethnic groups: Arab-Berber 99%.
• Religions: Muslim 99.99%, Jewish population estimated at 4,000 people, Christian population estimated at less than 1,000.
• Languages: Arabic (official), several Berber dialects; French functions as the language of business, government, and diplomacy.
• Education: Years compulsory--9. Literacy--52.6%.
• Health: Infant mortality rate--49.72/1,000. Life expectancy--66.92 yrs. male, 71.44 yrs. female.
• Work force (10.7 million, 2003): Agriculture--50%; services--35%; industry--15%.

History & Culture

  Morocco's history began with the Berbers, the aboriginal people who have inhabited the country since the end of the 2nd millennium BC Rome extended its rule over the area after defeating Carthage in 146 BC, and testimony to its presence still exists in the fine Roman ruins at Volubilis. As Rome fell into decline Morocco was invaded first by the Vandals and then, in the 7th century, by the Arabs. Although external Arab rule lasted little more than a century, the arrival of Islam proved to be a permanent addition to Moroccan culture. In the ensuing centuries a series of ruling dynasties came to power, including the Idrissids, the Almoravids, and the Almohads, but none seemed capable of long maintaining the critical support of the Berber leaders. By the 15th century Spain and Portugal began to intrude into Morocco, after having expelled the Moors from their own lands. Although Morocco successfully repulsed these invasions, the tide of European imperialism eventually proved too great. By the middle of the 19th century Morocco's strategic importance had become evident to all of the European powers, and they engaged in a protracted struggle for possession of the country. Finally, in 1911, France was formally acknowledged as protector of the greater part of the country, with Spain receiving a number of isolated locales. French rule came to an end in 1953, although its cultural influence on Morocco remains strongly in evidence. Today the country is ruled by King Mohammed VI. He appears to be leading Morocco toward both long-term stability and a greater degree of economic prosperity