Kingdom of Morocco

Kingdom of Morocco
Conventional long name	Kingdom of Morocco
Common name	Morocco
Capital	Rabat
Largest city	Casablanca
Official languages	Arabic, Amazigh
Ethnic groups	Arab, Amazigh, Sahrawi
Government type	Constitutional monarchy
Monarch	Mohammed VI
Prime minister	Aziz Akhannouch
Area km2	710850
Population estimate	37,000,000
Currency	Moroccan dirham
Drives on	right
Calling code	+212

Kingdom of Morocco is a sovereign state located in the northwest corner of Africa, with coastlines on the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Its political system combines a hereditary monarchy with an executive led by a prime minister and a bicameral legislature, and its territory encompasses diverse landscapes from the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert. Morocco has historical ties to the Almoravid dynasty, the Almohad Caliphate, the Saadi dynasty, and interactions with Portugal, Spain, and the Ottoman Empire that shaped its modern borders.

History

Morocco's recorded past includes prehistoric sites such as Taforalt and ancient contacts with Phoenicians, Carthage, and the Roman Empire—notably Volubilis. The rise of medieval dynasties like the Idrisid dynasty, Almoravid dynasty, and Almohad Caliphate linked Morocco to the wider Islamic Golden Age, while later powers such as the Marinid dynasty and the Saadi dynasty influenced trans-Saharan trade and conflict with Portugal at battles like Battle of Alcácer Quibir. The 19th and 20th centuries saw increasing European intervention culminating in the Treaty of Fez and establishment of the French Protectorate in Morocco and Spanish Morocco, followed by independence movements involving figures such as Mohammed V and the nationalist Istiqlal Party, leading to independence in 1956 and the postcolonial reign of the current royal dynasty descended from the Alaouite dynasty.

Geography and Environment

Morocco's terrain includes the Rif Mountains, the Atlas Mountains, and arid regions of the Sahara, with major rivers like the Sebou River and the Draa River. Coastal cities such as Tangier, Agadir, and Casablanca face the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, while ecological zones include Mediterranean ecosystems and Saharan steppe. Environmental challenges involve desertification, water scarcity affecting the Ourika Valley and the Oued Massa basin, conservation efforts at sites like Ifrane National Park and species protection for the Barbary macaque.

Government and Politics

The state is a constitutional Alaouite dynasty monarchy headed by Mohammed VI with a head of government (the prime minister) appointed under the 2011 Moroccan constitutional referendum. The legislature comprises the Parliament with a lower house and a upper house, while judicial matters are influenced by institutions such as the Supreme Court of Morocco. Major political parties include the Istiqlal Party, the Justice and Development Party, and the RNI, and policy debates often centre on issues relating to the Western Sahara conflict and decentralization after the 2011 protests.

Economy

Morocco's economy features sectors such as phosphates extraction led by OCP Group and agriculture centered in the Gharb plain and Souss Valley, with service hubs in Casablanca and Rabat. Tourism draws visitors to cultural sites like Fes el Bali and Marrakesh, and investments in renewable energy include the Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex and wind farms near Tarfaya. Trade relationships extend to the EU, United States, and China, and infrastructure projects involve the Tangier-Med port and the Kenitra Atlantic Port. Economic challenges include unemployment, informal sector prominence, and dependence on commodity prices affecting export sectors like citrus and phosphate rock.

Society and Culture

Moroccan culture reflects Amazigh and Arab heritage shaped by interactions with Andalusia, Jewish communities, and African and European influences; cultural landmarks include Medina of Fez, Djemaa el-Fna, and Ait Benhaddou. Languages include Arabic and Amazigh varieties such as Tashelhit, Tamazight, and Tarifit, while religious life centers on Sunni Islam with historical sites like Kairaouine Mosque. Artistic traditions encompass Moroccan cuisine with staples like couscous and tagine, Moroccan leather production in Fez, musical styles including Gnawa music and Andalusian classical music, and contemporary arts showcased at institutions like the Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden.

Infrastructure and Transportation

Major transport links include the A1 and A3 corridors, the high-speed rail line Al Boraq connecting Tangier and Casablanca, and the Tangier-Med port as a logistics hub. Airports such as Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca and Agadir–Al Massira Airport serve international traffic, while urban transit systems operate in Casablanca Tramway and Rabat Tramway. Energy infrastructure includes the Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex and interconnections with European grids are planned alongside investment in LNG terminals.

Foreign Relations and Security

Morocco conducts diplomacy through links with the European Union, United States, and African Union, and has observer and membership roles in organisations such as the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Security priorities include counterterrorism cooperation with France and the United States and border management along the Western Sahara and the Algeria–Morocco border, with disputes like the Western Sahara conflict involving Polisario Front and international mediation efforts including United Nations missions. Military modernization involves the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces acquisitions and joint exercises with partners such as NATO members and Spain.

Category:Countries in Africa