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Geography |
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Morocco is located on the westernmost tip of north Africa, bordering
Algeria to the east, Mauritania and the disputed territory of
Western Sahara to the southwest and southeast, the Atlantic ocean to
the west and the Mediterranean to the north. Running through the
middle of the country is the Atlas mountain range, which leads to
the fertile plains and sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast. The
Middle Atlas range sweeps up from the south, rising to over 3,000m
(9,850ft), covered with woodlands of pine, oak and cedar, open
pastureland and small lakes. The Rif Mountains run along the north
coast. The ports of Ceuta (Sebta) and Melilla on the north coast are
administered by Spain. |
Government
Constitutional monarchy since 1956, when Morocco gained
independence from France.
Head of State
King Mohammed VI since 1999.
Head of Government
Prime Minister Driss Jettou since 2002.
Recent History
Since King Mohammed VI was enthroned in 1999, the country
has instituted sweeping political and economic changes.
Although poverty is still widespread and unemployment
remains high, initiatives to attract foreign investment and
tourism are bringing new opportunities to urban areas. The
human rights record is markedly improved from the previous
regime, and today ranks among the cleanest across Africa and
the Middle East. Women have benefitted from education
initiatives and expanded rights, and new protections for
Berber (Amazigh) culture include the introduction of
Tamazight (written Berber) in schools. Morocco's parliament
has only nominal power, but the country's first municipal
elections in 2002 were hailed as a step towards
democratisation. Islamist and other political factions are
closely monitored, as is the news media. Two territorial
disputes remain: the Western Sahara, claimed by the
indigenous Sahrawi Polisario Front, and the Spanish-occupied
enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, on Morocco's Mediterranean
coast.
Language
The official language is Moroccan Arabic, but Berber
languages are spoken by a large minority. French is widely
spoken throughout the country, except in the northern
regions where Spanish is more predominant. English is also
understood, particularly in the north and major tourist
destinations like Marrakech.
Religion
Predominantly Muslim with Jewish, Christian and Hindu
minorities. Morocco's population and culture is a blend of
religious and cultural traditions, encompassing Berber, Arab,
African, Mediterranean and Jewish influences.
Electricity
110/220 volts AC, 50Hz, depending on age and location of
building.
Social Conventions
 Greetings involve a handshake and friendly inquiries after
health, happiness and family, and no business is discussed
until after these pleasantries. Friends may tack on a cheek
air-kiss or two. Moroccan chattiness makes everyday
interactions more pleasant, if longer; patience and
extroversion are assets. In the souks, vendors to call out
to customers, joke around and strike up conversations before
bargaining begins. When offered tea, it's polite to take a
sip. Casual wear is widely acceptable, although swimsuits,
shorts, sleeveless tops and clingy clothing should be
confined to the beach or poolside for both men and women.
Women travelling alone will get around fine, and can expect
help, friendship and the occasional offer of marriage.
Sexual relations outside marriage (including homosexual
conduct) are theoretically punishable by law, but this is
rarely enforced. Smoking is widespread, though sometimes
limited to smoking sections in restaurants. Drinking alcohol
in view of a mosque is frowned on and alcohol licences are
expensive, but alcohol is often served discreetly indoors or
on terraces. |
