Morocco flag
Basic facts of Morocco
Official name: Kingdom of Morocco
Capital: Rabat
Area 453,730 sq km, 175,186 sq mi
Population 34,272,968 (2008 estimate)
Population growth rate: 1.50 percent (2008 estimate)
Population density 77 persons per sq km (2008 estimate) 199 persons per sq mi (2008 estimate)
Urban/rural distribution:
Share urban 59 percent (2005 estimate)
Share rural 41 percent (2005 estimate)
Largest cities: Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Marrakech
Languages: Arabic (official), Derija (Moroccan Arabic), Berber dialects, French Religious affiliations:
Muslim 98 percent
Christian 1 percent
Nonreligious and other 1 percent
Life expectancy:
Total 71.5 years (2008 estimate)
Female 74 years (2008 estimate)
Male 69.1 years (2008 estimate)
Literacy rate:
Total 53.5 percent (2005 estimate)
Female 41.5 percent (2005 estimate)
Male 65.6 percent (2005 estimate)
Form of government: Constitutional monarchy
Total number of military personnel: 200,800 (2004)
Introduction:
Morocco, kingdom in North Africa. Morocco is a fabled destination for travelers, known for its spectacular mountain scenery, its colorful bazaars, and its ancient capitals at Fès and Marrakech. Even modern Moroccan sites carry a mystique: Think of Casablanca, made famous by a motion picture (see Casablanca). In Arabic the country’s name is Al Mamlakah al Maghribīyah, meaning “the kingdom of the West.”
Morocco is located at the crossroads of several worlds: African, Mediterranean, Christian, and Islamic. From these varied influences the country has forged a distinctive culture, apparent in its arts and architecture, language, cuisine, and outlook on the world. Spain lies directly across the Strait of Gibraltar from Morocco, only 13 km (8 mi) distant. For 44 years, from 1912 to 1956, Morocco was divided into protectorates and ruled by France and Spain. Even today, two Spanish enclaves—Ceuta and Melilla—on the Mediterranean coast remain within Morocco, and small islands off the coast also belong to Spain.
Casablanca's Thriving Industrial Center
The multistoried buildings of Muhammad V Plaza dominate Casablanca's central business area. Sultan Muhammad V, who was exiled by the French, returned in 1955 to become the first king of independent Morocco. Situated on the country's west coast, Casablanca is now Morocco's largest city and its major port and industrial center.
Fes, Morocco
Fes, a religious center in Morocco, is divided into an old section, which retains much of its Islamic tradition, and a newer city area, shown here. Fès is also a commercial city, lying on major trade routes that link the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean with countries below the Sahara Desert.
Hassan Tower, Rabat
The Hassan Tower, which dates from the 12th century, is part of an unfinished mosque in Rabat, Morocco. The tower and a forest of columns are all that remain from the mosque. To the right is the mausoleum of Morocco’s first king, Mohammad V, who died in 1961.
Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech, Morocco
The Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech was built during the 12th century under the Almohad dynasty. Its tall minaret, designed by a Muslim architect from Spain, is considered a classic example of Arab-Andalusian architecture.