Morocco

Morocco, formally referred to as the Kingdom of Morocco, is an intriguing nation situated in the Maghreb region of North Africa. It is strategically situated, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the expansive Atlantic Ocean to the west. Morocco shares terrestrial boundaries with Algeria to the east and the contested region of Western Sahara to the south. Moreover, Morocco asserts ownership over the Spanish exclaves of Ceuta, Melilla, and Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera, as well as many minor Spanish-administered islands next to its coastline. Morocco, with a population of over 37 million, is a confluence of cultures and customs, where Islam serves as both the official and predominant religion. The official languages are Arabic and Berber, however French and the Moroccan variety of Arabic are prevalent, illustrating the nation’s cultural diversity.

The history of Morocco is both rich and diverse, reflecting its cultural landscape. The area has been occupied since the Paleolithic period, more than 300,000 years ago. The founding of the Idrisid dynasty by Idris I in 788 initiated a succession of autonomous dynasties governing the region. Morocco had its pinnacle as a regional power during the 11th and 12th centuries under the Almoravid and Almohad dynasties, which governed substantial portions of the Iberian Peninsula and the Maghreb. The demographic composition of Morocco has been profoundly shaped by centuries of Arab migration to the Maghreb beginning in the 7th century.

During the 15th and 16th centuries, Morocco saw foreign dangers, as Portugal annexed provinces and the Ottoman Empire advanced from the east. Nevertheless, the Marinid and Saadi dynasties effectively thwarted foreign subjugation, rendering Morocco the sole North African country to evade Ottoman control. The Alawi dynasty, currently governing Morocco, ascended to power in 1631 and enhanced diplomatic and commercial contacts with the Western world during the subsequent two centuries. Morocco’s advantageous position adjacent to the Mediterranean’s entrance attracted heightened European attention, resulting in the partitioning of the kingdom into French and Spanish protectorates in 1912, alongside an international zone in Tangier. After a succession of riots and uprisings against colonial governance, Morocco achieved independence and reunification in 1956.

Since achieving independence, Morocco has sustained relative stability and has become a prominent actor in both Africa and the Arab world. It possesses the fifth-largest economy in Africa and is regarded as a medium power in international relations. Morocco is a member of various international organizations, including the Arab League, the Arab Maghreb Union, the Union for the Mediterranean, and the African Union. The nation functions as a unitary semi-constitutional monarchy with an elected legislature. The executive branch is headed by the King of Morocco and the Prime Minister, whereas legislative authority is allocated to the bicameral parliament, comprising the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors. The king possesses substantial executive and legislative authority, especially over the military, foreign policy, and religious matters.

A major geopolitical concern for Morocco is its assertion over the non-self-governing territory of Western Sahara, referred to as its Southern Provinces. Subsequent to Spain’s independence of the region in 1975, a guerrilla conflict erupted involving Morocco, Mauritania, and the indigenous population. Mauritania abandoned its claim in 1979; yet, the war continued until a ceasefire was established in 1991. The sovereignty issue remained unresolved, as Morocco presently occupies two-thirds of the territory.

Tourism is a fundamental component of Morocco’s economy, ranking second to the phosphate industry in foreign exchange revenue. In 2019, Morocco lured more than 13 million tourists, captivated by its extensive cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and dynamic towns. The Moroccan government has significantly invested in tourism development, initiating Vision 2020 to establish Morocco as one of the top 20 global tourist destinations. This plan seeks to increase the yearly international arrivals to 20 million, with tourism accounting for 20% of the GDP.

Morocco’s allure as a tourist destination is enhanced by its geographical closeness to Europe, rendering it an appealing and accessible locale for European travelers, especially those from France. The nation presents a varied array of attractions, from the vibrant marketplaces of Marrakech to the tranquil beaches of Agadir. Adventure tourism in the Atlas and Rif Mountains is increasingly popular, providing exceptional trekking options. The Moroccan government persists in investing in infrastructure and marketing initiatives to bolster its tourist sector, hence maintaining its significance within the national economy.