Morocco

The Kingdom of Morocco, positioned at the crossroads of Africa and Europe, is a North African nation renowned for its historical depth, cultural diversity, and strategic geography. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, it serves as a vital bridge between Africa, the Arab world, and Europe. Morocco’s blend of Arab, Amazigh (Berber), and Andalusian influences, coupled with its monarchical continuity and reformist policies, make it one of the most politically stable and economically dynamic countries in North Africa.

Historical Background

Morocco’s recorded history began in 788 CE with the founding of the Idrisid dynasty, established by Idris I, a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad’s family, marking the advent of Islam as the central feature of Moroccan identity. Over the centuries, Morocco was ruled by powerful Islamic dynasties that shaped its religious, cultural, and architectural character, including the Almoravids, Almohads, Marinids, Sa‘adis, and Alaouites.
The Sa‘adi dynasty (16th century) presided over a golden era under Ahmad al-Mansur (1578–1603), who fortified Morocco’s independence, expanded trans-Saharan trade, and patronised learning and architecture. The Alaouite dynasty, which ascended in the 17th century, continues to reign today, making it one of the oldest surviving monarchies in the world.
During the 19th century, Morocco became the focus of European rivalry. Following Spain’s 1860 invasion of the north and increasing French influence, Morocco was formally partitioned in 1912: France established a protectorate, while Spain controlled northern and southern zones. Widespread resistance to colonial rule followed, culminating in independence in 1956, first from France and later from Spain.
Sultan Mohammed V, the architect of independence, became King in 1957, laying the foundations of a modern constitutional monarchy. His son, King Hassan II (1961–1999), strengthened state institutions, navigated Cold War alignments, and survived multiple coup attempts while introducing limited reforms. His successor, King Mohammed VI, who ascended the throne in 1999, has since spearheaded economic modernisation, constitutional change, and a reformist foreign policy that balances traditional authority with controlled liberalisation.

Political Developments and the Western Sahara Issue

Morocco’s most significant territorial dispute concerns Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony. After Spain’s withdrawal in 1976, Morocco annexed and administered about 75% of the territory, while the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, declared the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). The UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) has maintained a ceasefire since 1991, though tensions resurfaced in 2020.
In 2020, the United States recognised Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, bolstering its diplomatic position, but the issue remains unresolved and central to regional tensions with Algeria.
Domestically, the Arab Spring of 2011 led to a constitutional referendum, introducing limited political decentralisation and strengthening parliamentary powers, though the monarch retains supreme authority as “Commander of the Faithful”. The Justice and Development Party (PJD), a moderate Islamist group, led governments from 2011 to 2021 before being replaced by the National Rally of Independents (RNI) under Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch.
That same year, Morocco normalised relations with Israel as part of the Abraham Accords, enhancing its strategic ties with Western partners while pursuing balanced relations across Africa and the Arab world.

Geography and Environment

• Location: North Africa, bordering Algeria and Mauritania
• Area: 716,550 sq km
• Borders: Algeria (1,941 km), Mauritania (1,564 km), Spanish territories (Ceuta, Melilla, and Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera)
• Coastlines: Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea
• Highest point: Jebel Toubkal (4,165 m)
• Terrain: Mountainous north and centre (Rif and Atlas ranges), fertile coastal plains, and desert south
• Climate: Mediterranean in the north and coastal regions; arid desert in the interior and south

Morocco’s diverse topography supports both Mediterranean agriculture and Saharan trade routes. The nation’s natural resources include phosphates (the world’s largest reserves), iron ore, manganese, lead, and zinc. Forests cover 12.9% of the land, while 67.9% is agricultural, including 17,645 sq km of irrigated farmland.
Environmental challenges—drought, soil erosion, and desertification—are significant. Morocco is an international leader in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power, aiming for 50% renewable generation by 2030. Major environmental accords signed include the Paris Agreement and the UN Convention on Biodiversity.

People and Society

• Population (2024): 37.4 million
• Urbanisation: 65.1%
• Median age: 30.6 years
• Fertility rate: 2.25 children per woman
• Life expectancy: 74.2 years
• Major cities: Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Marrakech, Tangier

Morocco’s population is 99% Arab-Amazigh, with Arabic and Tamazight designated as official languages under the 2011 Constitution. French remains a major language of business and education, and Spanish is common in the north.
Religion:

• Sunni Islam: 99%
• Minorities: Christian, Jewish (~3,000–3,500), and Baháʼí communities

Social indicators:

• Youth literacy: 98%
• Education expenditure: 6% of GDP (2023)
• School life expectancy: 15 years
• Health care: Improving access with 0.74 physicians and 0.7 hospital beds per 1,000 population

Morocco’s health and education reforms have advanced human development, though rural disparities persist. The nation also maintains one of the world’s oldest and most continuous Jewish communities, reflecting centuries of coexistence.

Government and Politics

• System: Parliamentary constitutional monarchy
• Head of State: King Mohammed VI (since 1999)
• Head of Government: Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch (since 2021)
• Legislature: Bicameral Parliament
  • House of Representatives: 395 members
  • House of Councillors: 120 members

The King wields extensive powers, including oversight of defence, religion, and strategic policy. The Prime Minister leads the government and coordinates daily administration.
Women’s representation in Parliament stands at 24.3%, reflecting a gradual yet steady advance toward gender parity. The judicial system, based on French civil law and Islamic principles, is headed by the Court of Cassation and the Constitutional Court.
Morocco is divided into 12 administrative regions, each with elected councils, a framework that supports decentralisation and regional development.

Economy

Morocco’s economy is one of Africa’s most diversified, combining agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism, and services.
Key indicators (2024):

• GDP (PPP): $350.6 billion
• GDP per capita (PPP): $9,100
• Growth: 3.2%
• Inflation: 1%
• Unemployment: 9%

Sectoral structure:

• Agriculture: 10.1%
• Industry: 24.1%
• Services: 54.1%

Trade (2023):

• Exports: $61.7 billion (fertilisers, cars, textiles, insulated wire, tomatoes)
• Imports: $73.8 billion (refined petroleum, vehicles, gas)
• Main partners: Spain, France, Germany, Italy, China, United States

Remittances: ~8% of GDPForeign reserves: $37.1 billion (2024)External debt: $42.3 billion
Morocco is a global leader in phosphates, through the OCP Group, and a continental hub for automotive and aerospace industries. Economic diversification and infrastructure development—such as Tangier-Med Port and high-speed rail lines—underscore its regional competitiveness.

Energy and Infrastructure

Morocco’s energy policy combines diversification with sustainability.

• Electricity access: 100%
• Installed capacity: 14.6 million kW (2023)
• Energy mix: 78.6% fossil fuels, 15.5% wind, 5% solar, 0.9% hydro
• Flagship project: Noor Solar Complex (Ouarzazate), among the world’s largest concentrated solar power facilities

The government targets energy independence by 2030 through expansion of renewables and regional power integration.
Infrastructure includes 48 airports, 2,000 km of railways, and extensive road networks. Major seaports—Tangier-Med, Casablanca, and Agadir—serve as trade arteries linking Africa with Europe and the Americas.

Defence and International Relations

The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR) comprise approximately 220,000 active personnel, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Gendarmerie, and Royal Guard. Defence spending equals roughly 4% of GDP, reflecting priorities in border security and Western Sahara.
Morocco maintains Major Non-NATO Ally status with the United States and cooperates closely with France, Spain, and Gulf states. It contributes troops to UN peacekeeping missions and is active in counterterrorism partnerships across the Sahel.
As a member of the African Union, Arab League, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and Union for the Mediterranean, Morocco pursues an outward-looking diplomacy that combines African re-engagement, Euro-Mediterranean cooperation, and transatlantic alignment.

Culture and Heritage

Morocco’s culture reflects the fusion of Arab, Amazigh, African, and Andalusian influences, visible in its architecture, music, crafts, and cuisine. The country is famed for its imperial cities—Fez, Marrakesh, Meknes, and Rabat—each a centre of art and learning.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites (9):

• Medinas of Fez and Marrakesh
• Ksar of Aït-Ben-Haddou
• Archaeological Site of Volubilis
• Historic City of Meknes
• Medina of Tetouan
• Portuguese City of Mazagan (El Jadida)
• Rabat’s modern and historical ensemble
• Medina of Essaouira

The national flag, adopted in 1912, features a green pentacle on a red background, symbolising Islam, unity, and the Prophet’s lineage.