King Mohammed VI has pursued a western modernising course since his enthronement in July 1999 and has established a constitutional monarchy.
Morocco was a French protectorate from 1912 to 1956 and during this period the European standards for property ownership were established. Morocco conducts most of its trade with the EU and has already signed Free Trade Agreements with the European Union and similarly with the United States of America from 2004.
Tourism
Tourism has grown rapidly in recent years and is now worth almost US$2 billion annually. The tourism industry has benefited from Morocco having one of the best infrastructures on the African continent; this is also an important consideration for foreign investors.
Agriculture & Farming
Agriculture employs one-fifth of the working population, the principal crops being cereals, vegetables and citrus fruits (of which Morocco is one of the world's largest exporters), and accounts for about 40 per cent of GDP.
Livestock farming produces enough meat to fulfil domestic needs. Fishing is vital to both the domestic and export markets, as well as for the revenue accruing from the sale of licences allowing foreign fleets to fish in Moroccan territorial waters.
Mining
Mining is the country's principal industry. Morocco is the world's largest exporter of phosphate rock, both in raw and processed form (such as fertilisers), and this is the principal source of export revenue. It has substantial other mineral assets including iron ore, coal, lead, zinc, cobalt, copper, silver and manganese. Morocco has small reserves of oil and gas, but must import the bulk of its needs.
Economy in General
Morocco is the third most populous Arab country, after Egypt and Sudan. Most Moroccans are Sunni Muslims of Arab, Berber, or mixed Arab-Berber stock. Most of the 100,000 foreign residents are French or Spanish; many are teachers or technicians.
Morocco's official language is classical Arabic. French is Morocco's unofficial second language, and is taught universally and still serves as Morocco's primary language of commerce and economics. English is rapidly becoming the foreign language of choice among educated youth. As a result of national education reforms, English is now taught in all state schools.
Most people live west of the Atlas Mountains, a range that insulates the country from the Sahara Desert. Casablanca is the center of commerce and industry and the leading port; Rabat is the seat of government; Tangier is the gateway to Morocco from Spain and also a major port; Fèz is the cultural and religious center; and the dominantly 'Berber' Marrakech is a major tourist center.
Key Facts
| Population | 31.6 million (UN, 2005) |
|---|---|
| Capital | Rabat |
| Area | 710,850 sq km (274,461 sq miles) (including W Sahara) |
| Major languages | Arabic (official), Berber, French, Spanish, English |
| Major religion | Islam |
| Monetary unit | Dirham = 100 centimes |
| Main exports | Minerals, seafood products, citrus fruit |
| International dialling code | +212 |