Welcome to morocco

Welcome to moroccoCountry Information Booklet

The Kingdom of Morocco is the most westerly of the North African countries. It has Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, and a rugged mountain interior.

Morocco’s original ethnic group is the Branès (Masmouda and Sanhaja). Morocco has a population of over 32 million and an area of 446,550 km2 (172,410 sq mi); if Western Sahara is included that would be 710,850 km2 (274,460 sq mi). The political capital is Rabat, although the largest city is Casablanca, other major cities include Marrakesh,Tangier, Tetouan, Salé, Fes, Agadir, Meknes,Oujda, Kenitra, and Nador.

Morocco has a history of independence not shared by its neighbours. Its rich culture is a blend of Arab, Berber(African), European and other African influences.

Morocco administers most of the disputed region of the Western Sahara as the Southern Provinces. The status of Western Sahara remains unresolved. Morocco annexed the territory in 1975 and a guerrilla war with pro-independence forces ended in 1991. U.N. efforts have failed to break the political deadlock.

Morocco is a constitutional monarchy with an elected parliament. The King of Morocco holds vast executive and legislative powers, including the power to dissolve the parliament. Executive power is exercised by the government but the king’s decisions usually override those of the government if there is a contradiction. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the two chambers of parliament, the Assembly of Representatives and the Assembly of Councillors. The king can also issue

General Information

Area: a total of 446,550 sq km (Land: 446,300 sq km, Water: 250 sq km)

Population: 31.9 million (2010 EST.)

People: Arab-Berber (99.1%), oth-er (0.7%), Jewish (0.2%)

Languages: Arabic (official), French (official) often the language of business, government and diplo-macy, Berber (official)

Religions: Muslim (98.7%), Chris-tian (1.1%), Jewish (0.2%)Map of Morocco

decrees called dahirswhich have the force of law.

The main religion is Islam. The official language is Literary Arabic. Moroccan Arabic, Berber and French are also spoken. Hassaniya Arabic, sometimes considered a variety of Moroccan Arabic, is spoken in parts of the southern provinces (Sahara).

Rabat CityCapital of Morocco

Casablanca CityEconomic Capital

Marrakesh CityTouristic Capital

Fes CityTradition’s Capital

Tangiers CityMorocco’s Sea Princess

Moroccan SaharaMorocco’s Magic Zone

Tangiers City

For further information contact:[email protected]

Links for more detailed information: http://www.visitmorocco.com/index.php/eng/

http://www.moroccodesert-tour.comhttp://www.lonelyplanet.com/morocco