Information of North African Country Morocco
Post-independence
The Proclamation of Independence of Morocco of 1944.
Upon the death of Mohammed V,
Hassan II became King of Morocco on 3 March 1961. Morocco held its first general
elections in 1963. However, Hassan declared a state of emergency and suspended
parliament in 1965. In 1971, there was a failed attempt to depose the king and
establish a republic. A truth commission set up in 2005 to investigate human
rights abuses during his reign confirmed nearly 10,000 cases, ranging from
death in detention to forced exile. Some 592 people were recorded killed during
Hassan's rule according to the truth commission.
The Spanish enclave of Ifni
in the south was returned to Morocco
in 1969. The Polisario movement was formed in 1973, with the aim of
establishing an independent state in the Spanish Sahara.
On 6 November 1975, King Hassan asked for volunteers to cross into the Spanish Sahara. Some 350,000 civilians were reported as
being involved in the "Green March".A month later, Spain agreed to leave the Spanish Sahara, soon
to become Western Sahara, and to transfer it to joint Moroccan-Mauritanian
control, despite the objections and threats of military intervention by Algeria.
Moroccan forces occupied the territory.
Moroccan and Algerian troops
soon clashed in Western Sahara. Morocco and Mauritania
divided up Western Sahara. Fighting between
the Moroccan military and Polisario forces continued for many years. The
prolonged war was a considerable financial drain on Morocco. In 1983, Hassan cancelled
planned elections amid political unrest and economic crisis. In 1984, Morocco left
the Organisation of African Unity in protest at the SADR's admission to the
body. Polisario claimed to have killed more than 5,000 Moroccan soldiers
between 1982 and 1985.
Algerian authorities have
estimated the number of Sahrawi refugees in Algeria
to be 165,000.[55] Diplomatic relations with Algeria were restored in 1988. In
1991, a UN-monitored ceasefire began in Western Sahara,
but the territory's status remains undecided and ceasefire violations are
reported. The following decade saw much wrangling over a proposed referendum on
the future of the territory but the deadlock was not broken.
Political reforms in the
1990s resulted in the establishment of a bicameral legislature in 1997 and Morocco's first
opposition-led government came to power in 1998.
Protestors in Casablanca demand that
authorities honor their promises of political reform.
King Hassan II died in 1999
and was succeeded by his son, Mohammed VI. He is a cautious moderniser who has
introduced some economic and social liberalization.
Mohammed VI paid a
controversial visit to the Western Sahara in
2002. Morocco unveiled an
autonomy blueprint for Western Sahara to the
United Nations in 2007. The Polisario rejected the plan and put forward its own
proposal. Morocco and the Polisario
Front held UN-sponsored talks in New
York City but failed to come to any agreement. In
2010, security forces stormed a protest camp in the Western
Sahara, triggering violent demonstrations in the regional capital
El Aaiun.
In 2002, Morocco and Spain
agreed to a US-brokered resolution over the disputed island of Perejil.
Spanish troops had taken the normally uninhabited island after Moroccan
soldiers landed on it and set up tents and a flag. There were renewed tensions
in 2005, as hundreds of African migrants tried to storm the borders of the
Spanish enclaves of Melilla and Ceuta. Morocco
deported hundreds of the illegal migrants. In 2006, the Spanish Premier
Zapatero visited Spanish enclaves. He was the first Spanish leader in 25 years
to make an official visit to the territories. The following year, Spanish King
Juan Carlos I visited Ceuta and Melilla, further angering Morocco which demanded control of
the enclaves.
During the 2011–2012 Moroccan
protests, thousands of people rallied in Rabat
and other cities calling for political reform and a new constitution curbing
the powers of the king. In July 2011, the King won a landslide victory in a
referendum on a reformed constitution he had proposed to placate the Arab
Spring protests. Despite the reforms made by Mohammed VI, demonstrators
continued to call for deeper reforms. Hundreds took part in a trade union rally
in Casablanca
in May 2012. Participants accused the government of failing to deliver on
reforms.
Geography
Morocco has a coast by the Atlantic Ocean that reaches past
the Strait of Gibraltar
into the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by Spain to the north (a water border through the
Strait and land borders with three small Spanish-controlled exclaves, Ceuta, Melilla, and Peñón
de Vélez de la Gomera), Algeria
to the east, and Western Sahara to the south.
Since Morocco controls most
of Western Sahara, its de facto southern boundary is with Mauritania.
The internationally
recognised borders of the country lie between latitudes 27° and 36°N, and
longitudes 1° and 14°W. Adding Western Sahara, Morocco lies mostly between 21°
and 36°N, and 1° and 17°W (the Ras Nouadhibou peninsula is slightly south of
21° and west of 17°).
The geography of Morocco spans from the Atlantic Ocean, to
mountainous areas, to the Sahara desert. Morocco is a Northern African country, bordering
the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and the annexed Western
Sahara. It is one of only three nations (along with Spain and France)
to have both Atlantic and Mediterranean
coastlines.
A large part of Morocco is
mountainous. The Atlas Mountains are located
mainly in the centre and the south of the country. The Rif Mountains
are located in the north of the country. Both ranges are mainly inhabited by
the Berber people. At 446,550 km2 (172,414 sq mi), Morocco
excluding Western Sahara is the fifty-seventh
largest country in the world. Algeria
borders Morocco
to the east and southeast, though the border between the two countries has been
closed since 1994.
Spanish territory in
Northwest Africa neighbouring Morocco
comprises five enclaves on the Mediterranean coast: Ceuta, Melilla,
Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera, Peñón de Alhucemas, the Chafarinas islands, and
the disputed islet Perejil. Off the Atlantic coast the Canary Islands belong to
Spain, whereas Madeira to the north is Portuguese. To the north, Morocco is bordered by the Strait
of Gibraltar, where international
shipping has unimpeded transit passage between the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
The Rif mountains stretch
over the region bordering the Mediterranean
from the north-west to the north-east. The Atlas Mountains
run down the backbone of the country,from the northeast to the southwest. Most
of the southeast portion of the country is in the Sahara Desert
and as such is generally sparsely populated and unproductive economically. Most
of the population lives to the north of these mountains, while to the south
lies the Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony that was annexed by Morocco in
1975 (see Green March).Morocco claims that the Western Sahara is part of its
territory and refers to that as its Southern Provinces.
Morocco's capital city is Rabat;
its largest city is its main port, Casablanca.
Other cities recording a population over 500,000 in the 2014 Moroccan census
are Fes, Marrakesh, Meknes, Salé and Tangier.
Morocco is represented in the ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 geographical
encoding standard by the symbol MA.[60] This code was used as the basis for Morocco's
internet domain, .ma.
Climate
The country's Mediterranean
climate is similar to that of southern California,
with lush forests in the northern and central mountain ranges of the country,
giving way to drier conditions and inland deserts further southeast. The
Moroccan coastal plains experience remarkably moderate temperatures even in
summer, owing to the effect of the cold Canary Current off its Atlantic coast.
In the Rif, Middle and High
Atlas Mountains, there exist several different types of climates: Mediterranean
along the coastal lowlands, giving way to a humid temperate climate at higher
elevations with sufficient moisture to allow for the growth of different
species of oaks, moss carpets, junipers, and Atlantic fir which is a royal
conifer tree endemic to Morocco.
In the valleys, fertile soils and high precipitation allow for the growth of
thick and lush forests. Cloud forests can be found in the west of the Rif Mountains
and Middle Atlas Mountains. At higher elevations, the climate becomes alpine in
character, and can sustain ski resorts.
Southeast of the Atlas mountains, near the Algerian borders, the climate
becomes very dry, with long and hot summers. Extreme heat and low moisture
levels are especially pronounced in the lowland regions east of the Atlas range
due to the rain shadow effect of the mountain system. The southeasternmost
portions of Morocco are very
hot, and include portions of the Sahara
Desert, where vast
swathes of sand dunes and rocky plains are dotted with lush oases.
In contrast to the Sahara region in the south, coastal plains are fertile in
the central and northern regions of the country, and comprise the backbone of
the country's agriculture, in which 95% of the population live. The direct
exposure to the North Atlantic Ocean, the proximity to mainland Europe and the
long stretched Rif and Atlas mountains are the
factors of the rather European-like climate in the northern half of the
country. That makes Morocco
a country of contrasts. Forested areas cover about 12% of the country while
arable land accounts for 18%. Approximately 5% of Moroccan land is irrigated
for agricultural use.
In general, apart from the
southeast regions (pre-Saharan and desert areas), Morocco's
climate and geography are very similar to the Iberian
peninsula. Thus Morocco
has the following climate zones:
Mediterranean: Dominates the
coastal Mediterranean regions of the country, along the (500 km strip), and
some parts of the Atlantic coast. Summers are hot to moderately hot and dry,
average highs are between 29 °C (84.2 °F) and 32 °C (89.6 °F). Winters are
generally mild and wet, daily average temperatures hover around 9 °C (48.2 °F)
to 11 °C (51.8 °F), and average low are around 5 °C (41.0 °F) to 8 °C (46.4
°F), typical to the coastal areas of the west Mediterranean. Annual
Precipitation in this area vary from 600 to 800 mm in the west to 350–500 mm in
the east. Notable cities that fall into this zone are Tangier, Tetouan, Al
Hoceima, Nador and Safi.
Sub-Mediterranean: It
influences cities that show Mediterranean characteristics, but remain fairly
influenced by other climates owing to their either relative elevation, or
direct exposure to the North Atlantic Ocean.
We thus have two main influencing climates:
Oceanic: Determined by the
cooler summers, where highs are around 27 °C (80.6 °F) and in terms of the
Essaouira region, are almost always around 21 °C (69.8 °F). The medium daily
temperatures can get as low as 19 °C (66.2 °F), while winters are chilly to
mild and wet. Annual precipitation varies from 400 to 700 mm. Notable cities
that fall into this zone are Rabat, Casablanca, Kénitra, Salé
and Essaouira.
Continental: Determined by
the bigger gap between highs and lows, that results in hotter summers and
colder winters, than found in typical Mediterranean zones. In summer, daily
highs can get as high as 40 °C (104.0 °F) during heat waves, but usually are
between 32 °C (89.6 °F) and 36 °C (96.8 °F). However, temperatures drop as the
sun sets. Night temperatures usually fall below 20 °C (68.0 °F), and sometimes
as low as 10 °C (50.0 °F) in mid-summer. Winters are cooler, and can get below
the freezing point multiple times between December and February. Also, snow can
fall occasionally. Fès for example registered −8 °C (17.6 °F) in winter 2005.
Annual precipitation varies between 500 and 900 mm. Notable cities are Fès,
Meknès, Chefchaouen, Beni-Mellal and Taza.
Continental: Dominates the
mountainous regions of the north and central parts of the country, where
summers are hot to very hot, with highs between 32 °C (89.6 °F) and 36 °C (96.8
°F). Winters on the other hand are cold, and lows usually go beyond the
freezing point. And when cold damp air comes to Morocco from the northwest, for a
few days, temperatures sometimes get below −5 °C (23.0 °F). It often snows
abundantly in this part of the country. Precipitation varies between 400 and
800 mm. Notable cities are Khenifra, Imilchil, Midelt and Azilal.
Alpine: Found in some parts
of the Middle Atlas
Mountain range and the eastern part of
the High Atlas Mountain
range. Summers are very warm to moderately hot, and winters are longer, cold
and snowy. Precipitation varies between 400 and 1200 mm. In summer highs barely
go above 30 °C (86.0 °F), and lows are cool and average below 15 °C (59.0 °F).
In winters, highs average around 8 °C (46.4 °F), and lows go well below the
freezing point. In this part of country, there are many ski resorts, such as
Oukaimeden and Mischliefen. Notable cities are Ifrane, Azrou and Boulmane.
Semi-arid: This type of
climate is found in the south of the country and some parts of the east of the
country, where rainfall is lower and annual precipitations are between 200 and
350 mm. However, one usually finds Mediterranean characteristics in those
regions, such as the precipitation pattern and thermal attributes. Notable
cities are Agadir, Marrakesh and Oujda.
South of Agadir and east of
Jerada near the Algerian borders, arid and desert climate starts to prevail.
Due to Morocco's proximity to
the Sahara desert and the North Sea of the Atlantic Ocean, two phenomena occur
to influence the regional seasonal temperatures, either by raising temperatures
by 7–8 degrees Celsius when sirocco blows from the east creating heatwaves, or
by lowering temperatures by 7–8 degrees Celsius when cold damp air blows from
the northwest, creating a coldwave or cold spell. However, these phenomena do
not last for more than two to five days on average.
Countries or regions that
share the same climatic characteristics with Morocco
are the state of California (USA), Portugal,
Spain and Algeria.
Climate change is expected to
significantly impact Morocco
on multiple dimensions. As a coastal country with hot and arid climates,
environmental impacts are likely to be wide and varied. As of the 2019 Climate
Change Performance Index, Morocco
was ranked second in preparedness behind Sweden.
Biodiversity
Morocco has a wide range of biodiversity. It is part of the
Mediterranean basin, an area with exceptional concentrations of endemic species
undergoing rapid rates of habitat loss, and is therefore considered to be a
hotspot for conservation priority.Avifauna are notably variant.The avifauna of
Morocco includes a total of 454 species, five of which have been introduced by
humans, and 156 are rarely or accidentally seen.
The Barbary lion, hunted to
extinction in the wild, was a subspecies native to Morocco and is a national
emblem.The last Barbary lion in the wild was shot in the Atlas Mountains in
1922.The other two primary predators of northern Africa, the Atlas bear and
Barbary leopard, are now extinct and critically endangered, respectively.
Relict populations of the West African crocodile persisted in the Draa river
until the 20th century.
The Barbary macaque, a
primate endemic to Morocco
and Algeria,
is also facing extinction due to offtake for trade human interruption,
urbanisation, wood and real estate expansion that diminish forested area – the
macaque's habitat.
Trade of animals and plants
for food, pets, medicinal purposes, souvenirs and photo props is common across Morocco,
despite laws making much of it illegal.This trade is unregulated and causing
unknown reductions of wild populations of native Moroccan wildlife. Because of
the proximity of northern Morocco
to Europe, species such as cacti, tortoises, mammal skins, and high-value birds
(falcons and bustards) are harvested in various parts of the country and
exported in appreciable quantities, with especially large volumes of eel
harvested – 60 tons exported to the Far East
in the period 2009‒2011.
Morocco is home to six
terrestrial ecoregions: Mediterranean conifer and mixed forests, Mediterranean
High Atlas juniper steppe, Mediterranean acacia-argania dry woodlands and
succulent thickets, Mediterranean dry woodlands and steppe, Mediterranean
woodlands and forests, and North Saharan steppe and woodlands.It had a 2019
Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 6.74/10, ranking it 66th
globally out of 172 countries.
Politics
Morocco was an authoritarian
regime according to the Democracy Index of 2014.The Freedom of the Press 2014
report gave it a rating of "Not Free".This has improved since,
however, and in 2017, Morocco was upgraded to being a "hybrid regime"
according to the Democracy Index in 2017 and while the Freedom of the Press
report in 2017 continued to find that Morocco's press continued to be "not
free," it gave "partly free" ratings for its "Net
Freedom" and "Freedom in the World" more generally.
Following the March 1998
elections, a coalition government headed by opposition socialist leader
Abderrahmane Youssoufi and composed largely of ministers drawn from opposition
parties, was formed. Prime Minister Youssoufi's government was the first ever
government drawn primarily from opposition parties, and also represents the
first opportunity for a coalition of socialists, left-of-centre, and
nationalist parties to be included in the government until October 2002. It was
also the first time in the modern political history of the Arab world that the
opposition assumed power following an election. The current government is
headed by Saadeddine Othmani.
The Moroccan Constitution
provides for a monarchy with a Parliament and an independent judiciary. With
the 2011 constitutional reforms, the King of Morocco retains less executive
powers whereas those of the prime minister have been enlarged.
The constitution grants the
king honorific powers (among other powers); he is both the secular political
leader and the "Commander of the Faithful" as a direct descendant of
the Prophet Mohammed. He presides over the Council of Ministers; appoints the
Prime Minister from the political party that has won the most seats in the
parliamentary elections, and on recommendations from the latter, appoints the
members of the government.
The constitution of 1996
theoretically allowed the king to terminate the tenure of any minister, and
after consultation with the heads of the higher and lower Assemblies, to
dissolve the Parliament, suspend the constitution, call for new elections, or
rule by decree. The only time this happened was in 1965. The King is formally
the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
Legislative branch
Since
the constitutional reform of 1996, the bicameral legislature consists of two
chambers. The Assembly of Representatives of Morocco (Majlis an-Nuwwâb/Assemblée
des Répresentants) has 325 members elected for a five-year term, 295 elected in
multi-seat constituencies and 30 in national lists consisting only of women.
The Assembly of Councillors (Majlis al-Mustasharin) has 270 members, elected
for a nine-year term, elected by local councils (162 seats), professional
chambers (91 seats) and wage-earners (27 seats).
The
Parliament's powers, though still relatively limited, were expanded under the
1992 and 1996 and even further in the 2011 constitutional revisions and include
budgetary matters, approving bills, questioning ministers, and establishing ad
hoc commissions of inquiry to investigate the government's actions. The lower
chamber of Parliament may dissolve the government through a vote of no confidence.
The
latest parliamentary elections were held on October 12, 2016. Voter turnout in
these elections was estimated to be 43% of registered voters.
Military
Morocco's military consists of the Royal Armed Forces—this
includes the Army (the largest branch), the Navy, the Air Force, the Royal
Guard, the Royal Gendarmerie and the Auxiliary Forces. Internal security is
generally effective, and acts of political violence are rare (with one
exception, the 2003 Casablanca
bombings which killed 45 people).
The
UN maintains a small observer force in Western Sahara, where a large number of Morocco's
troops are stationed. The Saharawi group Polisario maintains an active militia
of an estimated 5,000 fighters in Western Sahara
and has engaged in intermittent warfare with Moroccan forces since the 1970s.
Foreign relations
Morocco is a member of the United Nations and belongs to the
African Union (AU), Arab League, Arab Maghreb Union (UMA), Organisation of
Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Non-Aligned Movement and the Community of
Sahel–Saharan States (CEN_SAD). Morocco's
relationships vary greatly between African, Arab, and Western states. Morocco has had strong ties to the West in order
to gain economic and political benefits.France and Spain
remain the primary trade partners, as well as the primary creditors and foreign
investors in Morocco.
From the total foreign investments in Morocco, the European Union invests
approximately 73.5%, whereas, the Arab world invests only 19.3%. Many countries
from the Persian Gulf and Maghreb regions are getting more involved in
large-scale development projects in Morocco.
Morocco claims sovereignty over Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla.
Morocco
was the only African state not to be a member of the African Union due to its
unilateral withdrawal on 12 November 1984 over the admission of the Sahrawi
Arab Democratic Republic in 1982 by the African Union (then called Organisation
of African Unity) as a full member without the organisation of a referendum of
self-determination in the disputed territory of Western Sahara. Morocco
rejoined the AU on 30 January 2017.
A
dispute with Spain in 2002
over the small island of Perejil revived the issue of the sovereignty of Melilla and Ceuta.
These small enclaves on the Mediterranean coast are surrounded by Morocco and have been administered by Spain for
centuries.
Morocco has been given the status of major non-NATO ally by
the US
government. Morocco was the
first country in the world to recognise US sovereignty (in 1777).
Morocco is included in the European Union's European
Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) which aims at bringing the EU and its neighbours
closer.
Western
Sahara status
Due
to the conflict over Western Sahara, the status of the Saguia el-Hamra and RÃo de Oro regions is disputed. The Western Sahara War
saw the Polisario Front, the Sahrawi rebel national liberation movement,
battling both Morocco and Mauritania
between 1976 and a ceasefire in 1991 that is still in effect. A United Nations
mission, MINURSO, is tasked with organizing a referendum on whether the
territory should become independent or recognised as a part of Morocco.
Part
of the territory, the Free Zone, is a mostly uninhabited area that the
Polisario Front controls as the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. Its
administrative headquarters are located in Tindouf, Algeria.
As of 2006, no UN member state has recognised Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.
In
2006, the government of Morocco
has suggested autonomous status for the region, through the Moroccan Royal
Advisory Council for Saharan Affairs (CORCAS). The project was presented to the
United Nations Security Council in mid-April 2007. The proposal was encouraged
by Moroccan allies such as the United States,
France
and Spain.The Security Council has called upon the parties to enter into direct
and unconditional negotiations to reach a mutually accepted political solution.
Human rights
During
the early 1960s to the late 1980s, under the leadership of Hassan II, Morocco had one of the worst human rights record
in both Africa and the world. Government
repression of political dissent was widespread during Hassan II's leadership,
until it dropped sharply in the mid-1990s. The decades previous to this time
are called the Years of Lead (Les Années de Plomb), and included forced
disappearances, assassinations of government opponents and protesters, and
secret internment camps such as Tazmamart. To examine the abuses committed
during the reign of King Hassan II (1961–1999), the government has set up an Equity
and Reconciliation Commission (IER).
According
to Human Rights Watch annual report 2016, Moroccan authorities restricted the
rights to peaceful expression, association and assembly through several laws.
The authorities continue to prosecute both printed and online media which
criticizes the government or the king (or the royal family).There are also
persistent allegations of violence against both Sahrawi pro-independence and
pro-Polisario demonstrators in Western Sahara; a disputed territory which is occupied
by and considered by Morocco
as part of its Southern Provinces. Morocco has been accused of
detaining Sahrawi pro-independence activists as prisoners of conscience.
Homosexual
acts as well as pre-marital sex are illegal in Morocco, and can be punishable
by six months to three years of imprisonment.It is illegal to proselytise for
any religion other than Islam (article 220 of the Moroccan Penal Code), and
that crime is punishable by a maximum of 15 years of imprisonment.Violence
against women and sexual harassment have been criminalized. The penalty can be
from one month to five years, with fines ranging from $200 to $1,000.
As
of 24 May 2020, hundreds of Moroccan migrant workers are trapped in Spain. Although
they have continuously asked the government to let them back into the country,
they have been refused. The Spanish government has stated that it is holding
discussions with the Moroccan government about repatriating the migrant workers
via a "humanitarian corridor," but it's unclear how long the process
will take.
Economy
Morocco's economy is considered a relatively liberal economy
governed by the law of supply and demand. Since 1993, the country has followed
a policy of privatisation of certain economic sectors which used to be in the
hands of the government.Morocco has become a major player in African economic
affairs,and is the fifth largest economy in Africa by GDP (PPP). Morocco was
ranked as the first African country by the Economist Intelligence Unit's
quality-of-life index, ahead of South Africa.[citation needed] However, in the
years since that first-place ranking was given, Morocco has slipped into fourth
place behind Egypt.Map of Morocco's exports as of 2017 Government reforms and
steady yearly growth in the region of 4–5% from 2000 to 2007, including 4.9%
year-on-year growth in 2003–2007 helped the Moroccan economy to become much
more robust compared to a few years earlier. For 2012 the World Bank forecast a
rate of 4% growth for Morocco
and 4.2% for following year, 2013.
The
services sector accounts for just over half of GDP and industry, made up of
mining, construction and manufacturing, is an additional quarter. The
industries that recorded the highest growth are tourism, telecoms, information
technology, and textile.
Tourism
Tourism
is one of the most important sectors in Moroccan economy. It is well developed
with a strong tourist industry focused on the country's coast, culture, and
history. Morocco
attracted more than 13 million tourists in 2019. Tourism is the second largest
foreign exchange earner in Morocco
after the phosphate industry. The Moroccan government is heavily investing in
tourism development, in 2010 the government launched its Vision 2020 which
plans to make Morocco
one of the top 20 tourist destinations in the world and to double the annual
number of international arrivals to 20 million by 2020,with the hope that
tourism will then have risen to 20% of GDP.
Large
government sponsored marketing campaigns to attract tourists advertised Morocco as a
cheap and exotic, yet safe, place for tourists. Most of the visitors to Morocco
continue to be European, with French nationals making up almost 20% of all
visitors. Most Europeans visit between April and August.Morocco's relatively
high number of tourists has been aided by its location—Morocco is close to Europe
and attracts visitors to its beaches. Because of its proximity to Spain, tourists in southern Spain's coastal areas take one- to three-day
trips to Morocco.
Since
air services between Morocco
and Algeria have been
established, many Algerians have gone to Morocco to shop and visit family
and friends. Morocco is
relatively inexpensive because of the devaluation of the dirham and the
increase of hotel prices in Spain.
Morocco
has an excellent road and rail infrastructure that links the major cities and
tourist destinations with ports and cities with international airports.
Low-cost airlines offer cheap flights to the country.
View
of the medina (old city) of Fez.Tourism is increasingly focused on Morocco's culture,
such as its ancient cities. The modern tourist industry capitalises on Morocco's
ancient Berber, Roman and Islamic sites, and on its landscape and cultural
history. 60% of Morocco's
tourists visit for its culture and heritage. Agadir is a major coastal resort
and has a third of all Moroccan bed nights. It is a base for tours to the Atlas Mountains. Other resorts in north Morocco are also
very popular.Casablanca is the major cruise port in Morocco, and has the best
developed market for tourists in Morocco, Marrakech in central Morocco is a
popular tourist destination, but is more popular among tourists for one- and
two-day excursions that provide a taste of Morocco's history and culture. The
Majorelle botanical garden in Marrakech is a popular tourist attraction. It was
bought by the fashion designer Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé in 1980.
Their presence in the city helped to boost the city's profile as a tourist
destination.
As
of 2006, activity and adventure tourism in the Atlas and Rif Mountains
are the fastest growth area in Moroccan tourism. These locations have excellent
walking and trekking opportunities from late March to mid-November.The
government is investing in trekking circuits.They are also developing desert
tourism in competition with Tunisia.
Agriculture
Agriculture
in Morocco
employs about 40% of the nation's workforce. Thus, it is the largest employer
in the country. In the rainy sections of the northwest, barley, wheat, and
other cereals can be raised without irrigation. On the Atlantic
coast, where there are extensive plains, olives, citrus fruits, and wine grapes
are grown, largely with water supplied by artesian wells. Morocco also produces a significant amount of
illicit hashish, much of which is shipped to Western Europe.
Livestock are raised and forests yield cork, cabinet wood, and building
materials. Part of the maritime population fishes for its livelihood. Agadir,
Essaouira, El Jadida, and Larache are among the important fishing harbors.Both
the agriculture and fishing industries are expected to be severely impacted by
climate change.
Moroccan
agricultural production also consists of orange, tomatoes, potatoes, olives,
and olive oil. High quality agricultural products are usually exported to Europe. Morocco
produces enough food for domestic consumption except for grains, sugar, coffee
and tea. More than 40% of Morocco's
consumption of grains and flour is imported from the United
States and France.
Agriculture
industry in Morocco
enjoyed a complete tax exemption until 2013. Many Moroccan critics said that
rich farmers and large agricultural companies were taking too much benefit of
not paying the taxes and that poor farmers were struggling with high costs and
are getting very poor support from the state. In 2014, as part of the Finance
Law, it was decided that agricultural companies with a turnover of greater than
MAD 5 million would pay progressive corporate income taxes
Infrastructure
According
to the Global Competitiveness Report of 2019, Morocco Ranked 32nd in the world
in terms of Roads, 16th in Sea, 45th in Air and 64th in Railways. This gives Morocco the
best infrastructure rankings in the African continent.
Modern
infrastructure development, such as ports, airports, and rail links, is a top
government priority. To meet the growing domestic demand, the Moroccan
government invested more than $15 billion from 2010 to 2015 in upgrading its
basic infrastructure.
Morocco has one of the best road systems on the continent.
Over the past 20 years, the government has built approximately 1770 kilometers
of modern roads, connecting most major cities via toll expressways. The
Moroccan Ministry of Equipment, Transport, Logistics, and Water aims to build
an additional 3380 kilometers of expressway and 2100 kilometers of highway by
2030, at an expected cost of $9.6 billion. While focusing on linking the
southern provinces, notably the cities of Laayoune and Dakhla to the rest of Morocco.
In
2014, Morocco began the
construction of the first high-speed railway system in Africa linking the
cities of Tangiers and Casablanca.
It was inaugurated in 2018 by the King following over a decade of planning and
construction by Moroccan national railway company ONCF. It is the first phase
of what is planned to eventually be a 1,500 kilometeres (930 mi) high-speed
rail network in Morocco.
An extension of the line to Marrakesh
is already being planned.
Morocco also has the largest port in Africa
and the Mediterranean called Tanger-Med, which is ranked the 18th in the world
with a handling capacity of over 9 million containers. It is situated in the
Tangiers free economic zone and serves as a logistics hub for Africa
and the world.
Narcotics
Since
the 7th century, Cannabis has been cultivated in the Rif Region.In 2004,
according to the UN World Drugs Report, cultivation and transformation of
cannabis represents 0.57% of the national GDP of Morocco in 2002.According to a
French Ministry of the Interior 2006 report, 80% of the cannabis resin
(hashish) consumed in Europe comes from the Rif region in Morocco, which is
mostly mountainous terrain in the north of Morocco, also hosting plains that
are very fertile and expanding from Melwiyya River and Ras Kebdana in the East
to Tangier and Cape Spartel in the West. Also, the region extends from the
Mediterranean in the south, home of the Wergha
River, to the north.In addition to
that, Morocco is a transit
point for cocaine from South America destined for Western
Europe.
Science and technology
The
Moroccan government has been implementing reforms to improve the quality of
education and make research more responsive to socio-economic needs. In May
2009, Morocco's
prime minister, Abbas El Fassi, announced greater support for science during a
meeting at the National Centre for Scientific and Technical Research. The aim
was to give universities greater financial autonomy from the government to make
them more responsive to research needs and better able to forge links with the
private sector, in the hope that this would nurture a culture of entrepreneurship
in academia. He announced that investment in science and technology would rise
from US$620,000 in 2008 to US$8.5 million (69 million Moroccan dirhams) in
2009, in order to finance the refurbishment and construction of laboratories,
training courses for researchers in financial management, a scholarship
programme for postgraduate research and incentive measures for companies
prepared to finance research, such as giving them access to scientific results
that they could then use to develop new products.
The
Moroccan Innovation Strategy was launched at the country's first National
Innovation Summit in June 2009 by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce,
Investment and the Digital Economy. The Moroccan Innovation Strategy fixed the
target of producing 1,000 Moroccan patents and creating 200 innovative
start-ups by 2014. In 2012, Moroccan inventors applied for 197 patents, up from
152 two years earlier. In 2011, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and New
Technologies created a Moroccan Club of Innovation, in partnership with the
Moroccan Office of Industrial and Commercial Property. The idea is to create a
network of players in innovation, including researchers, entrepreneurs,
students and academics, to help them develop innovative projects.
The
Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research is supporting research in
advanced technologies and the development of innovative cities in Fez, Rabat and Marrakesh. The government
is encouraging public institutions to engage with citizens in innovation. One
example is the Moroccan Phosphate Office (Office chérifien des phosphates),
which has invested in a project to develop a smart city, King Mohammed VI Green
City, around Mohammed VI University located between Casablanca and Marrakesh,
at a cost of DH 4.7 billion (circa US$479 million).
As
of 2015, Morocco
had three technoparks. Since the first technopark was established in Rabat in 2005, a second has been set up in Casablanca, followed, in
2015, by a third in Tangers. The technoparks host start-ups and small and
medium-sized enterprises specializing in information and communication
technologies (ICTs), 'green' technologies (namely, environmentally friendly
technologies) and cultural industries.
In
2012, the Hassan II Academy of Science and Technology identified a number of
sectors where Morocco
has a comparative advantage and skilled human capital, including mining,
fisheries, food chemistry and new technologies. It also identified a number of
strategic sectors, such as energy, with an emphasis on renewable energies such
as photovoltaic, thermal solar energy, wind and biomass; as well as the water,
nutrition and health sectors, the environment and geosciences.
On
20 May 2015, less than a year after its inception, the Higher Council for
Education, Training and Scientific Research presented a report to the king
offering a Vision for Education in Morocco 2015–2030. The report advocated
making education egalitarian and, thus, accessible to the greatest number.
Since improving the quality of education goes hand in hand with promoting
research and development, the report also recommended developing an integrated
national innovation system which would be financed by gradually increasing the
share of GDP devoted to research and development (R&D) from 0.73% of GDP in
2010 ‘to 1% in the short term, 1.5% by 2025 and 2% by 2030’.
Demographics
Morocco has a population of around 36,029,093 inhabitants
(2018 est.).According to the CIA, 99% of residents are Arab-Berber.
It
is estimated that between 41% to 80% of residents have Berber ancestral origins.A
sizeable portion of the population is identified as Haratin and Gnawa (or
Gnaoua), West African or mixed race descendants of slaves, and Moriscos,
European Muslims expelled from Spain and Portugal in the 17th century.
According
to the 2014 Morocco
population census, there were around 84,000 immigrants in the country. Of these
foreign-born residents, most were of French origin, followed by individuals
mainly from various nations in West Africa and
Algeria.There are also a number of foreign residents of Spanish origin. Some of
them are descendants of colonial settlers, who primarily work for European
multinational companies, while others are married to Moroccans or are retirees.
Prior to independence, Morocco was home to half a million Europeans; who were
mostly Christians.Also prior to independence, Morocco was home to 250,000
Spaniards.Morocco's once prominent Jewish minority has decreased significantly
since its peak of 265,000 in 1948, declining to around 2,500 today.
Morocco has a large diaspora, most of which is located in France, which
has reportedly over one million Moroccans of up to the third generation. There
are also large Moroccan communities in Spain (about 700,000 Moroccans), the
Netherlands (360,000), and Belgium (300,000).Other large communities can be
found in Italy, Canada, the United States, and Israel, where Moroccan Jews are
thought to constitute the second biggest Jewish ethnic subgroup.
Religion
The
religious affiliation in the country was estimated by the Pew Forum in 2010 as
99% Muslim, with all remaining groups accounting for less than 1% of the
population.Despite Moroccans being affiliated with Islam, almost 15%
nonetheless describe themselves as non-religious according to a 2019 survey
conducted for the BBC by the research network Arab Barometer.
Christians
are estimated at 1% (~380,000) of the Moroccan population.The predominantly
Roman Catholic and Protestant foreign-resident Christian community consists of
approximately 40,000 practising members. Most foreign resident Christians
reside in the Casablanca, Tangier, and Rabat urban areas.
Various local Christian leaders estimate that between 2005 and 2010 there are
5,000 citizen converted Christians (mostly ethnically Berber) who regularly
attend "house" churches and live predominantly in the south. Some
local Christian leaders estimate that there may be as many as 8,000 Christian
citizens throughout the country, but many reportedly do not meet regularly due
to fear of government surveillance and social persecution.The number of the
Moroccans who converted to Christianity (most of them secret worshippers) are
estimated between 8,000 and 50,000.
The
most recent estimates put the size of the Casablanca
Jewish community at about 2,500, and the Rabat
and Marrakesh
Jewish communities at about 100 members each. The remainder of the Jewish
population is dispersed throughout the country. This population is mostly
elderly, with a decreasing number of young people.The Baháʼà Faith community,
located in urban areas, numbers 350 to 400 persons.
Languages
Morocco's official languages are Arabic and Berber.The
country's distinctive group of Moroccan Arabic dialects is referred to as
Darija. Approximately 89.8% of the whole population can communicate to some
degree in Moroccan Arabic.The Berber language is spoken in three dialects
(Tarifit, Tashelhit and Central Atlas Tamazight).In 2008, Frédéric Deroche
estimated that there were 12 million Berber speakers, making up about 40% of
the population.The 2004 population census reported that 28.1% of the population
spoke Berber.
French
is widely used in governmental institutions, media, mid-size and large
companies, international commerce with French-speaking countries, and often in
international diplomacy. French is taught as an obligatory language in all
schools. In 2010, there were 10,366,000 French-speakers in Morocco, or
about 32% of the population.
According
to the 2004 census, 2.19 million Moroccans spoke a foreign language other than French.English,
while far behind French in terms of number of speakers, is the first foreign
language of choice, since French is obligatory, among educated youth and
professionals.
According
to Ethnologue, as of 2016, there are 1,536,590 individuals (or approximately
4.5% of the population) in Morocco
who speak Spanish. Spanish is mostly spoken in northern Morocco and the Spanish Sahara because Spain had previously occupied those areas.A
significant portion of northern Morocco
receives Spanish media, television signal and radio airwaves, which reportedly
facilitate competence in the language in the region.
After
Morocco
declared independence in 1956, French and Arabic became the main languages of
administration and education, causing the role of Spanish to decline.
According
to a 2012 study by the Government of Spain, 98% of Moroccans spoke Moroccan
Arabic, 63% spoke French, 43% Amazigh, 14% spoke English, and 10% spoke
Spanish.
Culture
Morocco is a country with a rich culture and civilisation.
Through Moroccan history, it has hosted many people coming from East
(Phoenicians, Jews and Arabs), South (Sub-Saharan Africans) and North (Romans,
Andalusians). All those civilisations have affected the social structure of Morocco.
Since
independence, a veritable blossoming has taken place in painting and sculpture,
popular music, amateur theatre, and filmmaking.The Moroccan National Theatre
(founded 1956) offers regular productions of Moroccan and French dramatic
works. Art and music festivals take place throughout the country during the
summer months, among them the World Sacred Music Festival at Fes.
Each
region possesses its own specificities, thus contributing to the national
culture and to the legacy of civilization. Morocco has set among its top
priorities the protection of its diverse legacy and the preservation of its
cultural heritage.[citation needed]
Culturally
speaking, Morocco
has always been successful in combining its Berber, Jewish and Arabic cultural
heritage with external influences such as the French and the Spanish and,
during the last decades, the Anglo-American lifestyles.
Architecture
Moroccan
architecture refers to the architecture characteristic of Morocco
throughout its history and up to modern times. The country's diverse geography
and long history, marked by successive waves of settlers through both migration
and military conquest, are all reflected in its architecture. This
architectural heritage ranges from ancient Roman and Berber (Amazigh) sites to
20th-century colonial and modern architecture.
The
minaret of the Kutubiyya Mosque in Marrakesh,
built under the Almohads in the 12th century
The
most recognizably "Moroccan" architecture, however, is the
traditional architecture that developed in the Islamic period (7th century and
after) which dominates much of Morocco's documented history and its existing
heritage.This "Islamic architecture" of Morocco was part of a wider
cultural and artistic complex, often referred to as "Moorish" art, which
characterized Morocco, al-Andalus (Muslim Spain and Portugal), and parts of
Algeria and even Tunisia.It blended influences from Berber culture in North
Africa, pre-Islamic Spain (Roman, Byzantine, and Visigothic), and contemporary
artistic currents in the Islamic Middle East to elaborate a unique style over
centuries with recognizable features such as the "Moorish" arch, riad
gardens (courtyard gardens with a symmetrical four-part division), and
elaborate geometric and arabesque motifs in wood, stucco, and tilework (notably
zellij).
The
ksar of Ait Benhaddou, in the southern High Atlas mountains of Morocco.
Although
Moroccan Berber architecture is not strictly separate from the rest of Moroccan
architecture, many structures and architectural styles are distinctively
associated with traditionally Berber or Berber-dominated regions of Morocco
such as the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara and pre-Sahara regions.These mostly
rural regions are marked by numerous kasbahs (fortresses) and ksour (fortified
villages) shaped by local geography and social structures, of which one of the
most famous is Ait Benhaddou.They are typically made of rammed earth and
decorated with local geometric motifs. Far from being isolated from other
historical artistic currents around them, the Berbers of Morocco (and across
North Africa) adapted the forms and ideas of Islamic architecture to their own
conditions and in turn contributed to the formation of Western Islamic art,
particularly during their political domination of the region over the centuries
of Almoravid, Almohad, and Marinid rule.
Colonial
architecture in Casablanca
Modern
architecture in Morocco includes many examples of early 20th-century Art Deco
and local neo-Moorish (or Mauresque) architecture constructed during the French
(and Spanish) colonial occupation of the country between 1912 and 1956 (or
until 1958 for Spain).In the later 20th century, after Morocco regained its
independence, some new buildings continued to pay tribute to traditional
Moroccan architecture and motifs (even when designed by foreign architects), as
exemplified by the Mausoleum of King Mohammed V (completed in 1971) and the
massive Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca (completed in 1993).Modernist
architecture is also evident in contemporary constructions, not only for
regular everyday structures but also in major prestige projects.
Literature
Moroccan
literature is written mostly in Arabic, Berber, Hebrew, and French.
Particularly under the Almoravid and Almohad empires, Moroccan literature was closely
related to the literature of al-Andalus, and shared important poetic and
literary forms such as zajal, the muwashshah, and the maqama. Islamic
literature, such as Quranic exegeses and other religious works such as Qadi
Ayyad's Al-Shifa were influential. The University of al-Qarawiyyin in Fes was an important literary center attracting scholars
from abroad, including Maimonides, Ibn al-Khatib, and Ibn Khaldun.
Under
the Almohad dynasty Morocco
experienced a period of prosperity and brilliance of learning. The Almohad
built the Kutubiyya Mosque in Marrakesh, which accommodated no fewer than
25,000 people, but was also famed for its books, manuscripts, libraries and
book shops, which gave it its name; the first book bazaar in history. The
Almohad Caliph Abu Yakub had a great love for collecting books. He founded a
great library, which was eventually carried to the Casbah and turned into a
public library.
Modern
Moroccan literature began in the 1930s. Two main factors gave Morocco a pulse
toward witnessing the birth of a modern literature. Morocco,
as a French and Spanish protectorate left Moroccan intellectuals the
opportunity to exchange and to produce literary works freely enjoying the
contact of other Arabic literature and Europe.
Three generations of writers especially shaped 20th century Moroccan literature.The
first was the generation that lived and wrote during the Protectorate
(1912–56), its most important representative being Mohammed Ben Brahim
(1897–1955).
The
second generation was the one that played an important role in the transition
to independence with writers like Abdelkrim Ghallab (1919–2006), Allal al-Fassi
(1910–1974) and Mohammed al-Mokhtar Soussi (1900–1963). The third generation is
that of writers of the sixties. Moroccan literature then flourished with
writers such as Mohamed Choukri, Driss Chraïbi, Mohamed Zafzaf and Driss El
Khouri. Those writers were an important influence the many Moroccan novelists,
poets and playwrights that were still to come.
During
the 1950s and 1960s, Morocco
was a refuge and artistic centre and attracted writers as Paul Bowles,
Tennessee Williams and William S. Burroughs. Moroccan literature flourished
with novelists such as Mohamed Zafzaf and Mohamed Choukri, who wrote in Arabic,
and Driss Chraïbi and Tahar Ben Jelloun who wrote in French. Other important
Moroccan authors include, Abdellatif Laabi, Abdelkrim Ghallab, Fouad Laroui,
Mohammed Berrada and Leila Abouzeid. Orature (oral literature) is an integral
part of Moroccan culture, be it in Moroccan Arabic or Berber
Music
Moroccan
music is of Arabic, Berber and sub-Saharan origins. Rock-influenced chaabi
bands are widespread, as is trance music with historical origins in Islamic
music.
Morocco is home to Andalusian classical music that is found
throughout Northwest Africa. It probably
evolved under the Moors in Cordoba,
and the Persian-born musician Ziryab is usually credited with its invention. A
genre known as Contemporary Andalusian Music and art is the brainchild of
Morisco visual artist/composer/oudist Tarik Banzi, founder of the Al-Andalus
Ensemble.A
group of Jilala musicians in 1900Aita
is a Bedouin musical style sung in the countryside.
Chaabi
("popular") is a music consisting of numerous varieties which are
descended from the multifarious forms of Moroccan folk music. Chaabi was
originally performed in markets, but is now found at any celebration or
meeting.
Popular
Western forms of music are becoming increasingly popular in Morocco, such as fusion, rock,
country, metal and, in particular, hip hop.Morocco participated in the 1980 Eurovision Song Contest,
where it finished in the penultimate position.
Media
Cinema
in Morocco
has a long history, stretching back over a century to the filming of Le
chevrier Marocain ("The Moroccan Goatherd") by Louis Lumière in 1897.
Between that time and 1944, many foreign movies were shot in the country,
especially in the Ouarza
zate
area. In 1944, the Moroccan Cinematographic Center (CCM), the nation's film
regulatory agency, was established. Studios were also opened in Rabat.
In
1952, Orson Welles' Othello won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival
under the Moroccan flag. However, the Festival's musicians did not play the
Moroccan national anthem, as no one in attendance knew what it was.Six years
later, Mohammed Ousfour would create the first Moroccan movie, Le fils maudit
("The Damned Son").
In
1968, the first Mediterranean Film Festival was held in Tangier. In its current
incarnation, the event is held in Tetouan. This was followed in 1982 with the
first national festival of cinema, which was held in Rabat. In 2001, the first International Film
Festival of Marrakech (FIFM) was also held in Marrakech.
Cuisine
Moroccan
cuisine is considered as one of the most diversified cuisines in the world.
This is a result of the centuries-long interaction of Morocco with the outside world.The cuisine of Morocco is mainly a fusion of Moorish, European
and Mediterranean cuisines.
Spices
are used extensively in Moroccan cuisine. While spices have been imported to Morocco for thousands of years, many ingredients
such as saffron from Tiliouine, mint and olives from Meknes,
and oranges and lemons from Fez,
are home-grown. Chicken is the most widely eaten meat in Morocco. The
most commonly eaten red meat in Morocco
is beef; lamb is preferred but is relatively expensive. The main Moroccan dish
most people are familiar with is couscous the old national delicacy.
Beef
is the most commonly eaten red meat in Morocco, usually eaten in a Tagine
with vegetables or legumes. Chicken is also very commonly used in Tagines,
knowing that one of the most famous tagine is the Tagine of Chicken, potatoes
and olives. Lamb is also consumed, but as Northwest African sheep breeds store
most of their fat in their tails, Moroccan lamb does not have the pungent
flavour that Western lamb and mutton have. Poultry is also very common, and the
use of seafood is increasing in Moroccan food. In addition, there are dried
salted meats and salted preserved meats such as kliia/khlia and "g'did"
which are used to flavor tagines or used in "el ghraif" a folded
savory Moroccan pancake.
Among
the most famous Moroccan dishes are Couscous, Pastilla (also spelled Bsteeya or
Bestilla), Tajine, Tanjia and Harira. Although the latter is a soup, it is
considered as a dish in itself and is served as such or with dates especially
during the month of Ramadan. Pork consumption is forbidden in accordance with
Sharia, religious laws of Islam.
A
big part of the daily meal is bread. Bread in Morocco is principally from durum
wheat semolina known as khobz. Bakeries are very common throughout Morocco and
fresh bread is a staple in every city, town and village. The most common is
whole grain coarse ground or white flour bread. There are also a number of flat
breads and pulled unleavened pan-fried breads.
The
most popular drink is "atai", green tea with mint leaves and other
ingredients. Tea occupies a very important place in the culture of Morocco and is
considered an art form. It is served not only at mealtimes but all through the
day, and it is especially a drink of hospitality, commonly served whenever
there are guests. It is served to guests, and it is impolite to refuse it.
Sport
Football
is the country's most popular sport, popular among the urban youth in
particular. In 1986, Morocco
became the first Arab and African country to qualify for the second round of
the FIFA World Cup. Morocco
was originally scheduled to host the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, but refused to
host the tournament on the scheduled dates because of fears over the ebola
outbreak on the continent.Morocco made five attempts to host the FIFA World Cup
but lost five times to United States,
France, Germany, South Africa and
Canada/Mexico/United States.
At
the 1984 Olympic Games, two Moroccans won gold medals in track and field. Nawal
El Moutawakel won in the 400 metres hurdles; she was the first woman from an
Arab or Islamic country to win an Olympic gold medal. Saïd Aouita won the 5000
metres at the same games. Hicham El Guerrouj won gold medals for Morocco at the
2004 Summer Olympics in the 1500 metres and 5000 metres and holds several world
records in the mile run.
Spectator
sports in Morocco
traditionally centered on the art of horsemanship until European
sports—football, polo, swimming, and tennis—were introduced at the end of the
19th century. Tennis and golf have become popular.[citation needed] Several
Moroccan professional players have competed in international competition, and
the country fielded its first Davis Cup team in 1999. Morocco was one of the
continent's pioneers in basketball as it established one of Africa's first
competitive leagues.Rugby came to Morocco in the early 20th century, mainly by
the French who occupied the country.As a result, Moroccan rugby was tied to the
fortunes of France, during the first and second World War, with many Moroccan
players going away to fight.Like many other Maghreb nations, Moroccan rugby
tended to look to Europe for inspiration, rather than to the rest of Africa.
Kickboxing
is also popular in Morocco.[citation needed] The Moroccan-Dutch Badr Hari,
heavyweight kickboxer and martial artist, is a former K-1 heavyweight champion
and K-1 World Grand Prix 2008 and 2009 finalist.
Education
Education
in Morocco
is free and compulsory through primary school. The estimated literacy rate for
the country in 2012 was 72%.In September 2006, UNESCO awarded Morocco amongst other countries such as Cuba, Pakistan,
India and Turkey the
"UNESCO 2006 Literacy Prize".
Morocco has more than four dozen universities, institutes of
higher learning, and polytechnics dispersed at urban centres throughout the
country. Its leading institutions include Mohammed V University in Rabat, the
country's largest university, with branches in Casablanca and Fès; the Hassan
II Agriculture and Veterinary Institute in Rabat, which conducts leading social
science research in addition to its agricultural specialties; and Al-Akhawayn
University in Ifrane, the first English-language university in Northwest Africa,inaugurated
in 1995 with contributions from Saudi Arabia and the United States.
The
al-Qarawiyin University, founded by Fatima al-Fihri in the city of Fez in 859
as a madrasa,is considered by some sources, including UNESCO, to be the
"oldest university of the world".Morocco has also some of prestigious
postgraduate schools, including: l'Institut National des Postes et
Télécommunication (INPT), École Nationale Supérieure d'Électricité et de Mecanique
(ENSEM), EMI, ISCAE, INSEA, National School of Mineral Industry, École Hassania
des Travaux Publics, Les Écoles nationales de commerce et de gestion, École
supérieure de technologie de Casablanca.
Health
Many
efforts are made by countries around the world to address health issues and
eradicate disease, Morocco
included. Child health, maternal health, and diseases are all components of
health and well-being. Morocco
is a developing country that has made many strides to improve these categories.
However, Morocco
still has many health issues to improve on. According to research published, in
2005 only 16% of citizens in Morocco
had health insurance or coverage.In data from the World Bank, Morocco
experiences high infant mortality rates at 20 deaths per 1,000 births (2017) and
high maternal mortality rates at 121 deaths per 100,000 births (2015).
The
government of Morocco
sets up surveillance systems within the already existing healthcare system to
monitor and collect data. Mass education in hygiene is implemented in primary
education schools which are free for residents of Morocco. In 2005, The government of
Morocco approved two reforms to expand health insurance coverage.The first
reform was a mandatory health insurance plan for public and private sector
employees to expand coverage from 16 percent of the population to 30 percent.
The second reform created a fund to cover services for the poor. Both reforms
improved access to high-quality care. Infant mortality has improved
significantly since 1960 when there were 144 deaths per 1,000 live births, in
2000, 42 per 1,000 live births, and now it is 20 per 1,000 live births.The
country's under-five mortality rate dropped by 60% between 1990 and 2011.
According
to data from the World Bank,the present mortality rate is still very high, over
seven times higher than in neighboring country Spain. In 2014, Morocco adopted a national plan to
increase progress on maternal and child health.The Moroccan Plan was started by
the Moroccan Minister of Health, Dr. El Houssaine Louardi, and Dr. Ala Alwan,
WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, on 13 November 2013
in Rabat.Morocco has made significant progress in reducing deaths among both
children and mothers. Based on World Bank data, the nation's maternal mortality
ratio fell by 67% between 1990 and 2010.In 2014, spending on healthcare
accounted for 5.9% of the country's GDP.Since 2014, spending on healthcare as
part of the GDP has decreased. However, health expenditure per capita (PPP) has
steadily increased since 2000. In 2015, the Moroccan health expenditure was
$435.29 per capita.In 2016 the life expectancy at birth was 74.3, or 73.3 for
men and 75.4 for women, and there were 6.3 physicians and 8.9 nurses and midwives
per 10,000 inhabitants.In 2017, Morocco ranked 16th out of 29 countries on the
Global Youth Wellbeing Index.Moroccan youths experience a lower self-harm rate
than the global index by an average of 4 encounters per year.
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