# Morocco

> sovereign state in North Africa

**Wikidata**: [Q1028](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1028)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morocco)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/morocco

## FAQs

### What are the key demographic statistics of Morocco?
Morocco has a population of approximately 37.08 million people as of 2021, according to World Bank data. The country's population has grown steadily from 12.33 million in 1960. The life expectancy at birth was 75.821 years as of 2016. The fertility rate has decreased over time, standing at 2.515 in 2014, while the unemployment rate was 10% in 2014. The birth rate in 2022 was 17.161 per 1,000 people, and the death rate was 5.766 per 1,000 people.

### What are the official languages and what other languages are used?
The official languages of Morocco are Arabic and Standard Moroccan Tamazight. However, a wide variety of other languages are used throughout the country, including Moroccan Arabic, Tashelhit, Central Atlas Tamazight, French, Spanish, Hassaniya Arabic, and English.

### Who are the political leaders of Morocco?
The current head of state is King Mohammed VI, who ascended to the throne on July 23, 1999. The head of government is Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, who took office on October 7, 2021. The executive power is exercised by the Cabinet of Morocco, while legislative power is vested in the Parliament of Morocco.

### What are the notable physical characteristics and geography of Morocco?
Morocco is located in North Africa with coastlines along the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It has coordinates at approximately 32°N latitude and 6°W longitude. The country's highest point is Jbel Toubkal at 4,167 meters, and its lowest point is Sebkha Tah at 55 meters below sea level. It contains 12 administrative regions, including Casablanca-Settat and Rabat-Salé-Kénitra.

### What are the major international memberships of Morocco?
Morocco is a member of numerous international organizations, including the United Nations (joined November 12, 1956), African Union, League of Arab States (joined October 1, 1958), World Trade Organization (joined January 1, 1995), and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (joined September 25, 1969). It also holds membership in the International Monetary Fund groups (IBRD, IDA, IFC, MIGA, ICSID) and is a member of Interpol, UNESCO, and the World Health Organization.

### What are the main economic indicators for Morocco?
Morocco's nominal GDP was approximately $134.18 billion USD in 2022. The country's currency is the Moroccan dirham. The Human Development Index (HDI) value was 0.683 in 2021, reflecting medium human development. The Gini coefficient, a measure of inequality, was 39.5 in 2013. The VAT rate in the country is 20%.

### What are the country's major holidays and cultural symbols?
Morocco's national motto is "God, Homeland, King" (Arabic: الله، الوطن، الملك). The national anthem is the Cherifian Anthem. Major public holidays include Throne Day (July 30), Revolution of the King and the People (August 20), Youth Day (August 21), and Green March (November 6), as well as Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

## Why It Matters
Morocco is a pivotal nation bridging Africa, the Arab world, and Europe. Its strategic location at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea gives it significant geopolitical importance. As a constitutional monarchy with a long history of dynastic rule dating back to the Idrisid dynasty in 789 AD, it represents political stability in a volatile region. Its economy is diverse, with a mix of agriculture, mining, tourism, and a growing manufacturing base. Morocco's active participation in international organizations like the UN, AU, and WTO underscores its role as a key diplomatic and economic player, serving as a critical partner for Europe and the United States in North Africa. Its culture, a blend of Arab, Berber, and European influences, makes it a major tourist destination and a center of cultural exchange.

## Notable For
- A constitutional monarchy with a continuous royal lineage.
- Strategic location at the Strait of Gibraltar.
- The highest point in North Africa, Jbel Toubkal (4,167 meters).
- A mix of Arabic and Tamazight as official languages.
- A founding member of the Arab Maghreb Union.
- Hosting major e-commerce platforms like Jumia in its market.
- A 2022 nominal GDP of approximately $134.18 billion USD.
- A Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.683 in 2021.
- A population of over 37 million people.
- Independence from both French and Spanish protectorates in 1956.

## Body

### History and Governance
Morocco's political structure is that of a constitutional monarchy. The current reigning dynasty, the 'Alawi, has ruled since 1631. The country's origins as a state can be traced back to the Idrisid dynasty, which was established in 789 AD. Other significant historical periods include the Saadi dynasty (from 1549) and later the French and Spanish protectorates in the 20th century. Morocco regained its independence from France on March 2, 1956, and from Spain on April 7, 1956. The country has since been a sovereign state and a member of the United Nations since November 12, 1956. The current head of state, King Mohammed VI, has reigned since July 23, 1999, while the head of government is Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, who assumed office on October 7, 2021. The legislative body is the Parliament of Morocco, and the highest judicial authority is the Supreme Court of Morocco. The country's basic form of government is defined as a constitutional monarchy.

### Geography and Environment
Morocco is situated in the northwestern corner of Africa, bordered by Algeria to the east, Western Sahara to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. To the north, it borders the Mediterranean Sea and faces Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar. The country's territory includes a coastline along the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean. The coordinates of the country's approximate center are 32°N latitude and 6°W longitude. The nation's physical geography is diverse, with its highest point being Jbel Toubkal at 4,167 meters above sea level in the Atlas Mountains, and its lowest point being Sebkha Tah, a depression 55 meters below sea level. The country is divided into 12 administrative regions, such as Casablanca-Settat, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, and Marrakesh-Safi. The largest city and economic hub is Casablanca, while the political capital is Rabat. The time zone is UTC+01:00 (Africa/Casablanca), and during Ramadan, the time zone shifts to UTC±00:00.

### Demographics and Society
Morocco has a population of 37,076,584 as of 2021, as reported by the World Bank. The population has seen consistent growth from 12,328,534 in 1960. The male population was recorded as 18,665,663 and the female population as 18,410,922 in 2021. A significant majority of the population, 24,196,351, lives in urban areas, while 13,261,620 reside in rural areas (2022 data). The life expectancy at birth reached 75.821 years in 2016. The country's official religion is Islam, and the predominant madhhab (school of jurisprudence) is Malikism. The official languages are Arabic and Standard Moroccan Tamazight, though other languages like French, Spanish, and various Berber dialects are widely used. The country's demonym is Moroccan, with various forms in different languages (e.g., Marocain in French, Marokkaner in German). The marriageable age is set at 18 for all genders.

### Economy and Development
Morocco's economy is classified as an emerging market. The nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was $142.87 billion in 2021 and $134.18 billion in 2022, according to the World Bank. The national currency is the Moroccan dirham, and the central bank is Bank Al-Maghrib. The country has a Value Added Tax (VAT) rate of 20%. The economy is supported by various sectors, including retail, represented by companies like Jumia, an African e-commerce platform present in Morocco since 2012. Morocco has a Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.683 as of 2021, placing it in the "medium human development" category. The inequality-adjusted HDI for the same year was 0.504. The country's Gini coefficient, a measure of income inequality, stood at 39.5 in 2013.

### International Relations
Morocco is an active participant in global and regional diplomacy. It is a member of the United Nations and holds membership in major international bodies such as the African Union, the League of Arab States, the World Trade Organization, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. The country maintains diplomatic relations with a wide array of nations, including the United States, France, Spain, China, Russia, and many others across Africa, Asia, and the Americas. It is also part of various economic and political unions, including the Arab Maghreb Union, and partners with the European Union. Morocco joined Interpol on June 17, 1957, and is a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

### Culture and National Symbols
The national identity of Morocco is expressed through various symbols and cultural practices. The country's motto, "God, Homeland, King" (الله، الوطن، الملك), is a central tenet of the state. The national flag is the Flag of Morocco, and the national anthem is the Cherifian Anthem. The state's coat of arms is the coat of arms of Morocco. The country celebrates a number of public holidays, both secular and religious, including Throne Day (July 30), Revolution of the King and the People (August 20), Youth Day (August 21), and the anniversary of the Green March (November 6). Islamic holidays like Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Mawlid are also observed. The official tourism body is the Moroccan National Tourism Office. The country's culture is a subject of study under the "culture of Morocco."

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35. [Source](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL?locations=MA)
36. [2024 Moroccan census](https://www.hcp.ma/Population-legale-du-Royaume-du-Maroc-repartie-par-regions-provinces-et-prefectures-et-communes-selon-les-resultats-du_a3974.html)
37. [Source](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI)
38. [Source](http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS)
39. [Source](http://cnig.gouv.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CNT-PVM_r%C3%A9vis%C3%A9_2020-01-27-1.pdf)
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