Virtual Short Visit to Morocco

Interesting Facts About Morocco

Morocco is  a country in Africa. It is located in Northern Africa, between the countries Algeria and Mauritania. Morocco borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

In Morocco there are three major land regions: the Coastal Lowlands, the Sahara Desert, and the Atlas Mountain chain. 

The Coastal Lowlands border the Mediterranean sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Most of Morocco's farming is done there. The land rises  from the Atlantic coast from a plateau that goes all the way to the mountains. The many shallow rivers irrigate the farming that is done there. 

The Sahara Desert lies east and south of the Atlas Mountains. It is mostly made of sand dunes, stones, rocks and scattered oases. The Atlas Mountain chain goes across the middle of Morocco. There is three distinct ranged areas that are apart of the chain: the Grand Atlas or Haut Atlas (located in the center of the three.) the Anti Atlas (Northwest),  and to the Northeast  is the Middle Atlas or the Moyen Atlas. 

Climate:

Morocco's climate is usually rainy or dry. From October or November to May or June, is the rainy season. It rains about 9 inches in Marrakech, a town in morocco that has never changed since it was built, and 21 inches in Rabat, the capital of Morocco.  Droughts occur in the dry season. May or June to September or October is the rainy season.

Morocco’s history:

Morocco has had an interesting history.

- In Morocco, 8,000 years ago, farming communities existed.

- By 1000 B.C., Berbers, had migrated to the Moroccan region.

- The Phoenicians, famous ancient sea traders, established cities in Morocco on the Mediterranean coast in the 12th century B.C.

- Then the Carthaginians, who fought against the Berbers, took over the cities, until the Romans took over all of Morocco in the 2nd century B.C. The area became a Roman Province of Mauritania Tiniagitana  in 42 A.D. 

- As the Roman power started to fall, Morocco became part of the Byzantine Empire. 

- Spain and France gained control over Morocco's economy and political affairs in the early 1900's.

- Sultan Hassan, the first, ruled Morocco from 1873 to 1894. He tried to modernize Morocco's army and government, but the power of Europe did not allow him to do so by blocking any reforms that threatened Europe's interests.

- Hassan's son, Adb al-Aziz succeeded to modernize the army and government.     

- In 1904 Spain and France recognized that they both had an influence zone in Morocco. Spain's zone was of Northern Morocco, the Port of Sidi Ifni and its surrounding area, including the Sahara. France's zone was the rest of the country.

- After years of conference that upheld Morocco's independence, France's  power over Morocco finally ended  in 1956.

- During the late 1970's the country Western Sahara joined Morocco, but its territory still remains unsolved.

Interesting Facts:

- Morocco is a very interesting country.

- Basically all of Morocco's people are mixed of Arab and Berber ancestry.

- The Berbers lived in Morocco 3000 years and they still do today.

- During the 600's Arabs began to move to Morocco.

- The approximate population in Morocco today is 31,689,265 people.

- The traditional Moroccan life style consists of two parents, their unmarried children and their married children with their wives and children.

- Usually, when a father dies, the married sons and wife's move out and start their own household.

- Today, People in Morocco wear traditional  clothing. In the city, people often wear a loose fitting hooded robe with long, full sleeves, called Jellaba or a Burnoose and a turban. Woman also wear long Jellabas as an outer clothing wear, for casual occasion, they would wear long, beautiful robes called Caftan. Some woman cover their faces with a Veil Nikab

-Most Moroccans eat things made from wheat and barley. They eat the natural dish of couscous. Cafe's are used to relax in and where they also like pastries with honey and almonds. 

- Morocco is bilingual; the major languages are Arabic and French. Even classes in school are taught in these two languages. Children have to go to school for at least six years in both rural and urban areas.

Lots of people in rural area think it is more important for boys to get  an education than girls. - Morocco is known for their leather goods, metal wear,  pottery and rugs.

- Folk music and folk dancing is a tradition in  Morocco- The French influences are seen in paintings, drama, and sculptures. - The most popular sports in Morocco are soccer (football), basketball, and field and track events.

-There are also religious festivals throughout the year. 

Major Religions:

: 98% of the people in Morocco are Muslims. Morocco also has some Christians and Jews.

- Languages:

Arabic is the official language of Morocco. There is also some French, English and Spanish.

- Current Government:

Morocco is divided into seven provinces. A governor appointed by the king heads each province. The provinces are further divided into prefectures. The national government controls all local governments.

- Capital:

Rabat

- Economy

:The economy in Morocco is mainly based on  mining and agriculture. The government controls the mining industry, most communication services and transportation, also some manufacturing industries. Farming and businesses are privately owned.