Capital: Rabat
Area: 710,850 sq km (274,461 sq miles, including Western Sahara).
Population: 32.7 million (2013).
Population density: 45.9 per sq km
Language: The official language is Arabic. Berber languages are not officially recognised even though it is the language of the country's first inhabitants, who form a majority. French is widely spoken throughout the country, except in the northern regions where Spanish is more predominant. English is also understood, particularly in the north and major tourist destinations like Marrakech.
Religion: Morocco is predominantly Muslim with Jewish, Christian and Hindu minorities.
Political regime: Constitutional monarchy
Head of State: Abdel-Ilah Benkiran
Head of Government: Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane since 2011
The service industry, including a booming tourism sector now worth well over US$2 billion annually, accounts for nearly 55% of the GDP. Remittances from Moroccans living abroad (mostly in Europe) are another major source of revenue. Financial unease in Europe contributed to an economic slowdown across the country in 2012, but in general terms the economy is one of the most stable in the region. The unemployment rate currently sits at just under 10%, with 15% of the population living below the poverty line.
A large number of Moroccans are still employed in agriculture, growing cereals, vegetables and citrus fruits, and fishing remains another vital field. Industry accounts for around a quarter of GDP, of which the textile and garment industry employs a rapidly growing number of Moroccan women as well as generating export income. Mining also generates revenue for Morocco, which is the world's largest exporter of phosphates. Although Morocco has small oil and gas reserves, it has to import the bulk of its needs.
Like the rest of Northern Africa the region we now call Morocco was inhabited from early times. The first connection to the rest of the Mediterranean world came by Phoenician trading colonies and settlements in the early Classical period.
In 670 AD, the first Islamic conquest of North African took place, and the Arabs imported their customs, culture, and Islam, to which most of the Berbers converted, forming states and kingdoms. In 788 Idris ibn Abdallah founded the Idrisid Dynasty, covering most of the territory of modern day Morocco. This dynasty became largely independent of the caliphs that ruled them from far away places, and made Fez the capital. The dynasty lasted for almost 200 years. After the fall of the Idrisid Dynasty the country was ruled by several other dynasties, including the Caliphate of Cordoba, the Almoravid dynasty and Almohad dynasty. But those lost their influence when the Spanish reconquista meant that they lost control over Al Andalus, which also meant a huge inflow of muslims from Iberia. In the 17th and 18th centuries a smaller but wealthier and more united Morroco emerged.
In the 19th century Morroco became a prime target to add as a colony for many European countries, including France, Germany and Spain. The Treaty of Fez (signed on March 30, 1912) made Morocco a protectorate of France, with Spain taking over control over the Saharan zones. By the time of World War II, nationalist parties were pushing for independence for Morocco, which led to complete independence from France in 1956.
Morocco is located on the westernmost tip of north Africa, bordering Algeria to the east, Mauritania and the disputed territory of Western Sahara to the southwest and southeast, the Atlantic ocean to the west and the Mediterranean to the north.
Running through the middle of the country is the Atlas mountain range. The Middle Atlas range sweeps up from the south, rising to over 3,000m (9,850ft), covered with woodlands of pine, oak and cedar, open pastureland and small lakes. The Rif Mountains run along the north coast. Often snow-covered in winter, Morocco's mountains are home to the country's significant indigenous Berber population.
The long stretch of Atlantic coast down Morocco's western side features cool breezes and long sandy beaches. It is separated from the mountainous region by wide swathes of fertile plains. To the north, is the Mediterranean coast, just a stone's throw from the European continent – Gibraltar is an hour’s ferry ride away.
In the south of the country, the Sahara is the largest desert in the world. Far from being featureless, it is dotted with fascinating traditional villages and cool oases.
Morocco's population and culture is a blend of religious and cultural traditions, encompassing Berber, Arab, African, Mediterranean and Jewish influences. Greetings involve a handshake and friendly inquiries after health, happiness and family, and no business is discussed until after these pleasantries. Friends may tack on a cheek air-kiss or two. Moroccan chattiness makes everyday interactions more pleasant, if longer; patience and extroversion are assets. In the souks, vendors call out to customers, joking and striking up conversations before bargaining begins. When offered tea, it's polite to at least take a sip.
Although casual gear is widely acceptable, wearing any clothing that reveals arms or legs is disrespectful. Swimsuits, shorts, sleeveless tops and clingy clothing should be confined to the beach or poolside for both men and women. Women travelling alone can expect help and friendship, but will avoid undue attention if they cover up, ideally in local garb. Sexual relations outside marriage (including homosexual conduct) are theoretically punishable by law, but this is rarely enforced. Smoking is widespread, though sometimes limited to smoking sections in restaurants. Drinking alcohol in view of a mosque is highly disrespectful and alcohol licences are expensive, but alcohol is often served discreetly indoors or on terraces
