Morocco has a coast on the Atlantic Ocean that reaches past the Strait of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean Sea. Morocco has international borders with Algeria to the east, Spain to the north, and Mauritania to the south. The Rif Mountains occupy 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 south west to the north east. Most of the south east 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 is the desert. The Kingdom of Morocco, known to most as simply Morocco, is a constitutional monarchy and the only African country not part of the African Union.
Morocco is a de jure constitutional monarchy, with an elected parliament. The King of Morocco, with vast executive powers, can dissolve government and deploy the military, among other prerogatives. Opposition political parties are legal, and several have been formed in recent years.
Morocco has a very diverse history of inhabitants and its religious beliefs range from paganism to Judaism, and Christianity to Islam. Moroccan cuisine has long been considered as one of the most diversified cuisines in the world. It is a mix of Berber, Spanish, Moorish, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and African cuisines. The heart of Morocco can be seen through a visit to the city of Fes. It is one of the largest living medieval cities in the world. Another amazing city in Morocco is Marrakesh. It is set against the back drop of snow covered mountains and has a square that provides a "stage" for storytellers, jugglers, snake charmers, acrobats, and magicians.
Quick Facts
Population: 32,309,239
Capital: Rabat
Per-capita GDP: $ 5100
Size: 446,550 km2
Time Zone: (GMT) Dublin
Country information is adapted from public domain resources including the CIA World Fact Book and www.Wikipedia.org.
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Xavier University of Louisiana Center for Intercultural and International Programs
