A Portrait of Morocco

a portrait of morocco

Introducing Morocco

Morocco is often likened to a tree, with roots embedded in Africa and leaves that breathe European air. This metaphor, coined by King Hassan II (1929-1999), captures the essence of a nation deeply traditional yet irresistibly drawn to modernity. This duality is what imbues Morocco with its rich cultural tapestry. Enjoy A Portrait of Morocco!

Unlike any other country in the Muslim world, Morocco boasts a unique and diverse culture forged over 3,000 years. Its heritage is shaped by ancient ethnic groups and its strategic geographical location, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, sub-Saharan Africa to the south, Europe to the north, and the Mediterranean countries to the east.

Morocco on the map

The Moroccan people navigate the delicate balance between the allure of modernity and a deep-seated desire for Islamic reform. Significant events such as the passing of King Hassan II in 1999, the ascension of his son, King Mohammed VI, the formation of a left-wing coalition government, and the ensuing challenges related to the economy and press freedom, have positioned Morocco at the cusp of a transformative new chapter in its history.

Morocco: An Evolving Society

Since the 1950s, Morocco has experienced profound social changes. Traditional tribal cohesion has given way to the European-style nuclear family, polygamy has become rare, a money-based economy is now standard, and the concept of individuality has emerged.

These transformations have been accompanied by urban population growth and the rise of a bi-cultural elite with traditional roots and a European outlook. With a large percentage of young people, Moroccan society is unmistakably moving away from its past. However, the country still grapples with the challenges posed by sharp contradictions in its social, political, and economic life.

Since gaining independence from France in 1956, Morocco has attempted to address three major issues: illiteracy, unemployment, and poverty. Despite allocating 26.3% of its budget to education, the literacy rate remains low at 55%, one of the lowest in the world. Education no longer guarantees employment, and more than 200,000 high-school graduates are unemployed. Even university education is no longer a sure path to career success.

Berber Culture

Despite its mixed Berber and Arab population, Morocco has successfully maintained ethnic and cultural stability, ensuring equality between the Berber and Arabic languages. While Tamazight, the Berber language, is not taught in schools, it is commonly heard on Moroccan radio and television. The movement to promote Berber language and culture through newspapers, concerts, and other cultural events is vibrant. There are active efforts to encourage the wider use of the language and to foster respect for the rich Berber heritage.

Pilot projects in the southern Souss region, funded by money sent back by Berbers working abroad, have included the construction of mosques, wells, roads, and schools. These initiatives showcase the community’s commitment to preserving and enhancing their cultural identity.

The Status of Women in Morocco

Today, Moroccan women work in diverse fields such as politics, aviation, business, and the media. They serve as political delegates, ambassadors, airline pilots, company directors, royal advisers, Olympic champions, writers, publishers, activists, and journalists. Over the past 30 years, the status and position of women in Moroccan society have undergone a radical transformation.

A significant milestone was the constitution of March 10, 1972, which granted women the right to vote and be elected. By 1994, 77 women were elected to the Chamber of Representatives. However, feminist associations continue to push for further progress. They demand the abolition of the mudawwana, a 1957 statute that restricts women’s rights and prevents them from being treated as fully-fledged adults.

Efforts to improve women’s status in March 1999 faced strong opposition from the Minister of Religious Affairs, the ulemas (religious councils), and Islamic deputies in Parliament. Currently, the desire for progress and modernization championed by Morocco’s new king and his government continues to encounter resistance from various religious bodies.

Political Change in Morocco

Until the death of King Hassan II in 1999, Morocco was under the rule of a distant and autocratic monarch. The attempted coups d’état of 1971 and 1972 led the Moroccan authorities to tighten their control over the government, with Driss Basri, then Minister of the Interior, enforcing these measures.

Towards the end of his reign, Hassan II began to ease his authoritarian rule by involving the left wing in the government. In February 1998, a government of national unity was formed, led by Socialist leader Abderrahmane Youssoufi, although its success has been seen as limited.

Since 1999, King Mohammed VI has introduced a new style of governance, marked by a willingness to listen to his people and a commitment to countering Islamic radicals. He gained popular support by dismissing Driss Basri, the former Minister of the Interior. Breaking with tradition, he has publicly introduced his new wife and has established royal commissions to address economic development, the issue of the southern Sahara, employment, and education.

In the September 2002 parliamentary election, Morocco had more than 20 political parties, many newly formed. This led to the rise of the Islamic Party of Justice and Development (PJD), which became the third largest political party in the country, following the Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP) and the Istiqlal Party, the main opposition party to the coalition government. However, the terrorist bombings in Casablanca in May 2003, which claimed 43 lives, have created instability and raised questions about the progress of the democratization process initiated by King Mohammed VI.

A Varied Economy a portrait of morocco

Morocco’s strategic position, bridging Africa and Europe, provides it with significant economic benefits, particularly in tourism, agriculture, and textiles. Recently discovered oil reserves in the country are expected to meet domestic energy demands for the next 35 years. In addition to these resources, Morocco also relies on its thriving fishing industry and hydroelectric power for economic stability. Furthermore, the economy is bolstered by the substantial remittances from Moroccans working overseas, which amount to around $2 billion annually.

The influx of multinational companies has revolutionized Morocco’s telecommunications sector, leading to a surge in mobile phone usage and a rise in computer ownership. However, the Moroccan economy faces significant challenges. Agriculture remains heavily reliant on rainfall, the education system is underfunded, energy costs are prohibitively high, and there is limited investment in the population. As of 1999, about 5 million people were living in poverty, with nearly 460,000 rural migrants each year adding to the overcrowded urban slums.

Despite the government’s efforts to implement economic reforms, the anticipated outcomes have fallen short. The World Bank is urging Morocco to liberalize its economy, increase exports, and devalue its currency to stay competitive. Morocco’s relationship with Europe is positive, and plans for free trade with the EU by 2010 hinge on the country developing a robust financial and technological infrastructure.

Morocco is in dire need of modernization, though the journey towards true democracy is expected to be gradual. This slow pace of reform has driven many young Moroccans to seek opportunities abroad. All eyes are on King Mohamed VI to see if he can successfully tackle the challenges of controlling Islamic radicalism, revitalizing the economy, and eradicating illiteracy. The future of the nation is in his hands.

The landscape and wildlife of Morocco

Morocco is a country of diverse landscapes, featuring mountain ranges that soar over 4,000 meters (13,130 feet) and a coastline that stretches from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. The country’s varied topography includes everything from arid scrublands to lush cedar forests and towering mountains. Morocco’s plant life, consisting of more than 4,000 species, is uniquely adapted to thrive in these diverse and often extreme environments. Migratory birds frequently visit the coast, while the mountains provide a home for Barbary sheep and birds of prey like the lammergeier.

Mountain Forests and High Steppes

In the Rif, Middle Atlas, and western High Atlas mountains, forests flourish at elevations between 1,400 and 2,500 meters (4,600-8,200 feet) where annual rainfall ranges from 650 mm to 2,000 mm (25-78 inches). The rich vegetation includes species such as Atlas cedar, maritime pine, and holm oak. Higher up, over 2,700 meters (8,860 feet), the high steppes are covered in low, thorny vegetation.

Moroccan Golden eagle

The Golden Eagle is a prominent predator in these mountain areas, hunting jackals, bustards, and small mammals.

the red kite bird morocco

The Kite, another bird of prey, nests on rocky outcrops and scavenges for food, sometimes knocking prey off cliffs with powerful wing beats.

Arid Coastal Regions and Deserts

Morocco’s rocky coastal lowlands, particularly between Safi and Agadir, receive minimal rainfall—between 40 and 150 mm (1.5 to 6 inches) annually. Vegetation here is sparse, dominated by hardy shrubs like acacia that can tolerate saline conditions. Further south, the landscape transitions into desert regions characterized by sand dunes (ergs) and stony plains (hammada).

bald ibis morocco

One of the country’s most endangered species, the bald ibis, can be found in the Souss-Massa National Park, a rare fertile area along the otherwise arid coast.

Barbary Squirrel morocco

The Barbary Squirrel, which favors the nuts of the argan tree, inhabits the arid lowlands of southwestern Morocco—additionally, the Great Cormorant nests on the sea cliffs between Agadir and the Arguin sandbanks of Mauritania.

The Macaque, or Barbary Ape

makak monkeys on the way to merzouga

The macaque, North Africa’s only native monkey, primarily inhabits the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, living at altitudes up to 2,000 meters (6,565 feet). Smaller populations are also found in the Rif, High Atlas, and even on the Rock of Gibraltar. These social animals form groups of 10 to 30 individuals, including both adults and young. In summer, their diet consists of caterpillars, acorns, mushrooms, and asphodel bulbs, while in winter, they feed on grasses, cedar leaves, and occasionally bark.

Scrub and Steppe

Southeastern Morocco is characterized by steppes covered in esparto grass and artemisia, particularly on the high plateau, the southern slopes of the High Atlas, and parts of the Anti-Atlas. Rainfall in these areas ranges from 100 mm to 300 mm (4-12 inches) annually, and snow is a rare occurrence. Tree species in these regions include Atlas pistachio, juniper, and ash.

The Numidian Crane Morocco

The Numidian Crane nests on Morocco’s high plateaux during the summer months, while the Houbara Bustard is a resident of the semi-desert plains in the south.

The Golden Jackal morocco

The Golden Jackal, a resilient predator that can survive long periods without water, is found throughout North Africa and the Sahara.

Dry Woodlands

Most of the low-lying and mid-altitude areas on the northern side of the Atlas Mountains are covered in dry woodlands. These regions receive between 350 mm and 800 mm (14-31 inches) of rainfall annually, with occasional snowfall. The tree species here include holm oak, cork oak, kermes oak, olive, Barbary thuya, and both Aleppo and maritime pine.

Moroccan dorcas gazelle

The Dorcas Gazelle, which feeds on grasses and acacia shoots, inhabits the semi-desert regions in the south and east. Meanwhile, the Booted Eagle, another resident of the forests in the north and the Atlas Mountains, nests high in tall trees, maintaining its position as a formidable predator in these regions.

moroccan booted eagle

The Urban Architecture of Morocco

Morocco’s urban architecture boasts a history spanning over a millennium, beginning with the construction of the Karaouiyine Mosque in Fes in 857 by the first Idrissid rulers. This long history has seen the evolution of various architectural styles, each reflecting the secular and religious life of the times.

Karaouiyine Mosque

The Almoravids (11th – 12th Century)

During the Almoravid period, the Moorish style flourished in Morocco, which was then at the heart of an Ibero-Maghrebian empire. Key elements of this style included the horseshoe arch, lobed arch, Kufic script often paired with floral designs, the acanthus leaf motif, and intricate decorative plasterwork.

almoravid koubba

The Almohads (12th – 13th Century)

The Almohads, under whom the empire reached its peak, established an architectural style that influenced later dynasties. Iconic examples include the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech and the Hassan Mosque in Rabat, as well as grand monumental gateways.

koutoubia tower

The Merinids (13th – 15th Century)

The Merinids continued using similar building techniques and architectural forms from the Almohad period but were renowned for their construction of Medersas—Moroccan architectural masterpieces—and their intricate ornamental designs.

merenid tiles

The Saadians (16th – 17th Century)

The Saadian dynasty contributed two architectural gems to Morocco: the Palais El-Badi and the Saadian Tombs in Marrakech. These structures exemplify the Andalusian traditions deeply rooted in Moroccan architecture.

saadians tombs

The Alaouites (17th Century – Present)

During the Alaouite period, significant architectural developments included Moulay Ismail’s transformation of Meknes into a royal city and Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah’s founding of Essaouira.

mohamed v mausoleum

The Modern Era

In the early 20th century, under French protectorate rule, new towns (Nouvelles Villes) were constructed outside traditional Medinas, preserving their historical layouts. During this time, a Neo-Moorish style emerged in various towns, while Art Deco became prominent in Casablanca.

casablanca post office

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