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Modern states /
Morocco
The Moroccan Kingdom
Arabic:
'al-mamlakatu l-maghribiyya
Play national anthem
Search 'Morocco'
Major cities
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| Casablanca | 3.0 million |
| Rabat | 1.2 million |
| Fez | 1 million |
| Marrakech | 840,000 |
| Tangier | 700,000 |
| Agadir | 690,000 |
| Meknes | 550,000 |
| Kenitra | 370,000 |
| Oujda | 410,000 |
| Sale | 400,000 |
| Tetouan | 320,000 |
| Safi | 290,000 |
| Mohammedia | 190,000 |
| Khouribga | 170,000 |
| Beni Mellal | 170,000 |
| El Jadida | 150,000 |
| Taza | 150,000 |
| Nador | 140,000 |
| Settat | 120,000 |
| Khemisset | 110,000 |
| Ksar el-Kebir | 110,000 |
| Larache | 110,000 |
| Goulimime | 100,000 |
Important towns
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| Er-Rachidia | 80,000 |
| Taroudannt | 75,000 |
| Essaouira | 70,000 |
| Sefrou | 70,000 |
| Al-Hoceima | 60,000 |
| Ouarzazate | 60,000 |
| Tiznit | 55,000 |
| Chefchaouen | 40,000 |
| Zagora | 37,000 |
| Figuig | 30,000 |
| Asilah | 25,000 |
| Sidi Ifni | 15,000 |
All figures are 2005 estimates.
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Status
| Independent monarchy, divided into 37 provinces, and the 2 governorates (wilaya) of Casablanca and Rabat-Sale.
Morocco claims, and occupies most of Western Sahara. Morocco also claims the territory of Spanish North Africa. Some hash producing regions in the north are out of control of the central authorities.
Day of independence: March 2, 1956.
Throne Day: July 30, 1999
| Government
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Head of state: Muhammad 6
Prime ministers: Driss Jettou.
The government is made up of 31 ministers.
National Assembly: There are 2 chambers, the Representative with 325 members, and the Advisers with 270 members. All members of the Representative Chamber are elected from general elections. For the Advisers Chamber, 162 seats are elected by local councils, 81 by chambers of commerce and 27 by trade unions.
| Geography
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Inhabitants: 31.2 million (2005 estimate).
Census September 2: 26.1 million.
Population growth rate: 1.7%
Total area: 446,550 kmē
Density: 70 per kmē
Border: 2,018 km (Western Sahara 443 km, Algeria 1,559 km, Spain 16 km).
Coastline: 1,835 km
Highest point: Jabal Toubkal 4,165 m
Lowest point: Sebkha Tah -55 m
Arable land: 20%
Capital: Rabat
| Human Development Index
| World rank (of 177): 123
Index (1.0 max): 0.640
Explanation
| Demography
| Languages: Arabic (official), Berber, French.
Religions: Sunni Islam, Christianity.
| Economy
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Currency: Dirham=100 centimes (MAD)
100 dirhams=US$12.70. US$1=7.89 dirhams (September 2008)
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Climate and Geography
Morocco is dominated by the mountains in the north, and some fertile valleys and the green belt along the Atlantic half the way to Agadir. The south is totally dominated by the desert. Morocco's main natural resources are phosphates and citruses. Another important source of income for the country is tourism. Fishing is rich in the south, but is still little exploited.
Morocco has tendency in direction of democracy, but is still ruled by the powerful king. While there were indications of more democracy after the new king took power, there have recently been reports telling about actions against the medias of the country.
The economy of Morocco has seen many years of positive growth, and the country has built an excellent infrastructure where both classic elements like roads and modern ones like cell phones and internet are most present. But still the country is a poor one, where many people have problems fulfilling the basic needs.
© Copyright 1996-2009 LookLex Ltd. All rights reserved
By: Tore Kjeilen
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