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Morocco:
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Other pages in this profile of Morocco:
People, Government, Economy, Communications & Transportation, Military & Transnational Issues.
People, Government, Economy, Communications & Transportation, Military & Transnational Issues.
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Background |
Definition In 788, about a century after the Arab conquest of North Africa, successive Moorish dynasties began to rule in Morocco. In the 16th century, the Sa'adi monarchy, particularly under Ahmad AL-MANSUR (1578-1603), repelled foreign invaders and inaugurated a golden age. In 1860, Spain occupied northern Morocco and ushered in a half century of trade rivalry among European powers that saw Morocco's sovereignty steadily erode; in 1912, the French imposed a protectorate over the country. A protracted independence struggle with France ended successfully in 1956. The internationalized city of Tangier and most Spanish possessions were turned over to the new country that same year. Morocco virtually annexed Western Sahara during the late 1970s, but final resolution on the status of the territory remains unresolved. Gradual political reforms in the 1990s resulted in the establishment of a bicameral legislature, which first met in 1997. Improvements in human rights have occurred and there is a largely free press. Despite the continuing reforms, ultimate authority remains in the hands of the monarch. |
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Location |
Definition Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Western Sahara |
Geographic coordinates |
Definition 32 00 N, 5 00 W |
Map references |
Definition Africa |
Area |
Definition - World rank and map total: 446,550 sq km land: 446,300 sq km water: 250 sq km |
Area - comparative |
Definition slightly larger than California |
Land boundaries |
Definition total: 2,017.9 km border countries: Algeria 1,559 km, Western Sahara 443 km, Spain (Ceuta) 6.3 km, Spain (Melilla) 9.6 km |
Coastline |
Definition 1,835 km |
Maritime claims |
Definition territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation |
Climate |
Definition Mediterranean, becoming more extreme in the interior |
Terrain |
Definition northern coast and interior are mountainous with large areas of bordering plateaus, intermontane valleys, and rich coastal plains |
Elevation extremes |
Definition lowest point: Sebkha Tah -55 m highest point: Jebel Toubkal 4,165 m |
Natural resources |
Definition phosphates, iron ore, manganese, lead, zinc, fish, salt |
Land use |
Definition - World rank and map arable land: 19% permanent crops: 2% other: 79% (2005) |
Irrigated land |
Definition 14,450 sq km (2003) |
Total renewable water resources |
Definition 29 cu km (2003) |
Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural) |
Definition total: 12.6 cu km/yr (10%/3%/87%) per capita: 400 cu m/yr (2000) |
Natural hazards |
Definition northern mountains geologically unstable and subject to earthquakes; periodic droughts |
Environment - current issues |
Definition land degradation/desertification (soil erosion resulting from farming of marginal areas, overgrazing, destruction of vegetation); water supplies contaminated by raw sewage; siltation of reservoirs; oil pollution of coastal waters |
Environment - international agreements |
Definition party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification |
Geography - note |
Definition strategic location along Strait of Gibraltar |
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Copyright 2008 World Sites Atlas (sitesatlas.com) |