FAQs about Morocco

Rabat is the capital and third-largest city of Morocco. The city is located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg.

Morocco is a country located in North Africa.

It is bordered by Spain to the north, Algeria to the east, and Western Sahara to the south.

The Sahara Desert lies to the east of Morocco; it extends from the eastern foothills of the Atlas Mountains to Egypt.

Mediterranean Sea lies to the north of Morocco. On the west is the Atlantic. The Straits of Gibraltar are the link between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.

Morocco is divided into 16 regions, and subdivided into 62 prefectures and provinces. Casablanca is its largest city.

The Prime Minister of Morocco is the head of government. Abbas El Fassi is the current prime Minister.

The currency used in Morocco is Moroccan dirham often abbreviated as MAD or Dh.

The official language is Arabic but French is the dominant business language in central and southern Morocco. Spanish and English are also spoken by a number of people.

Islam is the state religion of Morocco. Almost the entire population is Sunni Muslim. About 1 percent of the population is Christian, and less than 0.2 percent is Jewish.

Morocco has a developing economy. The major resources of the economy are agriculture, phosphates, and tourism. It is the world's biggest exporter and third-largest producer of phosphorus. Industry and mining contribute about one-third of the annual GDP. Morocco is a net importer of energy, including coal, which is needed to fire the country's two main electric power stations.

Morocco broke free from years of French colonial rule with the return of King Mohammed V in 1956 from his exile in Madagascar and Corsica. On November 18th, 1956, King Mohammed V proclaimed Morocco's independence and from then on this day is celebrated in Morocco with much fervor.

Morocco has been under the rule of many a power throughout its history. Although the Independence Day in Morocco (18th November) celebrates its freedom from the French rule, the grateful Moroccans have not forgotten the sacrifices of their heroes in driving away the Spanish conquerors. So in the month of June, there are Morocco independence celebrations to mark the freedom of the country in1975 from Spanish rule.

Casablanca is a 1942 American romantic drama film. Casablanca is the largest city of Morocco.