Morocco

It overlooks the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, with land
border with Algeria to the east and Western Sahara to the south. Morocco also claims
the exclaves of Ceuta, Melilla and Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera, all of them
under Spanish jurisdiction, as well as several small Spanish-controlled islands of its coast. The
capital is Rabat and the largest city is Casablanca. Morocco spans an area of
710,850 km2 (274,460 sq mi) and has a population of over 36 million.

The country's strategic location near the mouth of the Mediterranean attracted the interest of
Europe, and in 1912, Morocco was divided into French and Spanish protectorates, with an
international zone in Tangier. It regained its independence in 1956, and has since remained
comparatively stable and prosperous by regional standards, with the fifth largest economy in
Africa.

Morocco's predominant religion is Islam, and its official languages are Arabic and Berber, the latter
achieving official recognition in 2011,[14] having been the native language of Morocco before
the Muslim conquest in the seventh century C.E.[15] The Moroccan dialect of Arabic, referred to
as Darija, and French are also widely spoken. Moroccan culture is a blend
of Berber, Arab, Sephardi Jews, West African and European influences.
Morocco is a member of the Arab League, the Union for the Mediterranean and the African Union.
National symbols
National Anthem
The Cherifian Anthem is regarded as the national anthem of the Kingdom of Morocco. Its
conmposition was given by Léo Morgan, a French military official and head of music for the
imperial Moroccan Protector, under the rule of Sultan Yusef and Hubert Lyautey during the French
protectorate. It has remained the national song of praise even after the nation picked up its
autonomy in 1956. Though the anthem remained the same but another arrangement of verses
was written in 1970. The “Sharif” of the title is a term given to one who is a defender of the clan
and all the belongings.
National Flag
There are three hues that make up the Moroccan banner. The field is red and is the overwhelming
shading. In addition to keep its significant intact since Morocco’s commencement, the shading
additionally symbolizes quality, valor, fortitude and solidness. The shading green is utilized for the
five-pointed pentagram. The shading green symbolizes love, intelligence, harmony, happiness and
expectation. It is also acknowledged as the shade of Islam. The third shade of the flag ,the
pentagram, is sketched out in dark.
National Emblem
Coat of Arms is the national emblem of Morocco. This emblem highlights two lions supporting a
shield that shows a green pentagram against a red foundation before the Atlas Mountains and
rising sun. Over the crown rests a regal crown, and the maxim is shown in Arabic on a strip
beneath. The present crest of Morocco was presented on 14th August 1957. It was created by the
visual specialists Gauthier and Hainaut.
National Flower
The national Flower of Morocco is Rose. It is very beautiful and good looking flower which is
famous in all over the world for its beautiful fragrance and colors. There are many varieties of
roses present in Morocco.
National Animal
Barbary lion is the national animal of morocco. The Barbary lion represent to the Moroccan. In the
flag of Morocco, there have two images of Barbary lion. The Barbary lions the National Symbol of
Morocco.The Barbary lions lived in the Atlas Mountains of Northern Africa, from Morocco to
Egypt. We know from the history Barbary lions originates from Italy. In the hour of Roman
Emperors, Barbary lions are utilized to adversary of the gladiator’s.

- Politics
As stated, Morocco is a constitutional monarchy. The parliament is elected. Opposition parties are
permitted and several exist. The two chambers of parliament are the Assembly of Representatives
of Morocco and the Assembly of Councillors. The constitution sets forth the monarchy, a
parliament and an independent judiciary.
Mohamed VI is the King of Morocco. He is a member of the Alaouite dynasty and ascended
to the throne on 23 July 1999 upon the death of his father, King Hassan II.

- Geography
Morocco’s geography starts at the Atlantic Ocean and goes to mountainous areas, then to the
Sahara. Mountains span a large part of Morocco, including the Atlas Mountains in the center and
south. The Rif Mountains sit in the north. The Berber people are the main inhabitants of the
mountains. The country’s area is 446,519 sq. km.

The Canary Islands belong to Spain and are off the Atlantic coast. Madeira to the north is
controlled by Portugal. The Strait of Gibraltar is to the north of Morocco.

The Rif Mountains border the Mediterranean from the northwest to the northeast. The country’s
backbone is the Atlas Mountains which run from southwest to northeast. The Sahara covers much
of the southeast part of the country. The Western Sahara is in the south.

Rabat is the capital while Casablanca is the largest city and main port.

- Climate
in the north and some of the mountains there is a Mediterranean climate. These areas are the
locations of most of the country’s agriculture. 12 percent of Morocco is forested and arable land is
18 percent. Different climates exist in the Atlas Mountains, including Mediterranean and Maritime
Temperate. On the eastern side of the Atlas Mountains, the shelter effect of the mountains
changes the climate. It is very dry and warm in the summer with a desert climate.
 - Economy

The major resources of the Moroccan economy are agriculture, phosphate minerals, and tourism.
Sales of fish and seafood are important as well. Industry and mining contribute about one-third of
the annual GDP. Morocco is the world's third-largest producer of phosphates (after the United
States and China), and the price fluctuations of phosphates on the international market greatly
influence Morocco's economy. Tourism and workers' remittances have played a critical role
since independence. The production of textiles and clothing is part of a growing manufacturing
sector that accounted for approximately 34% of total exports in 2002, employing 40% of the
industrial workforce. The government wishes to increase 3 exports from $1.27 billion in 2001 to
$3.29 billion in 2010.
The high cost of imports, especially of petroleum imports, is a major problem. Morocco suffers
both from structural unemployment and a large external debt
- Culture
Morocco has a rich culture and civilization mostly due to its ethnic diversity. The different
civilizations in the region’s history have impacted Moroccan social structures.

There are regional differences that contribute to the overall culture. The country has protection of
diversity as one of its top priorities.

Clothing: Djellaba Bziwiya

Djellabas are a type of loose long item of clothing that can be worn by people of both sexes. They
have long sleeves and usually, a pointed hood as well. The item of traditional clothing most
commonly associated with Morocco, it has Berber roots, and thus can be found in other North
African lands where Berbers settled, for example Algeria and Tunisia.
Takchita
Similar to a kaftan, a takchita is a long and loose item of clothing worn by women in Morocco and
is commonly worn for celebrations and special events. It is made of two pieces: a fairly plain dress
and a beautiful over-garment richly decorated with beads, sequins, buttons and embroidered
details.
Music: Malhun
This music was born in the communities of Morocco’s artisans in the south of the country. With
influences from Andalusian musical styles, malhun is a type of sung poem, with lyrics that often
relate to social and cultural issues.
Food: Tanjia
Tanjia is a traditional Moroccan dish from Marrakesh. The meal takes its name from the stone pot
it is cooked in. A meaty dish – spices, oil, and salted lemon are added to cuts of meat (usually
lamb) before being slow cooked in embers. It was traditionally eaten by men who worked in the
souks; they would prepare a tanjia for their day off on Fridays and take it to the park for a picnic
with their friends.
 - Gastronomy

Morocco’s cuisine is one of the world’s most diversified. It mixes Berber, Corsican, Portuguese,
Spanish, Moorish, Middle Eastern, African, and Mediterranean.

Spices are used extensively, which were imported into the country over thousands of years.
Chicken is the most widely eaten meat and beef is the most common red meat. Lamb is expensive
but preferred. The most famous dish is couscous.

-Moroccan Chicken bastilla

Moroccan chicken Bastilla is Morocco's famous rendition of a savory pie, and it simply doesn't get
better than this. Traditionally pigeons were the birds of choice, but here chicken is cooked with
saffron, ginger, pepper and cinnamon, then layered within crispy warqa pastry with an herb-laden
omelet and and fried almonds scented with orange flower water.

-Kefta Meatball Tagine

Moroccans like to heartily season their ground beef or lamb (kefta) with cumin, paprika and
herbs. In its simplest form the spiced kefta is shaped and then grilled or pan fried, but you'll also
find kefta used extensively in other dishes, such as this popular Meatball tagine with poached
eggs.