General Info
Location
At the extreme north west of Africa and on the immediate southern side of Gibraltar straight, Morocco is the intersection of the Arab World, Europe and Africa. This millennial land of Islam is known in Arabic as Al Maghreb Al Aqsa, meaning “the Extreme West”. Its immediate neighbors are Spain, Mauritania and Algeria.
Morocco is a land of contrasts. Its very long seacoast (3500 km), which is short on the Mediterranean side, extends into plains and plateaus on the Atlantic one. The mountains are the highest in the Maghreb region, with Mount Toubqal peaking at 4165 m. in the High Atlas chain.
Weather
Mountain chains partition Morocco into very distinct natural settings and distinguish two major climatic zones: the northern region, which is relatively pluvial and the southern, arid and bordering Sahara. In the northern half, the climate is Mediterranean with a cool and humid period (from October till the end of April), and a dry season (from May till the end of September). Proximity to the sea reduces temperature differences and increases humidity; the farther we go from the sea, the higher temperature is and the more apparent dryness becomes. Rain increases with altitude and snow is, at times, significant in the mountains, where temperature can reach - 20 o C.
Population
With its more than 27.3 million inhabitants, Morocco is, first of all, a young country. In fact, inhabitants under twenty represent almost half of the entire population. According to 1998 census, 53.8 % of the population live in urban zones and 46.2 % in rural areas.
Economy
Mediterranean and Atlantic seashores, mountain scenery, desert proximity, artistic heritage of imperial cities (Rabat, Fez, Meknes and Marrakech), suqs activity, and the people’s hospitality have all contributed to make of Morocco a big attractive region. Tourism is one of the promising sectors of Moroccan economy. Its contribution reaches up to 7.8 % of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In 2000, tourism witnessed an increase of 11 % in arrivals and 12 % in revenues. Nearly 3 million tourists visited Morocco that Year.
However, Moroccan economy grows with a fluctuating rate, mainly due to the effect of drought. During the last 10 years, the economy achieved an average growth rate of 3 %. Progressively, the financial equilibrium has been restored. From 12 % of GDP in 1982, budget deficit was reduced to 2.7 % in 2001. Inflation is under control. Price increase was lowered from 6.1 % in 1995 to less than 3 %. In 2000, price increase was maintained at 2.5 %.
Natural Resources
Morocco is endowed with significant mineral resources, being the third producer and the first exporter of phosphate in the world (20 million tons approximately). The territory also conceals layers of iron and non-ferrous minerals in the mountains, such as lead, manganese, cobalt, copper, iron and zinc. The mining sector represents 3 % of the GDP and approximately 30 % of exploitation revenues.
Industries
The industrial sector is dominated by food industries, textile and leather. Morocco managed to diversify its activities by chemistry, electronics, paper, vehicle assembly. Handicraft plays a primary role, representing nearly 10 % of the GDP and employing 1.5 million people.
Agriculture
Agriculture has been given a priority in the development policy adopted after independence . The sector has benefited from massive investments in the construction of dams and the equipment of large irrigated areas. Agriculture is still the field of approximately 50 % of Moroccan active population, but its contribution to Gross National Product is diminishing, representing actually 17 % of GDP.
Commerce
Imports are almost the double of exports that take mostly the form of manufactured products, mineral resources and agricultural products. Imports mainly focus on energy products, equipment and consumer goods.
Finally, Moroccan community abroad, nearly one million residents strong, contributes to the development effort of Morocco through investment projects and money transfers.