Morocco nation profile

The Kingdom of Morocco is probably the most westerly of the North African international locations often known as the Maghreb – the “Arab West”. It has Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, a rugged mountain inside and a historical past of independence not shared by its neighbours.

Its wealthy tradition is a mix of Arab, Berber, European and African influences.

Morocco was a French protectorate from 1912 to 1956, when Sultan Mohammed turned king. He was succeeded in 1961 by his son, Hassan II, who dominated for 38 years and performed a distinguished function within the seek for peace within the Center East. He additionally ruthlessly suppressed home opposition.

King: Mohammed VI

Mohammed VI turned king in 1999. He initiated political and financial adjustments and an investigation into human rights abuses throughout his father’s rule.

A key reform was the Mudawana, a regulation which grants extra rights to girls. The king has mentioned it’s consistent with Koranic ideas, however spiritual conservatives have opposed it.

Following strain for reform impressed by the “Arab Spring” of 2010, a brand new structure was launched, increasing the powers of parliament and the prime minister, however leaving the king with broad authority over all branches of presidency.

Prime minister: Aziz Akhannouch

The liberal Nationwide Rally of Independents celebration led by oil and gasoline billionaire Aziz Akhannouch narrowly received the September 2021 election, ousting the conservative Islamist PDJ celebration that had led governments for a decade.

Moroccan political analysts mentioned a flagging economic system undermined help for the PDJ.Mr Akhannouch held workplace in PDJ-led coalitions as agriculture minister from 2007 till he took over as prime minister.

The printed media are both dominated by the state or mirror the official line. Nevertheless, the non-public press has succeeded in breaking taboos over some delicate subjects, together with allegations of high-level corruption.

Paris-based Reporters With out Borders notes that “faith, the king and the monarchy basically, the nation and territorial integrity can’t be questioned.”

The federal government owns, or has a stake in, RTM and 2M, Morocco’s fundamental TV networks. Satellite tv for pc dishes are broadly used, giving entry to French and pan-Arab stations.

seventh and eighth Centuries AD – Arab invasion; Idris founds the primary main Muslim dynasty.

10-Seventeenth Centuries – Dynasties and spiritual actions come and go, together with the Almoravid motion which at its peak managed Morocco and elements of present-day Algeria and Spain.

1904 – France and Spain carve out zones of affect.

1912 – Morocco turns into a French protectorate beneath the Treaty of Fez.

1956 – Finish of French protectorate after unrest and robust nationalist sentiment. Spain retains its two coastal enclaves. Sultan Mohammed turns into king in 1957.

1961 – Demise of King Mohammed; King Hassan II involves energy.

1975-76 – Morocco annexes Western Sahara, however faces an ongoing guerrilla battle for independence.

1998 – Morocco’s first opposition-led authorities involves energy.

1999 – King Hassan II is succeeded by his son, Mohammed VI.