Summary of "Geography Now! MOROCCO"

Summary of "Geography Now! Morocco"

Main Ideas and Concepts

Geographical Location & Borders
- Morocco is a North African country in the Maghreb region, bordering the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
- It shares borders with Spain (via the Strait of Gibraltar and enclaves), Algeria, and Western Sahara.
- The country has 12 administrative regions, including disputed territories related to Western Sahara.
- Key cities: Capital Rabat, largest city Casablanca, and major cities Fez, Marrakesh, Tangier, and Agadir.
Territorial Disputes and Anomalies
- Western Sahara is a major territorial dispute involving Morocco, the Polisario Front (SADR), and Mauritania (which withdrew).
- Morocco controls about 80% of Western Sahara, including most resources and coastal areas.
- The sand berm (militarized wall) separates Moroccan-controlled areas from Polisario-controlled zones.
- Polisario’s headquarters is in Tindouf, Algeria; their coastal claim is minimal and unused.
- Spain retains several small enclaves ("plazas de soberanía") on the northern coast, including Ceuta, Melilla, and several small islands, which Morocco disputes but Spain claims legally.
Physical Geography and Natural Features
- Morocco sits on the African-Eurasian tectonic boundary with several mountain ranges: Rif, Middle Atlas, Anti-Atlas, and High Atlas (home to the tallest peak in North Africa, Toubkal).
- Features include the largest lake (Bin el Ouidane reservoir), the longest river (Draa), and the largest ski resort in Africa.
- The northern coastal areas are fertile and populated; the south and Western Sahara are arid desert.
- Morocco has diverse biodiversity, including endemic species like gazelles, fennec foxes, and macaque monkeys; the Barbary lion is extinct locally.
Economy and Resources
- Fifth largest economy in Africa by GDP per capita.
- Economy is a mix of service industries (notably mining), agriculture (40% employment), and fishing (largest fish market in Africa, major sardine exporter).
- Morocco holds 75% of the world’s phosphorus mines.
- It is the world’s top legal exporter of cannabis (hashish), mainly to Europe.
- Argan oil is a unique and important export product used in food and cosmetics.
Culture and Society
- Population approx. 36 million, with the largest Berber/Amazigh community in Africa (41-80% Berber ancestry).
- Majority identify as Arabs (90%), with small minorities of Europeans and West Africans.
- Official languages: Arabic and Berber/Amazigh (written in Latin and Neo-Tifinagh scripts). French is widely spoken as a third language.
- Moroccan Arabic dialect (Darija) is distinct and heavily influenced by Berber languages.
- Morocco is a constitutional monarchy ruled by King Mohammed VI of the Alaouite dynasty (second oldest ruling dynasty globally).
- Islam (Sunni) is the dominant religion (99%), with small Christian and Jewish minorities.
- Historically had the largest Jewish population in the Arab world; now fewer than 3,000 remain.
Cultural Highlights
- Rich Berber/Amazigh heritage with unique customs, art, language, and clothing (e.g., djellaba).
- Traditional music blends Arab, Berber, French, and Andalusian influences.
- Notable sites include Baadi Castle, Chefchaouen (blue city), Hassan II Mosque (7th largest mosque, tallest minaret), Fez’s car-free urban zone, and ancient ruins.
- Popular dishes: couscous (national dish), tajine, rfissa, harira soup, pastilla, mechoui, and mint tea.
- Architecture features high-walled homes (dars) for security and climate control.
History (Condensed)
- Influences from Carthage, Roman Empire, Muslim conquests, Berber revolts.
- Various dynasties shaped Morocco and Muslim Spain.
- Alaouite dynasty established current monarchy.
- Key historical events: Treaty of Fez, Green March, Arab Spring.
Notable Moroccans
- Historical: Ibn Rushd (Averroes), Ibn Battuta, Tariq Ibn Ziyad, Princess Dihya.
- Contemporary: Samira Said, Saad Lamjarred, Badr Hari, Gad Elmaleh, French Montana, David Guetta (partially), Moroccan royal family.
International Relations
- Morocco was the first country to recognize the USA (1777) and signed the