Morocco, mountainous country of western North Africa that lies

directly across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain.

Morocco

The traditional domain of indigenous peoples now collectively

known as Berbers (self-name Imazighen; singular, Amazigh),
Morocco has been subject to extensive migration and has long been
the location of urban communities that were originally settled by
peoples from outside the region. Controlled by Carthage from an
early date, the region was later the westernmost province of the
Roman Empire. Following the Arab conquest of the late 7th
century CE, the broader area of North Africa came to be known as
the Maghrib (Arabic: “the West”), and the majority of its people
accepted Islam. Subsequent Moroccan kingdoms enjoyed political
influence that extended beyond the coastal regions, and in the 11th
century the first native Amazigh dynasty of North Africa,
the Almoravids, gained control of an empire stretching from
Andalusian (southern) Spain to parts of sub-Saharan Africa.
Attempts by Europeans to establish permanent footholds in
Morocco beginning in the late 15th century were largely repulsed,
but the country later became the subject of Great Power politics in
the 19th century. Morocco was made a French protectorate in 1912
but regained independence in 1956. Today it is the
only monarchy in North Africa.
Quick Facts
 See article: flag of Morocco
Audio File: National anthem of Morocco
Head Of Government:

Prime Minister2: Aziz Akhannouch

Capital:

Rabat
Population:

(2025 est.) 37,137,000

Head Of State:

King: Muhammad VI
Form Of Government:

constitutional monarchy with two legislative houses (House of Councillors

[1201]; House of Representatives [395])
(Show more)
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Casablanca, MoroccoThe Ḥasan II mosque rising above the medina, or old city, in
Casablanca, Morocco.

Although the country is rapidly modernizing and enjoys a

rising standard of living, it retains much of its ancient architecture
and even more of its traditional customs. Morocco’s largest city and
major Atlantic Ocean port is Casablanca, an industrial and
commercial centre. The capital, Rabat, lies a short distance to the
north on the Atlantic coast. Other port cities include Tangier, on
the Strait of Gibraltar, Agadir, on the Atlantic, and Al-Hoceïma, on
the Mediterranean Sea. The city of Fès is said to have some of the
finest souks, or open-air markets, in all of North Africa. Scenic and
fertile, Morocco well merits the praise of a native son,
the medieval traveler Ibn Baṭṭūṭah, who wrote that “it is the best of
countries, for in it fruits are plentiful, and running water and
nourishing food are never exhausted.”
Land

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camel caravan in the SaharaCamel caravan in the Sahara, Morocco.

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Ceuta peninsula, MoroccoResidential area along the coast of the Ceuta peninsula,
Morocco.

Morocco borders Algeria to the east and southeast, Western

Sahara to the south, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the
Mediterranean Sea to the north. It is the only African country with
coastal exposure to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean
Sea. Its area—excluding the territory of Western Sahara, which
Morocco controls—is slightly larger than the U.S.
state of California. Two small Spanish enclaves, Ceuta and Melilla,
are situated on the country’s northern coast.
Relief of Morocco
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Physical features of Morocco

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Rif mountain village, MoroccoVillage in the Rif Mountains, Morocco.

Most of Morocco lies at high elevations, averaging about 2,600 feet

(800 metres) above sea level. Two chains of mountains divide
eastern from Atlantic Morocco: the Rif Mountains in the north form
a buffer along the Mediterranean coastline, whereas the Atlas
Mountains create a barrier across the centre. The two parts of
the country are connected by the narrow Taza Gap in the northeast
as well as by roads that follow older traditional routes. The Atlas
and Rif ranges were formed during the Paleogene and Neogene
periods (between about 65 to 2.6 million years ago) by the folding
and uplifting of sediment that had accumulated in the Tethys Sea,
which, at that time, bordered the northern coast of Africa.

Morocco: Mount ToubkalMount Toubkal (top right), in the High Atlas mountain
range, is the highest point in Morocco, at 13,665 feet (4,165 meters).(more)

The Rif Mountains are geologically part of the cordilleras

(mountain chains) reaching southward from the Iberian
Peninsula of Europe, from which Africa was separated only after
the Neogene Period (i.e., during the past 2.6 million years). The
crescent-shaped range rises abruptly from a narrow Mediterranean
coastal plain. Most of the limestone peaks in the Rif Mountains
surpass 4,900 feet (1,500 metres) and rise to 8,058 feet (2,456
metres) at Mount Tidirhine.

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MoroccoThe rugged Atlas Mountains surround a valley in Morocco.

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High Atlas Mountains, Morocco: Tichka PassTichka Pass in the High Atlas
Mountains, Morocco.

The Atlas Mountains comprise three distinct chains. The High Atlas
(Haut Atlas), 460 miles (740 km) long, begins as small hills at the
edge of the Atlantic, rises rapidly to more than 6,500 feet (2,000
metres), and reaches 13,665 feet (4,165 metres) at Mount Toubkal,
Morocco’s highest point. The Middle Atlas (Moyen Atlas) trends
away from the High Atlas in a northerly direction, rising to 10,958
feet (3,340 metres) at its crest. The Anti-Atlas extends
southwestward from the High Atlas to the Atlantic.

East of the Rif and Atlas ranges is the Moulouya basin, a semiarid
lowland created by the eroding force of the Moulouya River.
Farther east are the High Plateaus (Hauts Plateaux) of eastern
Morocco, which lie roughly between 3,900 and 4,250 feet (1,200
and 1,300 metres) in elevation and are extensions of landforms in
neighbouring Algeria. The arid regions to the south and southeast
of the Atlas constitute the northwestern limit of the Sahara,
whereas a narrow transitional band at the base of the mountains is
called the pre-Sahara.

Atlantic Morocco consists of plains formed of relatively fine

sediments and plateaus of coarser deposits. The Sebou River basin,
which lies in the northwest between the Rif Mountains and a line
running roughly from Rabat to Fès, is a large alluvial plain. Its
agricultural heart is known as the Gharb plain. South of the Rabat-
Fès line, between the Atlas and the Atlantic Ocean, are a series of
high plains known collectively as the Moroccan Plateau. These
include the Saïs Plain near Fès and Meknès, the Tadla Plain to the
northeast of Marrakech, the Haouz Plain west of Marrakech, and
the broad Chaouïa, Doukkala, and Abda plains south of Casablanca.
Between the High Atlas and Anti-Atlas ranges is the Sous River
valley. Morocco’s coastline is regular and has few natural harbours.
Before modern ports were constructed, sandbars and rocky reefs
offshore made navigation difficult.
Drainage
Morocco’s mountains capture significant amounts of rain and snow
on their windward slopes from storms coming in off the North
Atlantic and give rise to numerous perennial watercourses. Indeed,
the country has the most-extensive stream network in North Africa.
Most streams arise either on the western slopes of the Atlas
Mountains or on the southern slopes of the Rif Mountains and flow
westward to the Atlantic Ocean. The Sebou is some 280 miles (450
km) long and has the largest volume of any Moroccan river. With
its tributaries, the Sebou accounts for almost half of Morocco’s
surface water resources. The Drâa, which rises in the High Atlas at
the confluence of the Dadès and the Imini, is Morocco’s longest
river, approximately 685 miles (1,100 km) in length; all but the
headstreams and upper course are usually dry. At 345 miles (555
km) long, the Oum el-Rbia is another significant river, flowing from
the Middle Atlas to the Atlantic. The Moulouya is the only major
river flowing to the Mediterranean Sea; it originates on the eastern
slopes of the Middle Atlas and flows about 320 miles (515 km) to its
mouth, which lies near the Algerian frontier. The northern slopes of
the Rif are drained by several short streams that also empty into
the Mediterranean. Several minor streams originate on the dry
eastern slopes of the High Atlas and flow into the Sahara; these
include the Guir, the Rheris, and the Ziz. Although their volume is
small, they have cut deep gorges. Since the 1930s Morocco’s
streams have progressively been dammed for irrigation,
hydroelectricity, and flood control.
Soils
A dark clay-marl soil known as tirs, which is found on the Chaouïa,
Doukkala, and Abda plains, produces good yields of wheat and
barley when precipitation is sufficient and can retain enough
moisture to support summer pasture. Hamri, a light reddish
siliceous soil found throughout the Saïs Plain surrounding Meknès
and Fès, supports productive vineyards and can also produce good
cereal yields, though it has poor moisture retention. Dhess is the
main soil type of the Sebou basin. A silt-rich alluvial soil, it provides
the foundation for much of Morocco’s modern irrigated agriculture.
Other major soil types, less suitable for agriculture, are rmel, a
sandy soil found in the Mamora Forest region east of Rabat and
along much of the northern coast, and haroucha, a rocky soil found
throughout Morocco’s semiarid regions.
Climate of Morocco
Most of Morocco north of Western Sahara, particularly along the
coasts, experiences a typical Mediterranean climate, with mild wet
winters and hot dry summers. The rainy season generally extends
from October to April. Torrential downpours occasionally produce
devastating floods, but overall several factors act to reduce
the country’s rainfall. Morocco is on the southern margins of the
mid-latitude tract of frontal storm systems that
regularly traverse the North Atlantic. As a result, rainfall levels are
relatively low and gradually decrease from north to south. High-
pressure ridges, moreover, periodically develop offshore during the
rainy season, shifting storms to the north. Drought results when
these ridges persist for extended periods. The cold Canary
Current off the western shores also induces atmospheric stability
and further decreases the potential for precipitation.

In the broad coastal lowlands, average annual precipitation

diminishes progressively from about 32 inches (800 mm) on the
northern Gharb plain to less than 8 inches (200 mm) in the Sous
valley. Farther south, beyond the Anti-Atlas, semiarid conditions
quickly fade into desert. Elevation strongly influences
this prevailing pattern, however, with significantly greater amounts
of precipitation occurring in the mountains. The central Rif, for
example, receives more than 80 inches (2,030 mm) of precipitation
annually, and even the High Atlas, much farther south, receives
some 30 inches (760 mm). Snow is common at approximately 6,500
feet (2,000 metres), and the snowpack lingers in the highest
elevations until late spring or early summer. Morocco’s mountains
create a significant rain shadow, directly east of the mountains,
where in the lee of the prevailing winds, desert conditions begin
abruptly.

In the lowlands near the coast, summer heat is reduced by cool

onshore breezes. Average daily summer temperatures in the
coastal cities range from 64 to 82 °F (18 to 28 °C). In the interior,
however, daily highs frequently exceed 95 °F (35 °C). In late spring
or summer, the sharqī (chergui)—a hot, dusty wind from the Sahara
—can sweep over the mountains into the lowlands, even
penetrating the coastal cities. Temperatures rise dramatically,
often reaching 105 °F (41 °C). If crops have not been harvested,
damage can be extensive from the desiccating effects of the sharqī.
In winter the marine influence again moderates temperatures in
the coastal regions. Average daily winter temperatures range from
46 to 63 °F (8 to 17 °C). Away from the coast, temperatures drop
significantly, occasionally dipping below the freezing point.
Plant and animal life
Outside the desert areas, the vegetation of Morocco resembles that
of the Iberian Peninsula. Extensive forests are still found in the
more humid mountainous areas, with cork oak, evergreen oak, and
deciduous oak on the lower slopes and fir and cedar at higher
elevations, particularly in the Middle Atlas. In drier mountain areas
open forests of thuja, juniper, and Aleppo (Pinus halepensis) and
maritime pine are common. East of Rabat is the extensive cork oak
Mamora Forest. Eucalyptus, originally from Australia, was
introduced by French authorities during the colonial period for
reforestation. Since independence, the Moroccan government has
established several large plantations of this tree surrounding the
Mamora Forest. In the rugged highlands south
of Essaouira, vast open forests of argan (Argania spinoza) are
found. Unique to southwestern Morocco, this tree has a hard fruit
that produces a prized cooking oil.

In Morocco, as is common throughout the western Mediterranean

region, centuries of human activity have considerably altered the
natural vegetation. On many lower mountain slopes, cutting,
grazing, and burning the original vegetation have produced an
often dense cover of maquis, or scrub growth, characterized by
various associations of wild olive, mastic tree, kermes oak (Quercus
coccinea), arbutus, heather, myrtle, artemisia, cytisus (Medicago
arborea), broom, and rosemary. In the arid interior plains, the
dwarf palm, jujube tree, esparto grass, and Barbary fig (introduced
from the Americas by way of Spain in the 16th century) cover vast
areas. There is little natural vegetation in the desert areas east of
the mountains, although the date palm, introduced to Morocco at a
very early period, is extensively cultivated in the desert oases.

Britannica Quiz

The Country Quiz

Large game has been progressively eliminated in Morocco since

Roman times, when lions and elephants were still abundant. Both
have long since disappeared. Gazelles are still seen occasionally in
the south, as are mouflons (wild sheep) and fennecs (a type of fox)
in the Atlas region. With government protection, the Barbary
macaque now flourishes in the forests of the Middle Atlas.
However, the richest fauna in Morocco today is the bird life. Large
migratory birds that sojourn in Morocco include the stork, which
picturesquely builds its nests on city ramparts and mosque
rooftops, and the flamingo, pelican, and cattle egret.
People
Ethnic groups
Morocco is composed mainly of Arabs and Imazighen or an
admixture of the two. Sizable numbers of Imazighen live mainly in
the country’s mountainous regions—long areas of refuge for them
where they can preserve their language and culture. Some
segments of the population are descendants of refugees from Spain
who fled from the Reconquista, the Christian reconquest of the
Iberian Peninsula in the 15th century. Trade and slavery brought a
significant population of sub-Saharan Africans to Morocco, and
their descendants now live chiefly in the southern oases and in the
larger cities. Jews constituted a fairly large minority until the mid-
20th century, when, in the aftermath of the foundation of Israel and
the start of the Arab-Israeli conflict, many felt compelled to leave
the country; most emigrated to Israel, Europe, and South
and North America.
Languages
Arabic, one of the national and official languages of Morocco, is
spoken by two-thirds of the population, and Modern Standard
Arabic is taught in schools. The Amazigh language, known
as Tamazight, became an official language in 2011. Having been
preserved in Amazigh enclaves, it is spoken by roughly one-third of
the people. Many Imazighen also speak Arabic, and Tamazight is
taught in schools. French is an important secondary language, and
Spanish is widely spoken. English is increasingly used as well.

Tamazight-speaking inhabitants are divided into three

ethnolinguistic groups: the Rif people (also called Riffi, or Riffians)
of the Rif Mountains, the people of the Middle Atlas, and the people
of the High Atlas and the Sous valley. While there are differences
among these dialects, they are mutually comprehensible.
Religion
Islam is the official state religion, and the vast majority of
Moroccans are Sunni Muslims of the Mālikī rite. The royal house,
the ʿAlawite dynasty, has ruled since the 17th century basing its
claim to legitimacy on descent from the Prophet Muhammad. The
royal family is revered by Moroccan Muslims because of its
prophetic lineage. As in many Islamic countries, Sufism claims
adherents, and forms of popular religion—including the veneration
of saints and the visitation of tombs—are widely practiced.
Moroccan law mandates freedom of religion, but few non-Muslims
reside in the country. The country has no indigenous Christian
population to speak of, and its Jewish community has dwindled to a
few thousand.
Settlement patterns
Traditional regions
Settlement patterns in Morocco correspond loosely to the three
major environmental zones: the coastal plains and plateaus, the
highland areas of the Rif and Atlas mountains, and the desert east
and south of the Atlas.
The coastal plains and plateaus contain three-fourths of
the country’s population and include most of its cities and virtually
all of its modern commercial agriculture. It has been the home of
settled farmers and seminomadic tribes for centuries. The main
form of agriculture is rain-fed cereal production, with wheat and
barley as the main winter crops. This is supplemented by stock
raising and summer gardens producing pulses (legumes) and fresh
vegetables.

The highland areas of the Rif and the Atlas contain about a fifth of
the population and serve as centres of Amazigh culture. Traditional
villages are built for defense and are commonly perched on
hillsides or hilltops. Dwellings, often multistoried, are tightly
clustered and are built of stone, adobe, or tamped earth. Level land
is rare, and terraces are constructed to create arable fields along
the nearby valley walls. The main subsistence crops are barley as a
winter crop and corn (maize) and fresh vegetables as summer
crops. Many villages specialize in cash cropping of nuts or fruits—
such as olives, almonds, walnuts, figs, apples, cherries, apricots, or
plums—that are well-adapted to a local microclimate. Raising of
sheep or goats often supplements village agriculture. Some groups
practice transhumance, migrating with their flocks or herds to
summer pastures at higher elevations or winter pastures at lower
elevations and living in dark-coloured tents (khaymahs) woven of
goat hair.

The pre-Saharan and Saharan areas south of the Atlas contain a

tiny proportion of Morocco’s population. Some settlements are
made up of ḥarāṭīn, the descendants of sub-Saharan Africans, and
many groups speak one of the Tamazight dialects.Virtually all
settlement is in oases, most of which are created artificially either
by diverting water from streams or by importing water from
mountains—often over some distance—via underground tunnels
(qanāts). Dates are the main crop, grown as both a subsistence and
a cash crop. Alfalfa, corn, wheat, barley, vegetables, and other
crops are grown in the date-palm understory. Much settlement in
this region is in highly distinctive, fortified adobe villages known
as ksour (Arabic: quṣūr, “castles”). Nomadic camel herding was
once an important economic activity in the Saharan zone, but
government policies, desert warfare, multiyear droughts, and other
extenuating factors have caused this way of life to disappear almost
completely.