What is Morocco?
Morocco is a country located in North Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea to the west and north, Algeria to the east, and Western Sahara to the south. Known for its diverse culture, historical significance, and scenic landscapes, Morocco is a constitutional monarchy with a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Its cities like Marrakesh, Casablanca, and Fes are cultural and economic hubs.
Administrative Divisions
Morocco is divided into 12 regions, each further subdivided into provinces and prefectures. The regions are:
- Casablanca-Settat
- Fès-Meknès
- Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima
- Rabat-Salé-Kénitra
- Marrakech-Safi
- Souss-Massa
- Béni Mellal-Khénifra
- Drâa-Tafilalet
- Guelmim-Oued Noun
- Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra
- Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab
- Oriental
Currency Details
- Currency Name: Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
- Symbol: د.م.
- Subunit: 1 Dirham = 100 centimes
- Central Bank: Bank Al-Maghrib
Type of Government
Morocco is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. The King of Morocco holds extensive executive and legislative powers, although there is a parliamentary system in place. The King serves as the head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The Prime Minister is the head of government and leads the executive branch.
Detailed Hierarchy of Government Roles
Executive Branch
- King: The King of Morocco is the head of state and holds executive authority. The King is also the supreme religious leader of the country and has substantial influence over both domestic and foreign policy.
- Prime Minister: The Prime Minister is the head of government, appointed by the King. The Prime Minister is responsible for day-to-day governance and the management of public policy.
- Council of Ministers: Composed of the heads of various ministries, the council is responsible for policy formation and decision-making.
Legislative Branch
Morocco has a bicameral parliament:
- House of Representatives: 395 members, elected every 5 years.
- House of Councillors: 120 members, representing regional councils, professional chambers, and labor syndicates.
Judicial Branch
The judicial system in Morocco is independent, and the judiciary operates based on Islamic law (Sharia) and civil law.
- Supreme Court
- Court of Appeals
- Court of First Instance
International Memberships
Morocco is a member of numerous international organizations, including:
- United Nations (UN)
- Arab League
- African Union (AU)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
- International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Military Structure
Morocco has a well-equipped military that includes the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The military plays an essential role in national defense and peacekeeping activities.
Emergency Numbers
- Police: 19
- Medical Emergency: 15
- Fire: 19
SWOT Analysis of Morocco
Strengths
- Stable political environment under the monarchy.
- Strategic geographical location, providing access to both Europe and sub-Saharan Africa.
- Thriving tourism industry and historical landmarks.
Weaknesses
- High unemployment rate, particularly among youth.
- Heavy reliance on agriculture and mining, which makes the economy vulnerable to fluctuations in global markets.
- Limited access to water resources, contributing to water scarcity issues.
Opportunities
- Expanding renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind power.
- Growth in the manufacturing and service sectors, particularly in tourism, technology, and infrastructure.
- Economic integration with European and African markets.
Threats
- Social unrest and protests due to inequality and unemployment.
- Regional instability, especially regarding the Western Sahara conflict.
- Climate change, leading to water scarcity and droughts.
Additional Information
- Official Languages: Arabic, Berber
- Time Zone: Western European Time (WET) / Western European Summer Time (WEST)
- National Anthem: “Cherifian Anthem”