Islamic countries

Islamic countries

KINGDOM OF MOROCCO
AL-MAMLAKAH AL-MAGHRIBIYAH

General Information

Total Land Area:	710,850 km²
Land boundaries:	2,018 km
Coastline:	3,416 km
Capital:	Rabat
Other Large Cities:	Casablanca, Tangier, Fes, Agadir, Ad Dakhla, Laayoune
Official Language:	Arabic
National Currency Unit:	Dirham (MAD)
National Day:	July 30

Location and Geography

Morocco is located at the North-west corner of Africa. The Strait of Gibralter and the Mediterranean Sea bound the country in the North, the Atlantic Ocean in the West, Algeria in the East and the Republic of Mauritania in the South. The river Daraa is the longest in Morocco (1200 km). The highest mountain is Toubkal (4165 m). It is a part of the Great Atlas range which together with the Maritime Atlas, the Anti Atlas and the Rif constitute the highest mountain ranges in Morocco. One tenth of the country’s total area is covered by forests, which are of substantial commercial value. Eastern slopes of the Atlas Mountains show semi-desert aspects. The climate is Mediterranean; moderate in the North and West thanks to the Atlantic Ocean; somewhat continental in the centre; and desert in the South.

Demography

Population:	29.63 million (2002)
Crude Birth Rate:	21 per thousand people (2002)
Crude Death Rate:	6 per thousand people (2002)
Infant Mortality Rate:	39 per thousand (2002)
Life Expectancy:	Male: 66 years, Female: 70 years (2002)
Urban Population:	57.0 percent (2002)
Adult Literacy:	49.80 percent (2001)

Economy

Morocco is one of the world’s largest phosphates exporters and holds about three fourths of all proven reserves. Other natural resources are iron ore, manganese, lead, zinc, salt and coal. The textile and leather industries employ a considerable portion of the industrial workforce and contribute to a large share of Moroccan exports. The country has a substantial hydroelectric potential, which is being gradually exploited. It produces two thirds of the grains needed to feed the population and has the potential to achieve self-sufficiency. The major crops grown are wheat, barley, maize, citrus fruits, beans, tomatoes, potatoes, olives and oilseeds. The fishing sector offers high potential. The tourism sector in the country has been developing in recent years.

GDP at Current Market Prices:	36241 million US$ (2002)
Per Capita GDP:	1223 US$ (2002)
Share of Sectors in GDP:	16.0% Agriculture, 30.0% Industry, 54.0% Services, (2002)
Total Exports:	7871 million US$ (2002)
Total Imports:	11881 million US$ (2002)
Major Exports Items:	Food and beverages, semi-processed goods, phosphates, seafood products, minerals, fertilizers and citrus fruits
Major Imports Items:	Food and beverages, semi-processed goods, capital goods, fuel and raw material
Major Trading Partners:	Italy, US, China, Spain and France