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A short history
Morocco has been influenced by several civilizations since Antiquity. Each has marked the land with an indelible imprint. This has produced an incomparable historical heritage.
Tolerance and openness
The different civilizations which have followed on from each other in Morocco have each influenced our identity. Which undoubtedly explains the tolerance and open-mindedness of Moroccans. There are no culture clashes here, just meetings and sharing.
Berber origins
According to legend it was Hercules who created Morocco when he opened the Strait of Gibraltar. Whatever the case, the presence of mankind here has been shown to date back 300,000 years. Originally inhabited by Berbers, the country opened up to Phoenician and Carthaginian influences, before submitting until the 5th century to the Romans. They would leave relics, such as the site at Volubilis, testifying to the prosperity which came from agricultural production. From 647, the Arab and Islamic conquest began.
Kingdom and dynasties
In 788, Idriss I, contesting the power of Baghdad, founded the Idrisid kingdom in Volubilis. There followed the Almoravid dynasties, the Berber conquerors of the south, then the Almohads whose power extended into Muslim Spain, and finally the Merinids, Berbers from the high plateaus.
Varied heritage
Religious tolerance, Andalusian heritage, and the prosperity of these dynasties created treasures which now constitute the cultural, artistic and architectural richness of the country. From the 16th century, the empires of Arabic, Saadian then Alaouite origin ensured the unity and independence of Morocco. Today, Morocco is ruled by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, crowned on July 30th, 1999; he is the 23rd king in the Alaouite dynasty which came to power at the beginning of the 17th century. The monarchy ensures the unity of the country, and the reign of Mohammed VI is marked by a desire to build a unified and modern democratic state, which respects its traditions and its identity.
To remember
Inhabited for more than 300,000 years, Morocco is a meeting place for civilizations which are open to others, with their own strong identity.
Landscape and geography
The variety of Moroccan landscapes is incredible. You move from summits to plains, from the greenest vegetation to the most complete aridity.
Landscape and geography
Morocco offers such geographical diversity that you can leave the beautiful beaches of Agadir in the morning to find yourself at the foot of the Oukmaiden ski slopes in the afternoon, before coming back down to experience a beautiful evening in the palm groves of Marrakech.
Plains and mountains
When seen from the sky, Morocco – inserted between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic – has a long strip of mountains which runs from East to West before embedding itself in the sand at Mauritania. The landscapes are very varied and astonishing: the vertiginous snowy peaks of the (upper) High Atlas mountains, the crags and gullies of the Rif massifs, the dense forests of oaks and thuyas of the central plateau, the fertile plains of the Meseta, the arid lands of the high plateaus, the almost desert steppes and luxurious oases of the Souss basin and the Saharan sand dunes. It is magical!
Protected areas
The various types of habitat have created diverse cultures which have enriched our identity. There is such a variety of landscapes that travelers will be happy no matter what the season. When snow blocks the Atlas roads, beach activities are still possible in the south.
Flora and fauna
Each area has its native flora and fauna, which are now protected as part of the sustainable tourism development idea. Gazelles, eagles, mountain sheep and bat-eared foxes are not rare and it is easy to observe them going about their business. Morocco, sacrosanct nature…
To remember
Morocco enjoys an infinite variety of landscapes and regions. Mountains, coasts, desert, every place has its own charms and a unique natural richness.
Rich traditions and culture
The Kingdom of Morocco is a melting pot of cultures made diverse by successive newcomers. Communities here live in harmony, each respecting others' differences.
Tradition of cohabitation
The numerous migrations that Morocco has experienced have created a spirit of tolerance and openness. Today Islam, Christianity and Judaism enrich one another spiritually and intellectually through the sharing and transmission of their culture.
Berber identity
The first inhabitants of Morocco, the Berbers are one of the pillars of the country and are contributing a new strength to the modern Morocco. The Royal Institute of the Amazigh Culture was set up on October 17th, 2001. Since then Berber has become recognized as an official language. It is now included in school syllabuses and on national radio and televisions stations. The richness of Amazigh tradition is expressed most clearly during the Timitar festival in Agadir.
Tolerant Islam
Down the centuries, Morocco has been able to encourage cohabitation between cultures. Mutual respect between religions practiced here has given birth to a peaceful society which shares traditions and values. Moroccan Islam's capacity to adapt to the constant evolution of society and to scientific, social and cultural progress ensures it a long-term future and respect.
Nondenominational dialogue
Morocco has always encouraged a sprit of dialogue between religions for the promotion of progress and peace. Israel posthumously awarded the title of "Just among the Nations" to former sovereign Mohammed V for refusing to apply the racist laws of Vichy, thereby protecting Morocco's Jewish community.
To remember
Morocco is an Islamic land where tolerance and respect for other spiritual and cultural communities are the basis for an identity which is open to difference.
A modern society
Morocco is most certainly focused on the future. Institutions, the role of women, social politics – no area is free from the wind of change.
Modernity and tradition
Enriched by its cultural and religious heritage, Morocco is undergoing a complete transformation. It is experiencing a real emancipation at a social, economic, political and cultural level. The commitment to modernity and the attachment to age-old values give it its unique character.
Press and freedom
In cooperation with journalists and editors, the government has begun the process of revising the press laws in order to achieve a better balance between responsibility, ethics and freedom of expression. This sector has seen a blossoming in titles, both in Arabic and French, which provide wide-ranging and quality information. The liberalization of the audiovisual sector is also opening up new areas for expression.
Reconciliation process
The Fairness and Reconciliation Commission (IER) has enabled victims of arbitrary exile or imprisonment to emerge from the shadows and testify to their past suffering. By facing up to its past, through public and televised hearings in 2004, the reconciled Morocco is preparing a united and serene future.
Women and power
Women are increasingly present in political and economic life. They occupy high-level posts such as ministers, ambassadors and members of parliament. Reform of family laws has led to the emancipation of women. Their rights have been strengthened in the area of rights between couples and children's rights are protected.
To remember
There are few countries like Morocco which have moved into the modern world so quickly. Here, open-mindedness and tolerance are the bases for progress.
A country focused on the future
In Morocco, sustainable development is a national objective supported by His Majesty King Mohammed VI. This has one absolute imperative – putting man at the center of progress.
Royal commitment
The National Initiative for Human Development (INDH) is the "royal project", launched in May 2005 by the Moroccan sovereign. Involving all the country's key players, the INDH brings together various anti-poverty programs: a program which combines social engineering, the fight against social insecurity, the fight against social exclusion in urban areas and the fight against poverty in rural areas.
Organic diversity
Aware of the importance of biodiversity in sustainable development, Morocco is implementing a national strategy which aims to preserve its organic heritage. Under the scheme, more than 1.2 million acres across the whole country have been replanted with a wide variety of trees.
Development in the South
Morocco is determined to make southern provinces a focus for investment and a model for integrated regional development. They are benefiting from an unprecedented development program. This involves eradication of unsanitary housing, development of fishing villages, reinforcement of basic infrastructures, as well as support for social projects, and is assisted by a taxation framework to encourage investment.
Managing water
Morocco has recently developed a strong and dynamic policy in the area of water. Its strategy involves the need to guarantee the right to water of all citizens in all areas, and makes it possible to benefit from a reliable water infrastructure.
To remember
Morocco has placed sustainable development at the heart of its priorities. An approach which places people at the heart of its priorities.
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