That makes Morocco a country of contrasts. Berbers or Imazighen ( Berber languages: ⵉⵎⴰⵣⵉⵖⵏ, ⵎⵣⵗⵏ, romanized: Imaziɣen; singular: Amaziɣ, ⴰⵎⴰⵣⵉⵖ ⵎⵣⵗ) are an ethnic group native to North Africa and West Africa, specifically Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Mauritania, northern Mali, northern Niger, and the Canary Islands. The lower chamber of Parliament may dissolve the government through a vote of no confidence. did the French version ‘Maroc‘ derive from a Berber word or Almoravid name? The home of Morocco on BBC Sport online. Morocco has had strong ties to the West in order to gain economic and political benefits. The Atlas Mountains run down the backbone of the country,[57] from the northeast to the southwest. Morocco has become a major player in African economic affairs, and is the 5th African economy by GDP (PPP). In 1983, Hassan cancelled planned elections amid political unrest and economic crisis. [190] In data from the World Bank, Morocco experiences high infant mortality rates at 20 deaths per 1,000 births (2017)[191] and high maternal mortality rates at 121 deaths per 100,000 births (2015).[192]. The Western Sahara War saw the Polisario Front, the Sahrawi rebel national liberation movement, battling both Morocco and Mauritania between 1976 and a ceasefire in 1991 that is still in effect. France Admits Murder of Algerians … A Step Forward? An extension of the line to Marrakesh is already being planned. This has improved since, however, and in 2017, Morocco was upgraded to being a "hybrid regime" according to the Democracy Index in 2017 and while the Freedom of the Press report in 2017 continued to find that Morocco's press continued to be "not free," it gave "partly free" ratings for its "Net Freedom" and "Freedom in the World" more generally. Although part of the larger Islamic Empire, Morocco was initially organized as a subsidiary province of Ifriqiya, with the local governors appointed by the Muslim governor in Kairouan.[33]. Spanish troops had taken the normally uninhabited island after Moroccan soldiers landed on it and set up tents and a flag. Since improving the quality of education goes hand in hand with promoting research and development, the report also recommended developing an integrated national innovation system which would be financed by gradually increasing the share of GDP devoted to research and development (R&D) from 0.73% of GDP in 2010 ‘to 1% in the short term, 1.5% by 2025 and 2% by 2030’. The word "Morocco" is ultimately derived from the name of the city of Marrakesh, which was its capital under the Almoravid dynasty and the Almohad Caliphate. [136] Other large communities can be found in Italy, Canada, the United States, and Israel, where Moroccan Jews are thought to constitute the second biggest Jewish ethnic subgroup. In 2002, Morocco and Spain agreed to a US-brokered resolution over the disputed island of Perejil. The English name “Morocco” comes from the Spanish and Portuguese words referring to the former capital, Marrakesh. Tea occupies a very important place in the culture of Morocco and is considered an art form. The country's Mediterranean climate is similar to that of southern California, with lush forests in the northern and central mountain ranges of the country, giving way to drier conditions and inland deserts further southeast. Most Nigerian surnames are in relation to the circumstances surrounding a child’s birth, like the day or event they were born on. It is one of only three nations (along with Spain and France) to have both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines. Based on World Bank data, the nation's maternal mortality ratio fell by 67% between 1990 and 2010. [150] In 2008, Frédéric Deroche estimated that there were 12 million Berber speakers, making up about 40% of the population. However, Hassan declared a state of emergency and suspended parliament in 1965. [83] The Security Council has called upon the parties to enter into direct and unconditional negotiations to reach a mutually accepted political solution. nice article – good have been better for an ‘African’ blog site to provide historical information about the land today known as Morocco before the Arab conquest of North Africa in the 7th century. High quality agricultural products are usually exported to Europe. The birth of a child is often cause for great joy in Morocco, as in most places around the world.Parents often choose names with meanings and that are steeped in long traditions.Read on to discover some of Morocco’s most charming names and what they mean. [118] According to a French Ministry of the Interior 2006 report, 80% of the cannabis resin (hashish) consumed in Europe comes from the Rif region in Morocco, which is mostly mountainous terrain in the north of Morocco, also hosting plains that are very fertile and expanding from Melwiyya River and Ras Kebdana in the East to Tangier and Cape Spartel in the West. For other uses, see, French and Spanish protectorates: 1912 to 1956, Rodd, Francis. [138] Despite Moroccans being affiliated with Islam, almost 15% nonetheless describe themselves as non-religious according to a 2019 survey conducted for the BBC by the research network Arab Barometer. The modern tourist industry capitalises on Morocco's ancient Berber, Roman and Islamic sites, and on its landscape and cultural history. The Moroccan Innovation Strategy fixed the target of producing 1,000 Moroccan patents and creating 200 innovative start-ups by 2014. Morocco's predominant religion is Islam, and its official languages are Arabic and Berber. Executive power is exercised by the government, while legislative power is vested in both the government and the two chambers of parliament, the Assembly of Representatives and the Assembly of Councillors. And while African last names are popular around the globe, these names are particularly common throughout the United States and Europe due to a dark history of slave trade forced upon African colonies. [122], Morocco has a population of around 36,029,093 inhabitants (2018 est.). ( Log Out / © Dr. Y. and www.afrolegends.com, [2009-2021]. The University of al-Qarawiyyin in Fes was an important literary center attracting scholars from abroad, including Maimonides, Ibn al-Khatib, and Ibn Khaldun. In 1904, France and Spain carved out zones of influence in Morocco. In the valleys, fertile soils and high precipitation allow for the growth of thick and lush forests. [193] The Moroccan Plan was started by the Moroccan Minister of Health, Dr. El Houssaine Louardi, and Dr. Ala Alwan, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, on 13 November 2013 in Rabat. [196] In 2017, Morocco ranked 16th out of 29 countries on the Global Youth Wellbeing Index. Berber influence is most prominent in a wide range of activities and way of life of the Moroccan people. 12. [96], As of 24 May 2020, hundreds of Moroccan migrant workers are trapped in Spain. Some bought up large amounts of the rich agricultural land, others organised the exploitation and modernisation of mines and harbours. ( Log Out / Tourism is the second largest foreign exchange earner in Morocco after the phosphate industry. The meaning of Morocco’s return to the African Union. The Iberomaurusian culture was succeeded by the Beaker culture in Morocco. Mauretania became a client kingdom of the Roman Empire in 33 BC. In 2005 a National Sanitation Program was approved that aims at treating 60% of collected wastewater and connecting 80% of urban households to sewers by 2020. Their presence in the city helped to boost the city's profile as a tourist destination. [126][127] According to the CIA, 99% of residents are Arab-Berber. During the 1950s and 1960s, Morocco was a refuge and artistic centre and attracted writers as Paul Bowles, Tennessee Williams and William S. Burroughs. Most of the visitors to Morocco continue to be European, with French nationals making up almost 20% of all visitors. In Turkish, Morocco is known as Fas, a name derived from its ancient capital of Fes. Other major Moroccan cities are Fes, Marrakesh, Meknes, Salé and Tangier. The country wields significant influence in both Africa and the Arab world, and is considered a regional power and a middle power. The Moroccan–American Treaty of Friendship, signed in 1786, stands as the U.S.'s oldest non-broken friendship treaty.[44][45]. [65] The other two primary predators of northern Africa, the Atlas bear and Barbary leopard, are now extinct and critically endangered, respectively. It is bordered by Spain to the north (a water border through the Strait and land borders with three small Spanish-controlled exclaves, Ceuta, Melilla, and Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera), Algeria to the east, and Western Sahara to the south. [citation needed], The religious affiliation in the country was estimated by the Pew Forum in 2010 as 99% Muslim, with all remaining groups accounting for less than 1% of the population. I have wondered about the name Morocco and its origin: was it a Portuguese or Spanish adaptation? The 1912 Treaty of Fez made Morocco a protectorate of France, and triggered the 1912 Fez riots. The Polisario rejected the plan and put forward its own proposal. [citation needed] However, in the years since that first-place ranking was given, Morocco has slipped into fourth place behind Egypt. Beef is the most commonly eaten red meat in Morocco, usually eaten in a Tagine with vegetables or legumes. There are also large Moroccan communities in Spain (about 700,000 Moroccans),[135] the Netherlands (360,000), and Belgium (300,000). Morocco has evolved into one of the world’s leading emigration countries. [27] During the Upper Paleolithic, the Maghreb was more fertile than it is today, resembling a savanna, in contrast to its modern arid landscape. Southeast of the Atlas mountains, near the Algerian borders, the climate becomes very dry, with long and hot summers. As a result, by the late 3rd century, direct Roman rule had become confined to a few coastal cities, such as Septum (Ceuta) in Mauretania Tingitana and Cherchell in Mauretania Caesariensis. [31][page needed]. The sovereign state of Morocco is a unitary semi-constitutional monarchy with an elected parliament. Approximately 89.8% of the whole population can communicate to some degree in Moroccan Arabic. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author/ owner is strictly prohibited. The Saharawi group Polisario maintains an active militia of an estimated 5,000 fighters in Western Sahara and has engaged in intermittent warfare with Moroccan forces since the 1970s. [5], It is estimated that between 41%[128] to 80% of residents have Berber ancestral origins. French is taught as an obligatory language in all schools. Since independence, a veritable blossoming has taken place in painting and sculpture, popular music, amateur theatre, and filmmaking. [182] It is officially called the Kingdom of Morocco and is known for its long history, rich culture, and diverse cuisine. Extreme heat and low moisture levels are especially pronounced in the lowland regions east of the Atlas range due to the rain shadow effect of the mountain system. It was also the first time in the modern political history of the Arab world that the opposition assumed power following an election. The latter is in charge of bulk water supply to the aforementioned utilities, water distribution in about 500 small towns, as well as sewerage and wastewater treatment in 60 of these towns. Morocco is included in the European Union's European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) which aims at bringing the EU and its neighbours closer. The UN maintains a small observer force in Western Sahara, where a large number of Morocco's troops are stationed. Adébáyọ̀: (Yoruba origin) This last name is synonymous to a "king or crown or royalty". Moroccan agricultural production also consists of orange, tomatoes, potatoes, olives, and olive oil. cos A soft fine leather of goatskin traditionally tanned with sumac and used especially for book bindings. [63] The avifauna of Morocco includes a total of 454 species, five of which have been introduced by humans, and 156 are rarely or accidentally seen. [117] In 2004, according to the UN World Drugs Report, cultivation and transformation of cannabis represents 0.57% of the national GDP of Morocco in 2002. The Agadir Crisis of 1911 increased tensions between European powers. [70], Morocco is home to six terrestrial ecoregions: Mediterranean conifer and mixed forests, Mediterranean High Atlas juniper steppe, Mediterranean acacia-argania dry woodlands and succulent thickets, Mediterranean dry woodlands and steppe, Mediterranean woodlands and forests, and North Saharan steppe and woodlands. Morocco’s capital, Rabat (Source: visitMorocco.com). [106], Agriculture in Morocco employs about 40% of the nation's workforce. [169] They are typically made of rammed earth and decorated with local geometric motifs. Countries or regions that share the same climatic characteristics with Morocco are the state of California (USA), Portugal, Spain and Algeria. Morocco is a member of the United Nations and belongs to the African Union (AU), Arab League, Arab Maghreb Union (UMA), Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Non-Aligned Movement and the Community of Sahel–Saharan States (CEN_SAD). The Rif Mountains are located in the north of the country. [59], Morocco is represented in the ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 geographical encoding standard by the symbol MA. Morocco has more than four dozen universities, institutes of higher learning, and polytechnics dispersed at urban centres throughout the country. In the 15th century, the Reconquista ended Muslim rule in Iberia and many Muslims and Jews fled to Morocco.[39]. Particularly under the Almoravid and Almohad empires, Moroccan literature was closely related to the literature of al-Andalus, and shared important poetic and literary forms such as zajal, the muwashshah, and the maqama. Casablanca, Morocco. [192] In 2014, spending on healthcare accounted for 5.9% of the country's GDP. [194] Since 2014, spending on healthcare as part of the GDP has decreased. Remaining challenges include a low level of wastewater treatment (only 13% of collected wastewater is being treated), lack of house connections in the poorest urban neighbourhoods, and limited sustainability of rural systems (20 percent of rural systems are estimated not to function). How did the initial inhabitants call their land? The most commonly eaten red meat in Morocco is beef; lamb is preferred but is relatively expensive. In 1944, the Moroccan Cinematographic Center (CCM), the nation's film regulatory agency, was established. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. However, managing the territories across the Sahara proved too difficult. Next time you visit Morocco, do not forget to enjoy its rich culture, cuisine, beautiful scenery, and remember that its name stands for the Land of God or the Sacred land, and enjoy its sacred treasures. The second generation was the one that played an important role in the transition to independence with writers like Abdelkrim Ghallab (1919–2006), Allal al-Fassi (1910–1974) and Mohammed al-Mokhtar Soussi (1900–1963). By the same treaty, Spain assumed the role of protecting power over the northern and southern Saharan zones. [147][148] The country's distinctive group of Moroccan Arabic dialects is referred to as Darija. The country's diverse geography and long history, marked by successive waves of settlers through both migration and military conquest, are all reflected in its architecture. The Barbary macaque, a primate endemic to Morocco and Algeria, is also facing extinction due to offtake for trade[67] human interruption, urbanisation, wood and real estate expansion that diminish forested area – the macaque's habitat. Among the most famous Moroccan dishes are Couscous, Pastilla (also spelled Bsteeya or Bestilla), Tajine, Tanjia and Harira. [191] The country's under-five mortality rate dropped by 60% between 1990 and 2011. All those civilisations have affected the social structure of Morocco. It is a base for tours to the Atlas Mountains. [142][143][144][145], The most recent estimates put the size of the Casablanca Jewish community at about 2,500,[146] and the Rabat and Marrakesh Jewish communities at about 100 members each. Chicken is the most widely eaten meat in Morocco. That Spanish name was also the basis for the old Tuscan word for the country, "Morrocco", from which the modern Italian word for the country, "Marocco", is derived. AMAZIGH m Northern African, Berber From Tamazight ⴰⵎⴰⵣⵉⵖ (Amaziɣ), which is the self-designation of the Berber (Amazigh) people of North Africa. Kickboxing is also popular in Morocco. Football is the country's most popular sport, popular among the urban youth in particular. Nuqudy.com (2012-04-12)", "Ain Beni Mathar, Morocco Solar Thermal Power Station Project", "Historique de la culture de cannabis au Maroc d'après l'UNODC", "Mildt – Mission interministérielle de lutte contre la drogue et la toxicomanie", "Population du Maroc par année civile (en milliers et au milieu de l'année) par milieu de résidence : 1960 – 2050", United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, "Población extranjera por sexo, país de nacionalidad y edad (hasta 85 y más). Morocco was ranked as the first African country by the Economist Intelligence Unit's quality-of-life index, ahead of South Africa. The Alaouite dynasty, which rules Morocco to this day, seized power in 1631. Its area—excluding the territory of Western Sahara, which Morocco controls—is slightly larger than the U.S. state of California. This article is about the country in North Africa. The most notable violence occurred in Oujda where Moroccans attacked French and other European residents in the streets. Proverbe sur la persuasion / Proverb on Persuasion. [193] Morocco has made significant progress in reducing deaths among both children and mothers. For 2012 the World Bank forecast a rate of 4% growth for Morocco and 4.2% for following year, 2013.[100]. The most popular drink is "atai", green tea with mint leaves and other ingredients. From the 13th century onwards the country saw a massive migration of the Banu Hilal Arab tribes. The country is still called Marrakesh in Persian, Urdu, and Hindi. Tourism is one of the most important sectors in Moroccan economy. The English name "Morocco" is an anglicisation of the Spanish name for the country, "Marruecos". Algeria borders Morocco to the east and southeast, though the border between the two countries has been closed since 1994. The remainder of the Jewish population is dispersed throughout the country. The services sector accounts for just over half of GDP and industry, made up of mining, construction and manufacturing, is an additional quarter. The reign of Ahmad al-Mansur brought new wealth and prestige to the Sultanate, and a large expedition to West Africa inflicted a crushing defeat on the Songhay Empire in 1591. Morocco is a member of the Arab League, the Union for the Mediterranean and the African Union. In 2001, the first International Film Festival of Marrakech (FIFM) was also held in Marrakech. Morocco and the Polisario Front held UN-sponsored talks in New York City but failed to come to any agreement. In the 13th and 14th centuries the Merinids held power in Morocco and strove to replicate the successes of the Almohads through military campaigns in Algeria and Spain. [149], French is widely used in governmental institutions, media, mid-size and large companies, international commerce with French-speaking countries, and often in international diplomacy. Aita is a Bedouin musical style sung in the countryside. Moroccan forces occupied the territory.[39]. Morocco was the first country in the world to recognise US sovereignty (in 1777). The country's strategic location near the mouth of the Mediterranean eventually attracted the interest of European powers: In 1912, Morocco was divided into French and Spanish protectorates, with an international zone in Tangier. Morocco has one of the best road systems on the continent. Due to Morocco's proximity to the Sahara desert and the North Sea of the Atlantic Ocean, two phenomena occur to influence the regional seasonal temperatures, either by raising temperatures by 7–8 degrees Celsius when sirocco blows from the east creating heatwaves, or by lowering temperatures by 7–8 degrees Celsius when cold damp air blows from the northwest, creating a coldwave or cold spell. [139], Christians are estimated at 1% (~380,000) of the Moroccan population. Until now, the earliest evidence dated back just 195,000 years. There have been substantial improvements in access to water supply, and to a lesser extent to sanitation, over the past fifteen years. Moroccan cuisine is considered as one of the most diversified cuisines in the world. In general, apart from the southeast regions (pre-Saharan and desert areas), Morocco's climate and geography are very similar to the Iberian peninsula. Child health, maternal health, and diseases are all components of health and well-being. [22] The origin of the name Marrakesh is disputed,[23] but it most likely comes from the Berber words amur (n) akush (ⴰⵎⵓⵔ ⵏ ⴰⴽⵓⵛ), meaning "Land of God". Proud of their food , music, lifestyle ( culture) [141], Morocco's official languages are Arabic and Berber. As of the 2019 Climate Change Performance Index, Morocco was ranked second in preparedness behind Sweden. The Moroccan government is heavily investing in tourism development, in 2010 the government launched its Vision 2020 which plans to make Morocco one of the top 20 tourist destinations in the world and to double the annual number of international arrivals to 20 million by 2020,[101] with the hope that tourism will then have risen to 20% of GDP. In 2011, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and New Technologies created a Moroccan Club of Innovation, in partnership with the Moroccan Office of Industrial and Commercial Property. The Moroccan government has been implementing reforms to improve the quality of education and make research more responsive to socio-economic needs. I’ve also seen a movie from that country called Traitors which is a crime drama about a punk rock singer who ends up being a mule to fund her band. Text taken from UNESCO Science Report: towards 2030, 431–467, UNESCO, UNESCO Publishing. Far from being isolated from other historical artistic currents around them, the Berbers of Morocco (and across North Africa) adapted the forms and ideas of Islamic architecture to their own conditions and in turn contributed to the formation of Western Islamic art, particularly during their political domination of the region over the centuries of Almoravid, Almohad, and Marinid rule.[167][168]. Three generations of writers especially shaped 20th century Moroccan literature. A truth commission set up in 2005 to investigate human rights abuses during his reign confirmed nearly 10,000 cases, ranging from death in detention to forced exile. [130], According to the 2014 Morocco population census, there were around 84,000 immigrants in the country. Sultan Mohammed became king in 1957. The Idrisids established Fes as their capital and Morocco became a centre of Muslim learning and a major regional power. Voter turnout in these elections was estimated to be 43% of registered voters. In 2021, the winds of baraka (meaning “blessing” in Arabic) continue to blow strong, particularly on the continent, where recent African Union (AU) elections have brought a more pro-Morocco group of leaders to power. This article incorporates text from a free content work. [89] There are also persistent allegations of violence against both Sahrawi pro-independence and pro-Polisario demonstrators[90] in Western Sahara; a disputed territory which is occupied by and considered by Morocco as part of its Southern Provinces. The Majorelle botanical garden in Marrakech is a popular tourist attraction. [132] Also prior to independence, Morocco was home to 250,000 Spaniards. Due to the conflict over Western Sahara, the status of the Saguia el-Hamra and Río de Oro regions is disputed. Between 1921 and 1926, a Berber uprising in the Rif Mountains, led by Abd el-Krim, led to the establishment of the Republic of the Rif. 'place the sun sets; the west'; Standard Moroccan Tamazight: ⵍⵎⵖⵔⵉⴱ, romanized: lmeɣrib, French: Maroc), officially the Kingdom of Morocco (Arabic: المملكة المغربية, romanized: al-mamlaka al-maḡribiyya, lit. [34] The first independent Muslim state in the area of modern Morocco was the Kingdom of Nekor, an emirate in the Rif Mountains. According to data from the World Bank,[191] the present mortality rate is still very high, over seven times higher than in neighboring country Spain. Moroccan literature flourished with novelists such as Mohamed Zafzaf and Mohamed Choukri, who wrote in Arabic, and Driss Chraïbi and Tahar Ben Jelloun who wrote in French. At higher elevations, the climate becomes alpine in character, and can sustain ski resorts. Bread in Morocco is principally from durum wheat semolina known as khobz. Includes the latest news stories, results, fixtures, video and audio. [190] The first reform was a mandatory health insurance plan for public and private sector employees to expand coverage from 16 percent of the population to 30 percent.