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Country Guide > Africa > Morocco | |
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General Information Area 710,850 sq km (274,461 sq miles).
Population 29,631,000 (official estimate 2002). Population Density 41.7 per sq km. Capital Rabat. Population: 1,335,996 (1994). Geography Morocco is located on the westernmost tip of north Africa, bordering Algeria to the east and Mauritania to the south and southeast, the Atlantic ocean to the west and the Mediterranean to the north. Running through the middle of the country is the Atlas mountain range, which leads to the fertile plains and sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast. The Middle Atlas range sweeps up from the south, rising to over 3000m (9850ft), covered with woodlands of pine, oak and cedar, open pastureland and small lakes. The Rif Mountains run along the north coast. The ports of Ceuta (Sebta) and Melilla on the north coast are administered by Spain. Government Constitutional monarchy since 1956. Gained independence from France in 1956. Head of State: King Mohammed VI since 1999. Head of Government: Prime Minister Driss Jettou since October 2002. Language The official language is Arabic, but Berber is spoken by a large minority. French is widely spoken throughout the country, except in the northern regions where Spanish is more predominant. English is also understood, particularly in the north and the main tourist areas. Religion Predominantly Muslim with Jewish and Christian minorities. Morocco’s population and culture stems from a cross-section of origins including Berbers, Arabs, Moors and Jews. Time GMT. Electricity 127/220 volts AC, 50Hz, depending on age and location of building. Communications Telephone Telephone: IDD is available. Country code: 212. Outgoing international code: 00. Mobile telephone GSM 900 networks. Main operators include Itissalat Al-Maghrib SA and Medi Telecom (website: www.meditel.ma). Coverage is mainly available in the cities in the west of Morocco. Fax Available in hotels. Telegram Facilities are available throughout the country at main post offices. Internet Access is widely available in business centres, hotels and in Internet cafes. ISPs include Jaweb (website: www.eljaweb.com) and Menara (website: www.casanet.net.ma). Post Airmail to Europe takes up to one week and can be unreliable. Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1200 and 1430-1830, Sat 0830-1400. Press Daily newspapers are published in French and Arabic. The main French newspapers are: L'Economiste, Le Matin du Sahara et du Maghreb, Maroc Soir and L’Opinion. The main Arabic newspapers are Al Alam and Al Maghrib. The main English-language paper is Morocco Today. Radio BBC World Service (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice) and Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov) can be received. From time to time the frequencies change and the most up-to-date can be found online. |
