Morocco is a country located in Northwest Africa with a population of over 36 million people. Some key facts about Morocco include that Arabic and French are the major languages, Islam is the dominant religion, and the capital and largest city is Casablanca. Morocco has a long history of being influenced by Arab and European powers and gained full independence from France in 1956. Traditional Moroccan culture is reflected in the cuisine, which features dishes like couscous and tagine, as well as festivals, handicrafts, and the Muslim religion that shapes daily life. Current issues facing Morocco include disputes over Western Sahara, environmental challenges, and economic development.

1. Morocco KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY
KNOW YOUR WORLD
A PROGRAM OF GLOBAL TIES
AKRON

2. Speaker Profile
(Basic Information…hometown, career, family, etc…)

3. Morocco on the map

4. Basic Information
Full Name: The Kingdom of Morocco
Population: 36,471,769 (2019)
Capital: Rabat
Largest city: Casablanca
Major language: Arabic and French
Major religion: Muslim
Life expectancy: Male: 73 , Female:
79
Monetary unit: Moroccan Dirham
GPD per capita: 28,282 MAD
($7,700)
(Adapted from CIA World Factbook)

5. Significant Historic Events
• 7th and 8th centuries: Arab invasions lead to the creation of
the first Muslim Empire.
• 1860s-80s: Disputes arise over Spain’s claims on the northern
tip of Morocco. Spain establishes a protectorate along the
Moroccan coast.
• 1904: France also lays claim to regions of Morocco.
• 1912: France establishes an inland protectorate.
• 1921-26: French and Spanish troops suppress tribal
rebellions.
• 1956: French protectorate ends.
• 1975: Spain leaves what will become Western Sahara.
• 1976: Moroccan and Algerian troops clash over claims in
Western Sahara.
• 1988: Morocco and Algeria resume diplomatic relations.

6. Famous Landmarks

7. Language
Hello: (as-salām 'alaykum) ‫عليمك‬ ‫السالم‬
Bye: m - (tosbeho ‘ala khair) ‫خري‬ ‫عىل‬ ‫تصبح‬ f - (tosbeheena ‘ala khair) ‫خري‬ ‫عىل‬ ‫تصبحني‬
My name is…: (... ismee) ... ‫امسي‬
Thank you: (shukran) ‫ا‬‫ر‬‫شك‬
Please: (mīn fāḍlīkā) ‫فضكل‬ ‫من‬
I love you: (uḥibbuk) ‫حبك‬‫أ‬
How are you?: m - (kayfa ḥālak) ‫حاكل؟‬ ‫كيف‬ f - (kayfa ḥālik) ‫حاكل؟‬ ‫كيف‬

8. Government
Monarch:
Mohammed VI
Prime Minister:
Saadeddine Othmani
(SINCE2017)
Structure: Constitutional
Monarchy
In 2011, the King
revised the Constitution
in response to “Arab
Spring” protests and
appointed a new
government.

9. Current Issues and Events
• Disputes over Western Sahara
• Environment Issues (Erosion, desertification, water contamination)
• Illiteracy
• Obesity
• Emigration
• Militant Groups
(Adapted from africaw. com and BBC News 2014)

10. Economics
Currency:
Moroccan Dirham
Main Exports:
• Clothing and textiles
• Transistors and Electric components
• Crude minerals and Inorganic chemicals
• Petroleum products and Fertilizers (including phosphates)
• Citrus fruits, Vegetables, Fish
(Adapted from economywatch.com)

11. Everyday Life
Daily life for a child:
Daily life for an adult:

12. Marriage and Gender

13. Traditional Costumes

14. National Festivals and Holidays
• Eid El-Mawlid: Celebration of the prophet Mohammad’s birth.
• Eid ul-Fitr: A feast celebrating the end of Ramadan, a holy month of
fasting.
• Eid Al Milad: The King’s Birthday
• Eid Al Massira Al Khadra: Anniversary celebration of the Green March
of November 6, 1975 when unarmed Moroccan troops marched to
Western Sahara to call for its return to Moroccan control.
• Fatih Muharram: Islamic New Year celebration

15. Traditional Foods
• Couscous
• Bisteeya (savory layered pastry)
• Tagine (meat or poultry cooked in special pottery ware with vegetables)
• Harira (a tomato and lentil stew)
• Kafta (grilled ground beef)
• Rghaif
• Bghrir
• Spices

16. Sources and Links
• http://heymorocco.com/
• https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mo.html
• http://www.morocco.com/
• http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-14121438