Morocco Nation Profile – BBC Information

The Kingdom of Morocco is the westernmost nation in North Africa often called the Maghreb – “The West”. It has Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, a rugged mountainous inside and a historical past of independence not shared by its neighbours.

Its tradition is a mixture of Arab, Berber, European and African influences.

Morocco was a French protectorate between 1912 and 1956. Since independence, Morocco has remained comparatively secure and has vital affect in each Africa and the Arab world.

In 1975, Morocco annexed the previous Spanish colony of Western Sahara. Since then, it has been the topic of an extended territorial dispute between Morocco and its indigenous Sahrawi folks, led by the Polisario Entrance.

Mohammed VI turned king in 1999. He initiated political and financial adjustments and an investigation into human rights abuses throughout his father's rule.

A serious reform was the Mudawana, a legislation giving extra rights to girls. The king has mentioned it’s in keeping with the ideas of the Koran, however spiritual conservatives have opposed it.

Following strain for reforms impressed by the “Arab Spring” of 2010 and past, a brand new structure was launched, increasing the powers of parliament and the prime minister however leaving the king with broad authority over all branches of presidency.

Prime Minister: Aziz Akhannouch

The liberal Rally Nationwide of Independents occasion led by oil and fuel billionaire Aziz Akhannouch narrowly gained the September 2021 election, ousting the conservative Islamist PDJ occasion that had led governments for a decade.

Moroccan political analysts mentioned a weak financial system undermined assist for the PDJ. Mr. Akhannouch held the put up in PDJ-led coalitions as Minister of Agriculture from 2007 till he assumed the put up of Prime Minister.

Broadcast media are both dominated by the state or mirror the official line.

Paris-based Reporters With out Borders notes that “faith, king and monarchy generally, nation and territorial integrity can’t be questioned”.

The federal government owns or has stakes in RTM and 2M, Morocco's foremost tv networks. Satellite tv for pc dishes are broadly used, giving entry to French and pan-Arab stations.

Some key dates in Morocco's historical past:

7-Eight centuries – The Arab invasion; Idris based the primary nice Muslim dynasty.

11-12 centuries – Underneath the start of the Almoravid after which the Almohad dynasties, Morocco dominates the Maghreb and most of Spain.

1549-1649 – The Saadi dynasty guidelines Morocco and elements of western Africa.

1666 onwards – Rule of the Alawi dynasty as sultans of Morocco

1884 – Spain creates a protectorate within the coastal areas of Morocco.

1904 – France and Spain carve out zones of affect.

1912 – Morocco turns into a French protectorate beneath the Treaty of Fez.

1921–6 – Tribal rebel within the Rif Mountains is suppressed by French and Spanish troops.

1956 – The tip of the French protectorate after riots and robust nationalist sentiments. Spain maintains its two coastal enclaves, Ceuta and Melilla.

1961 – Demise of King Muhammad; King Hassan II involves energy.

1971 – The failed try to overthrow the king and set up the republic.

1973 – The Polisario motion fashioned, goals to create an impartial state within the Spanish Sahara, a territory south of Morocco managed by Spain.

1975 – Inexperienced March: King Hassan orders 350,00zero civilian volunteers to cross into the Spanish Sahara. Spain agrees to depart the realm and switch it to joint Moroccan-Mauritanian management. Algeria opposes and threatens army intervention. Moroccan forces enter and occupy the territory.

1976 – Moroccan and Algerian troops conflict in Western Sahara. Algeria pronounces the formation of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) with a authorities in exile. Morocco and Mauritania share the Western Sahara. – Combating begins between the Moroccan military and Polisario forces.

1991 – UN-monitored ceasefire begins in Western Sahara, however the area's standing stays undecided.

2011 – 1000’s of individuals collect in Rabat and different cities calling for political reforms and a brand new structure that curbs the powers of the king.