Morocco

Located at the northwestern tip of Africa, Morocco acts as a bridge between the Arab world, Europe and the African continent. The coastal city of Rabat is the political capital while Casablanca remains its economic hub.

Morocco became a French protectorate with the signing of the Treaty of Fez in 1912. France had long been looking to exert control over the territory, starting with the Expedition of Larache in 1765.

A 1952 riot in Casablanca prompted France to outlaw various Moroccan political parties. The following year it sent Sultan Mohammed V into exile in Madagascar, and for the next several decades France crushed local efforts to gain independence.

Mohammed V returned from exile on November 18, 1955, and Moroccans still celebrate their independence on this date. The French protectorate officially ended in 1956 and the Kingdom of Morocco was born. The monarchy, led by King Mohammed VI since 1999, remains central to political life.

Morocco’s heritage blends Arab, Berber and Hebraic cultures with North African and European elements – notably Andalusi influences from Spain, which lies just across the Strait of Gibraltar.

Modern-day Morocco is gradually undertaking social and economic reforms. But the nation still grapples with high youth unemployment and entrenched inequality despite high rates of investment in technology and infrastructure.