Morocco By: Patricia Beth

Morocco is located in Northern Africa. Morocco borders the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Western Sahara. Capital City

The Moroccan Flag

Morocco’s Government Constitutional Monarchy Chief of State: King MOHAMMED VI Head of Government: Prime Minister Abbas EL FASSI Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch Elections: the monarch is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch following legislative elections

Climate The Moroccan climate varies according to season and region. The coast has a warm, Mediterranean climate tempered on the eastern coast by southwest trade winds. Inland areas have a hotter, drier, continental climate. In the south of the country, the weather is very hot and dry throughout most of the year, though temperatures can drop dramatically at night, especially in the months of December and January. Rain falls from November to March in coastal areas, and the country is mostly dry with high temperatures in summer and a cooler climate in the mountains. Marrakech and Agadir enjoy an average temperature of 21°C (70ºF) in the winter.

Culture Languages: Arabic (official), several Berber dialects; French functions as the language of business, government, and diplomacy. Housing: The Moroccan population lives in either traditional dwellings or housing units and flats. Religion: Islam is the established state religion of Morocco. Almost the entire population is Sunni Muslim. The monarch is the supreme Muslim authority in the country. About 1 percent of the population is Christian, and less than 0.2 percent is Jewish. Music: Moroccan music is of many types; it includes Arab, Berber, classical, and Popular elements. Holiday:January 1- New Year's Day January 11- Proclamation Of Independence. On this day, Moroccan King Mohammed V declared the erstwhile state of Morocco be liberated from the French rule. May 1- International Labour Day July 30- Celebration Of The Throne. This is the day when the Moroccans celebrate the accession of King Mohammed VI on the throne. August 20- Revolution of the King and the People August 21- Birthday of King Mohammed VI. November 6- Green March. On this day in 1975, there was a mass demonstration in Morocco with the aid of the government against the Spanish withholding of the now Western Sahara region. November 18- Independence Day.

Places of Interest in Morocco Marrakech-The internationally famous Moroccan centre of culture is located at the foot of the breathtaking Atlas Mountains and surrounded by a lush Oasis. Fès-The oldest of the imperial cities (275 km from Saïdia ), and perhaps the symbolic heart of Morocco, Fès' intrigue lies in its labyrinthine streets and crumbling grandeur. The medina of Fès el- Bali (Old Fès) is one of the largest living medieval cities in the world, surrounded by magnificent walls and gates. Asilah-Any art lover has to visit Asilah during the month of August when there is an International arts festival. Not only is this village one of the most beautiful places to visit, the art festival is a feast for the eyes.