MOROCCO by Claire Sindlinger

Geography  Location: Northwestern corner of Africa  Water systems: Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines  Natural Resources: Phosphates, fish, manganese, lead, silver, and copper

Climate/Vegetation  Climate: North-- wet and rainy, South-- dry and bitterly cold  Vegetation: diverse mountain plants; oak, cedar, and juniper

Government  Political Leaders: Head of State-- King Mohammed VI, Prime Minister-- Abbas El Fassi  Type of Government: Constitutional monarchy  Life Expectancy: 67 years average  Population: 30 million inhabitants

History Event  Historical Event:  Independence of Morocco in 1956 Regained independence after Mohammed V returned from being exiled in 1953 In 2006, Moroccans celebrated their 50th year of independence from France!

Economy  Type of Industry: Types--phosphate mining, manufacturing and handicrafts, construction and public works  Major Export: natural gas  Currency: Moroccan Dirham

Culture  Traditional clothing:  Men- Djellaba and red cap (special occasion)  Women- scarf around head and neck Djellaba (along and loose hooded gown)  Traditional dishes: Bisteeya (pastry), Mechoui (roasted lamb), and Harira Soup (Berber soup)  Language: Arabic and Berber  Religions: Muslim 98.7%, Christian 1.1%, Jewish 0.2%

Places to Visit  Tourist attractions:  Hassan II Mosque- biggest religious monument after Mecca  El Bahia Palace- Eastern Architecture from the 19th century  Asilah (also known as Arzila)- located in Tangier; a city constructed by the Phoenicians

Work Cited  "BBC News - Morocco Country Profile." BBC NEWS | News Front Page. Web. 22 Mar  "Clothing in Morocco - English Blog | By Morocco Channel." Morocco Hotels, Flights, Travel and Country Guide | By Morocco Channel. Web. 22 Mar  "Morocco (01/10)." U.S. Department of State. Web. 22 Mar  "Morocco: Country Profile." Minist. Web. 22 Mar  "Morocco Natural Gas - Exports - Economy." Index Mundi - Country Facts. Web. 22 Mar  "Tourist Attractions in Morocco | By Morocco Channel." Morocco Hotels, Flights, Travel and Country Guide | By Morocco Channel. Web. 22 Mar