 TAKE A TOUR OF
THE KINGDOM OF MOROCCO
Just the Facts
• Location: click for maps of [Northern Africa] [Morocco]
• Population: 28 million, mostly Arabs and Berbers (40%)
• The Berbers: An indigenous northwest African non-Arab tribal people who dominate large areas of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia
• Type of Government: Constitutional Monarchy, with a Parliament and Prime Minister
• Monarch: King Hassan II, since 1961; a member of the Alouite Dynasty, which has ruled Morocco for over 300 years
• Capital: Rabat
• Major Cities: Casablanca, the country's largest city and main seaport; Marrakech (located inland), a major trade center; Tangier, a center for shipping
• Independence: 1956, from France; joined the UN
• Pirates: As part of the notorious Barbary Coast (the name formerly applied to the coast of North Africa), Morocco was a haven for pirates preying upon shipping in the Mediterranean Sea during the 18th and early 19th centuries
• Languages: Arabic and French
• Morocco in Arabic: Al Mamlakah al Maghribiyah
• Religion: Islam
• Major Exports: Citrus, phosphates, wheat and fish
• Geography: Varied terrain; the High Atlas Mountains (snow capped most of the year) divide the country into the heavily populated Atlantic coastal plain and the slopes that run southeastward to the Sahara Desert
• Climate: Ranges from subtropical along the Mediterranean coast to cold, high-altitude conditions (down to 0°F) in the Atlas Mountains
• Highest Mountain: Jebel Toubkal (4165 m/13,665 ft) in the Grand Atlas range
• Environmental Issues: Land degradation and desertification and coastal oil pollution
It's All About Camels
For the first time, the Eco-Challenge race course will include camel riding through the desert. Competitors will be introduced to riding techniques and proper camel care at race registration. Get the low down on these misunderstood yet patient and intelligent beasts.
Dining in Morocco
Cook up these tasty dishes in your own home; click for the recipes.
Brains with Sauce
Foot of Calf
Harira, the national soup
Listen to the Music of Morocco
(PC users only; available in near future for Mac folks)
click to hear
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