Political Overview
Morocco is a constitutional monarchy headed by King Mohammed VI, who holds significant executive and religious authority as the “Commander of the Faithful.” The 2011 constitutional reforms strengthened parliamentary powers and expanded the role of the prime minister, who must be appointed from the party winning the most seats in elections, yet the king retains the prerogative to dissolve parliament and preside over the Council of Ministers. The bicameral Parliament comprises a 395-member House of Representatives, elected for five-year terms, and a House of Councillors of up to 120 members, elected for six years through regional, professional, and union-based colleges. Parliamentary elections held on 8 September 2021 saw a turnout of roughly 50.35%, resulting in a coalition government led by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, reflecting Morocco’s multi-party democratic framework under monarchical oversight.
Cultural Heritage and Identity
Morocco’s cultural identity reflects a millennia-old synthesis of Arab, Berber (Amazigh), Andalusi, Mediterranean, and African influences, evident in its languages, customs, and artistic expressions. The indigenous Amazigh people, whose heritage predates the Arab conquest of the 7th century, maintain distinct traditions such as Tifinagh script and folk music alongside Arabic and French, which are widely spoken today. UNESCO has recognized over a dozen elements of Morocco’s intangible heritage, including the cultural space of Jemaa el-Fna in Marrakech, the Moussem of Tan-Tan, and the Taskiwin martial dance, underscoring the kingdom’s commitment to preserving its diverse legacies. Contemporary cultural revival is also visible in cities like Tangier, where a creative renaissance led by local artists and designers is reclaiming the narrative of this historic crossroads.
Geographical Landscape, Area, and Climate
Situated at the northwestern edge of Africa, Morocco spans 710,850 km², encompassing Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines, the Rif and Atlas mountain chains, and the southeastern fringes of the Sahara Desert. Coastal regions north of the Western Sahara experience a classic Mediterranean climate mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers while the interior mountains introduce continental and alpine conditions, with snow at elevations above 1,000 m. The far southeast transitions to arid and desert climates, where extreme temperature swings and minimal precipitation define vast sand dunes and oases, reflecting Morocco’s remarkable environmental diversity.
