MOROCCO

MOROCCO

COUNTRY NOTEBOOK ON MOROCCO

BYVIJAYKUMAR GHEESULAL@03174782

TABLE OF CONTENTSCHAPTERSPAGE NOSECTION 1: CULTURAL ANALYSIS03-33SECTION 2: ECONOMIC ANALYSIS34-61REFERENCES62-63

MOROCCO(LAND OF GOD)SECTION 1: CULTURAL ANALYSISEXECUTIVE SUMMARYMorocco originates from Berber name Murakush, Which means "Land of God". The main motto of this country being" God Homeland King".In 1884, Spain created a protectorate in the coastal areas of Morocco. In 1904, France and Spain carved out zones of influence in Morocco. In March 1956 the French protectorate was ended and Morocco regained its independence from France as the "Kingdom of Morocco". Sultan Mohammed became king in 1957.Upon the death of King Mohammed, Hassan II became King of Morocco on 3 March 1961. Morocco held its first general elections in 1963. King Mohammed paid a controversial visit to the Western Sahara in 2002. Morocco unveiled an autonomy blueprint for Western Sahara to the United Nations in 2007. Morocco is geographically located in Northern Africa along the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. There are also valleys interspersed between Morocco's mountainous areas. Women in higher socioeconomic sectors have greater access to education, resulting in a growing number of female doctors, lawyers, and university professors. In almost every aspect of Moroccan life, the status of men is higher than that of women. Islamic law dictates that Muslim women must marry Muslim men; it is acceptable, however, for a Muslim man to take a non-Muslim woman as his wife. Most women still give birth at home with the help of a midwife or other female family members. There are thirteen universities in Morocco with roughly 250,000 students enrolled in all. Both public and private education is available.Primary education: The primary education consists of 6 years for children of ages 612 years old. The dropout rate at the primary level in 2006 was 22 percent. Secondary education: There are three years of lower-middle school. The gross enrollment rate at the secondary level in 2007 was 55.8 percent. But in secondary education the grade repetition and drop-out rates especially remain high.[7]Higher education: The higher education system consists of both private and public institutes. There are 14 public universities in Morocco, in addition to a large number of private universities. The Assembly of Representatives of Morocco (Majlis al-Nuwab/Assemble des Rpresentants) has 325 members elected for a five-year term, 295 elected in multi-seat constituencies and 30 in national lists consisting only of women. The lower chamber of Parliament may dissolve the government through a vote of no confidence.For other political parties see List of political parties in Morocco. An overview on elections and election results is included in Elections in Morocco.THE GOVERNMENT: In addition to the governments answerability to the King, the Constitution provides for a reinforced system of government's answerability before the Chamber of Representatives. The government's action aimed at implementing laws and using the administration is the Prime Ministers responsibility THE KING: The Kingdom of Morocco is one of the oldest monarchies in the world. After Morocco gained independence, the Moroccan political regime preserved adherence to its traditional foundations while at the same time engaging in modernity. The King of Morocco embodies both the spiritual and the temporal authorities. The King appoints the Prime Minister and, on the latter's proposition, the Ministers .The King presides over the Council of Minister the Higher Judicial Council, the Higher Education Council, and the Higher Council of National Promotion. The King is the Commander-in chief of the Royal Armed Forces.THE GOVERNMENT: It is composed of the Prime Minister and the Ministers: The Prime Minister is appointed by the King; The Government members are appointed by the King on the proposition of the Prime Minister.THE CHAMBER OF REPRESENTATIVES: "The members of the Chamber of representatives owe their mandate to the Nation. 1/3 of the members (111) are elected by an electoral college comprising local counselors as well as members elected by electoral colleges comprising members of the professional Chambers and representatives of the wage- earners.Supreme Court: The Supreme Court reviews decisions made by lower tribunals. Its powers extend to: Jurisdiction disputes arising among courts above which there is no higher court other than the Supreme Court.THE CONSTITUTIONAL COUNCIL: The Constitutional Council was established on March 21, 1994, under -articles 76 and 77 of the 1992 Constitution. Decisions turned by the Constitutional Council cannot be appealed. The Government (5 ministers)A representative from each of the following:- Political parties - Trade unions- Human rights associations- The associations of the Moroccan magistrates- The association of the Moroccan bar- University professors- The national association of physiciansSince Moroccans judge people on appearances, dress and present yourself well.Business Negotiations: Moroccans are looking for long-term business relationships. Women should wear elegant business suits, dresses or pantsuits. Religious Belief: Nearly 99 percent of Moroccans are Sunni Muslim. One of the popular mosques in Morocco:Visual Arts: The visual arts have a long and thriving history in Morocco. The visual style of Morocco's decorative arts has enthralled visitors for centuries. Please click here Morocco also maintains a thriving national film industry, with national film acting and directing stars.Since Morocco lies on two coasts the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, Moroccan cuisine has ample seafood dishes. Morocco is also the worlds first consumer of bread. The Moroccan population lives in either traditional dwellings or housing units and flats. The Moroccan society is not conservative because Morocco is a peaceful and tourist friendly country. Morocco has no particular rules and regulation about the clothing but the Moroccans have kept alive the custom to wear the traditional dress of Morocco. The women of Morocco also wear Caftan or Kaftan which is without a hood unlike the djellaba. Recreation; Moroccan men spend much leisure time socializing at outdoor cafes. Morocco has two television stations. Security: Military service lasts for 18 months in Morocco, and the countrys reserve obligation lasts until age 50. The UN maintains a small observer force in Western Sahara, where a large number of Moroccos troops are stationed. Arabic, one of the national and official languages of Morocco, is spoken by two-thirds of the population, and Modern Standard Arabic is taught in schools. "Moroccan Constitution" (PDF). "Regions of Morocco". "Profile on Morocco". "Encyclopedia of the Nations: Morocco Foreign Policy". Retrieved 23 October 2009. Morocco major economic player in Africa, researcher. Retrieved 2015-04-17."Morocco sets the goal of attracting 20 million tourists by 2020". "Economy Morocco import, problem, growth, crops, annual, sector". "Morocco to Launch High Speed Train". Retrieved 2 June 2010.Morocco originates from Berber name Murakush, Which means "Land of God". And also Arabic name implies "The Western Kingdom". The main motto of this country being" God Homeland King".HISTORYMorocco has been the home of the Berbers since the second millennium B.C. In A.D. 46, Morocco was annexed by Rome as part of the province of Mauritania until the Vandals overran this portion of the declining empire in the 5th century. The Arabs invaded circa 685, bringing Islam. The Berbers joined them in invading Spain in 711, but then they revolted against the Arabs, resenting their secondary status. In 1086, Berbers took control of large areas of Moorish Spain until they were expelled in the 13th century. After that the region fell to successive Arab dynasties claiming descent from the Islamic prophet, Muhammad: first the Saadi dynasty who ruled from 1549 to 1659, and then the Alaouite Dynasty, who remained in power since the 17th century.As Europe industrialized, North Africa was increasingly prized for its potential for colonization. France showed a strong interest in Morocco as early as 1830, not only to protect the border of its Algerian territory, but also because of the strategic position of Morocco on two oceans. In 1860, a dispute over Spain's Ceuta enclave led Spain to declare war. Victorious Spain won a further enclave and an enlarged Ceuta in the settlement. In 1884, Spain created a protectorate in the coastal areas of Morocco. In 1904, France and Spain carved out zones of influence in Morocco. Recognition by the United Kingdom of France's sphere of influence provoked a strong reaction from the German Empire; and a crisis loomed in 1905. The matter was resolved at the Algeciras Conference in 1906. The Agadir Crisis increased tensions between European powers. The 1912 Treaty of Fez made Morocco a protectorate of France, and triggered the 1912 Fes riots. Spain continued to operate its coastal protectorate. By the same treaty, Spain assumed the role of protecting power over the northern and southern Saharan zones. In March 1956 the French protectorate was ended and Morocco regained its independence from France as the "Kingdom of Morocco". A month later Spain ceded most of its protectorate in Northern Morocco to the new state but kept its two coastal enclaves (Ceuta and Melilla) on the Mediterranean coast. Sultan Mohammed became king in 1957.Upon the death of King Mohammed, Hassan II became King of Morocco on 3 March 1961. Morocco held its first general elections in 1963. However, Hassan declared a state of emergency and suspended parliament in 1965. In 1971, there was a failed attempt to depose the king and establish a republic. A truth commission set up in 2005 to investigate human rights abuses during his reign confirmed nearly 10,000 cases, ranging from death in detention to forced exile. Some 592 people were recorded killed during Hassan's rule according to the truth commission. King Hassan II died in 1999 and was succeeded by his son, Mohammed VI. He is a cautious modernizer who has introduced some economic and social liberalization. King Mohammed paid a controversial visit to the Western Sahara in 2002. Morocco unveiled an autonomy blueprint for Western Sahara to the United Nations in 2007. The Polisario rejected the plan and put forward its own proposal. Morocco and the Polisario Front held UN-sponsored talks in New York but failed to come to any agreement. In 2010, security forces stormed a protest camp in the Western Sahara, triggering violent demonstrations in the regional capital El Aain.

GEOGRAPHYMorocco is geographically located in Northern Africa along the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by Algeria and Western Sahara. It also still shares borders with two enclaves that are considered a part of Spain - Ceuta and Melilla. The topography of Morocco varies as its northern coast and interior regions are mountainous, while its coast features fertile plains where much of the country's agriculture takes place. There are also valleys interspersed between Morocco's mountainous areas. The highest point in Morocco is Jebel Toubkal which rises to 13,665 feet (4,165 m), while its lowest point is Sebkha Tah which is -180 feet (-55 m) below sea level.

The internationally recognized borders of the country lie between latitudes 27 and 36N, and longitudes 1 and 14W. Adding Western Sahara, Morocco lies mostly between 21 and 36N, and 1 and 17W (the Ras Nouadhibou peninsula is slightly south of 21 and west of 17).

The climate of Morocco, like its topography, also varies with location. Along the coast it is Mediterranean with warm, dry summers and mild winters. Farther inland, the climate is more extreme and the closer one gets to the Sahara Desert, the hotter and more extreme it gets. For example Morocco's capital, Rabat is located on the coast and it has an average January low temperature of 8C and an average July high temperature of 28C. By contrast, Marrakesh, which is located farther inland, has an average July high temperature of 37C and a January average low of 6C.SOCIAL INSTITUTIONIn the home, a gender-based hierarchy allows male children far greater freedom and opportunity than female children. Girls as young as four and five are expected to help with household chores and to care for their younger siblings. Cooking, cleaning, and child rearing are the traditional duties assigned to women. Men who are not formally educated find work in a range of positions from taxi driver to artisan to tour guide. Educated men are the rulers of the country and with the right connections may hold any position they wish. Women in higher socioeconomic sectors have greater access to education, resulting in a growing number of female doctors, lawyers, and university professors.In almost every aspect of Moroccan life, the status of men is higher than that of women. For the most part, women remain in private, domestic places, and are subject to ridicule and harassment by men in public life on the streets. Worship in mosques is generally reserved for men and all Muslim leaders are male. A few hours, however, are set aside each week to allow women to worship. Within the family, the maintained virginity of a young woman is guarded, as it is vital to her acceptance for marriage. On the other hand, male sexual activity before marriage is regarded as normal. Life is both socially and economically difficult for women with no husband and no education. Female prostitution in the country is widespread. Parents still have considerable influence over the choice of their children's spouse, although in some less traditional families this practice is changing. Once a person with the appropriate economic and family background has been agreed upon, the groom offers a bride-price to the family of the bride-to-be. In return, the bride's family negotiates a dowry with the groom's family, and assures them that her virginity is intact. Weddings take place during summer months, and usually last for two or three days, depending on the financial circumstances. At traditional weddings, the bride is carried to the groom on a table, ornately decorated with henna-stained hands and feet. Islamic law dictates that Muslim women must marry Muslim men; it is acceptable, however, for a Muslim man to take a non-Muslim woman as his wife. If divorce occurs, it is likely to be instigated by the man, as a divorced woman has little chance to remarry and may have a difficult time providing for herself. The extended family is of utmost importance as it is a source of status and reputation as well as financial support. One's personal dignity and honor are an extension of the family name. The concept of hshuma, or shame, is spread to the entire family if one member of the family is known to have misbehaved. Therefore, there is great pressure to protect the reputation of all members of the family. Moroccans view married life as the only normal way for adults to live, and the idea of living alone is abhorrent. Polygamy is allowed under Islam, although it is rarely practiced. In such cases, the wives may live together in one house, or depending on the family's economic status, each wife may reside in her own dwelling with her offspring. Most women still give birth at home with the help of a midwife or other female family members. Modern-style births in hospitals and clinics are becoming available in major cities, but having a child at home is still the norm. Breast-feeding is practiced by almost all women as it is the healthiest and most economic source of nutrition. Elementary schools teach subjects in Arabic until the third grade, when education becomes bilingual in both Arabic and French. Officially, education is mandatory from age seven to age thirteen for both girls and boys. Girls, however, are often taken out of school at a young age to assist the older women in their families with domestic duties, especially among the lower socioeconomic sectors. By the end of secondary school, more than three-quarters of the students enrolled are boys. There are thirteen universities in Morocco with roughly 250,000 students enrolled in all. Both public and private education is available. Public education is free to all citizens through the first undergraduate degree. Wealthy Moroccans often send their children to be educated abroad, usually in Europe. University education is highly valued and is a means to allow individuals to raise their social status and standard of living.EDUCATIONPrimary education: The primary education consists of 6 years for children of ages 612 years old. Students are required to pass Certificat d'etudes primaires to be eligible for admission in lower secondary schools. The gross enrollment rates (GER) at the primary level have been consistently rising in the 2000s. In 2007 the total GER at the primary level was 107.4 percent, with 112 percent for males and 101 percent for females. But the Gender Parity Index for GER was 0.89, which shows that the issue of gender inequality persists at the primary level. The repetition rate at the primary level is 11.8 percent; the repetition rate for males at the primary level is 13.7 percent and for females it is 9.7 percent and the rates are declining for the past few years for both genders. The dropout rate at the primary level in 2006 was 22 percent. Also dropout rates are higher for girls than boys, at 22 and 21 percent respectively. The dropout rates have been falling since 2003,but the government still needs to step up efforts to lower dropout the rate as it is still very high compared to other Arab countries, such as Algeria, Oman, Egypt and Tunisia. Secondary education: There are three years of lower-middle school. This type of education is provided through what is referred to as the "Collge". After 9 years of basic education,students begin upper secondary school and take a 1-year common core curriculum, which is either in arts or science. First year students take arts and or science, mathematics or original education. Second year students take earth and life sciences, physics, agricultural science, technical studies or are in A or B mathematics track.The gross enrollment rate at the secondary level in 2007 was 55.8 percent. But in secondary education the grade repetition and drop-out rates especially remain high.[7] Also the gender parity index for GER for secondary was 0.86 in 2007; it is not better than other Arab countries and reflects considerable disparity in gender enrollment at the secondary level.Higher education: The higher education system consists of both private and public institutes. There are 14 public universities in Morocco, in addition to a large number of private universities. The total number of graduates at the tertiary level in 2007 were 88,137;the gross enrollment rate at the tertiary level is 11 percent and it has not fluctuated significantly in the past few years. Admission to public universities requires only a baccalaurat, whereas admission to other higher public education, such as engineering school require competitive special tests and special training before the exams.Another growing field apart from engineering and medicine is business management. According to the Ministry of Education the enrollment in Business Management increased by 3.1 percent in the year 2003-04 when compared to preceding year 2002-2003. Generally, an undergraduate business degree requires four years and an average of two years for Masters degree. Universities in Morocco have also started to incorporate the use of information and communication technology. A number of universities have started providing software and hardware engineering courses as well; annually the academic sector produces 2,000 graduates in the field of information and communication technologies. Moroccan institutions have also established partnerships with institutes in Europe and Canada and offer joint degree programs in various fields from well-known universities. Also to increase public accountability, the Moroccan universities are evaluated since 2000, with the intention of making the results public to all stakeholders, including parents and students.POLITICAL SYSTEMThe constitution grants the king extensive powers; he is both the secular political leader and the "Commander of the Faithful" as a direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammed. He presides over the Council of Ministers; appoints the Prime Minister following legislative elections, and on recommendations from the latter, appoints the members of the government. While the constitution theoretically allows the king to terminate the tenure of any minister, and after consultation with the heads of the higher and lower Assemblies, to dissolve the Parliament, suspend the constitution, call for new elections, or rule by decree, the only time this happened was in 1965. The King is formally the chief of the military. Upon the death of his father Mohammed V, King Hassan II succeeded to the throne in 1961. He ruled Morocco for the next 38 years, until he died in 1999. His son, King Mohammed VI, assumed the throne in July 1999.Following the March 1998 elections, a coalition government headed by opposition socialist leader Abderrahmane Youssoufi and composed largely of ministers drawn from opposition parties, was formed. Prime Minister Youssoufi's government is the first government drawn primarily from opposition parties in decades, and also represents the first opportunity for a coalition of socialist, left-of-center, and nationalist parties to be included in the government until October 2002. It was also the first time in the modern political history of the Arab world that the opposition assumed power following an election. The current government is headed by Abdelillah Benkirane.Since the constitutional reform of 1996, the bicameral legislature consists of two chambers. The Assembly of Representatives of Morocco (Majlis al-Nuwab/Assemble des Rpresentants) has 325 members elected for a five-year term, 295 elected in multi-seat constituencies and 30 in national lists consisting only of women. The Assembly of Councillors (Majlis al-Mustasharin) has 270 members, elected for a nine-year term, elected by local councils (162 seats), professional chambers (91 seats) and wage-earners (27 seats). The Parliament's powers, though limited, were expanded under the 1992 and 1996 constitutional revisions and include budgetary matters, approving bills, questioning ministers, and establishing ad hoc commissions of inquiry to investigate the government's actions. The lower chamber of Parliament may dissolve the government through a vote of no confidence.On November 26, 2011 initial results of parliamentary elections were released. The moderate Islamist party, the Justice and Development Party (PJD), was projected to win the largest number of seats. However, the electoral rules were structured such that no political party could ever win more than 20 percent of the seats in the parliament. The full results of the previous election appear as follows:

For other political parties see List of political parties in Morocco. An overview on elections and election results is included in Elections in Morocco.PartyVotesVotes%Total seatsSeats%Seat changeConst. seatsList seats

Justice and Development Party (PJD)1,080,91422.810727.1618324

Istiqlal Party562,72011.96015.284713

National Rally of Independents (RNI)537,55211.35213.2134012

Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM)524,38611.14711.9473512

Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP)408,1088.6399.91309

Popular Movement (MP)354,4687.5328.19248

Constitutional Union (UC)275,1375.8235.84176

Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS)269,3365.7184.61126

Labour party (PT)107,3992.341140

Environment and Development Party (PED)109,3352.320.5320

Democratic and Social Movement (MDS)81,3241.720.5720

Party of Renewal and EquityXX20.5220

Democratic Oath Party (SD)XX20.5220

Front of Democratic Forces135,1612.810.3810

Green Left Party33,8410.710.3110

Action Party (PA)14,9160.310.3110

1- THE PARLIAMENT: In addition to the powers of the chamber of Representatives in the field of prior and subsequent control, it has the right to vote on the platform the newly appointed Government submits to it (art . 59); The Chamber may establish commissions of enquiry, which reinforces it control capacities (art . 40);In this respect, a provision under which the Government has to answer questions by representatives in a period not exceeding 20 days was introduced (art. 55); On the other hand, under article 3 5 , t h e Chamber o f Representatives will not be dissolved in case of the state of exception is proclaimed. 2- THE GOVERNMENT: In addition to the governments answerability to the King, the Constitution provides for a reinforced system of government's answerability before the Chamber of Representatives. The role of the Prime minister has been enhanced under the Constitution. Indeed, the Government members are appointed by the King upon the proposition of the prime Minister (art. 24). The government's action aimed at implementing laws and using the administration is the Prime Ministers responsibility (art. 60) THE KING: The Kingdom of Morocco is one of the oldest monarchies in the world. Founded 12 centuries ago, this institution is the guarantor of the country's unity and the citizens' freedom. After Morocco gained independence, the Moroccan political regime preserved adherence to its traditional foundations while at the same time engaging in modernity. The King of Morocco embodies both the spiritual and the temporal authorities. "The King, Emir El Mouminine (Commander of the Faithful), Supreme Representative of the nation, Symbol of its unity, guarantor of the permanence and continuity of the state, shall ensure the observance of Islam and the Constitution. He shall be the protector of the rights and liberties of the citizens, social groups and communities. He shall guarantee the independence of the Nation and the integrity of the Kingdom within its authentic borders" (art. 19 of the 1992 Constitution). The King appoints the Prime Minister and, on the latter's proposition, the Ministers (art. 24). The King presides over the Council of Ministers (art. 25) the Higher Judicial Council, the Higher Education Council, and the Higher Council of National Promotion (art. 32). He promulgates laws, signs and ratifies treaties. The King is the Commander-in chief of the Royal Armed Forces (art.30). He accredits ambassadors to foreign powers. Ambassadors or representatives of international bodies are accredited to him. He exercises the right of pardon (art.34).THE GOVERNMENT: It is composed of the Prime Minister and the Ministers: It is answerable to the King and to the Chamber of Representatives, ensures the implementation of the law and has the use of the administration. The Prime Minister is appointed by the King; He initiates laws-He has the regulatory power.-He is charged with coordinating ministerial activities. The Government members are appointed by the King on the proposition of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister may ask for a vote of confidence in the Chamber of Representatives, on a statement of general policy or the vote on a bill. The Chamber of Representatives may call into question the responsibility of the Government by passing a censure motion.THE CHAMBER OF REPRESENTATIVES: "The members of the Chamber of representatives owe their mandate to the Nation. Their right to vote is personal and cannot be delegated". (art. 36 of the Constitution). -The Chamber of Representatives holds two sessions a year and may convene for an extraordinary session either upon request from the absolute majority of its members or by decree.- It elects its Speaker, Vice Speakers, votes on and establishes the budget, votes on bills, votes on the finance law, makes proposals and amendments and controls the government action.VOTING SYSTEMS: In view of the outcome of the 25 June and 17 September 1993 elections, the Chamber of Representatives for the new term of office 1993-1999) is made of 333 deputies, among them 2 women. 2/3 of the members of the Chamber of Representatives (222) a reelected by universal direct suffrage. 1/3 of the members (111) are elected by an electoral college comprising local counselors as well as members elected by electoral colleges comprising members of the professional Chambers and representatives of the wage- earners. Term of office: six yearsCOURT STRUCTURE"The judicial authority shall be independent of the legislative power and the executive power" (Art. 80 of the Constitution). Magistrates are appointed by Dahir on the proposition of the High Council of the Magistracy. The different Kingdom courts are: Communal and District Courts: Communal and District judges are empowered to adjudicate al l personal estate actions brought against individuals who take up residence under their jurisdiction, whenever these actions concern claims worth less than 1,000 Dh. Administrative Tribunals: They are empowered to decide, with their rulings being appealable, claims for cancellation of ultra vires acts filed against administrative authorities, disputes relating to administrative authorities, administrative contracts and claims for compensation of prejudice caused by public entities' acts or activities. They are so are empowered to ascertain the consistency of administrative acts with the legal provisions. Tribunals of Original Jurisdiction: They decide civil cases linked to family law, succession, commerce and labor conflicts, either with or without appeal. Appellate Courts: They try criminal cases, appeals against judgments passed by tribunals of Original jurisdiction, as well as appeals against their president's rulings. Supreme Court: The Supreme Court reviews decisions made by lower tribunals. Its powers extend to: Appeals for cassation against decisions without appeal made by all the Kingdom's courts. Appeals for cancellation of the Prime Ministers ultra vires decisions. Jurisdiction disputes arising among courts above which there is no higher court other than the Supreme Court. Suits for bias filed against magistrates and courts with the exception of the Supreme Court. Proceedings aimed at judge disqualifying because of likelihood of bias. Disqualifying for reasons of public security or in order to secure a good administration of justice.Special Court of justice: It handles cases in which are involved magistrates or employees (embezzlement, etc). It tries felonies or crimes committed by government members during the discharge of their functions. The Permanent Tribunal of the Royal Armed Forces: It adjudicates such cases as unauthorized carrying of firearms and felonies committed by soldiers. THE CONSTITUTIONAL COUNCIL: The Constitutional Council was established on March 21, 1994, under -articles 76 and 77 of the 1992 Constitution. It comprises 4 members appointed by H.M. the King for a period of 6 years. 4 members appointed, for the same period, by the Speaker of the Chamber of Representatives after consulting the groupings. In addition to the aforesaid members, H.M. the King appoints, for the same period, the President of the Constitutional Council. Each category of the Constitutional Council members are renewable by half every three years.Powers of the Constitutional Council: The Constitutional Council exercises the powers vested in it by virtue of the articles of the Constitution of the provisions of organic laws. Furthermore, it gives ruling on the regularity of election to the Chamber of Representatives and that of referendum operations. Besides, organic laws, before their promulgation, as well as the statute of the Chamber of Representatives, prior to its implementations, are referred to the Constitutional Council which adjudicates upon their consistence with the Constitution. For the same purpose, bills might be referred to the Constitutional Council by the King, the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the Chamber of representatives or the fourth part of the members making up the same. Decisions turned by the Constitutional Council cannot be appealed. They are to be enforced on public powers and all administrative and court authorities. THE ADVISORY COUNCIL OF HUMAN RIGHTS: The establishment of the Advisory Council of Human Rights was announced in a Royal Speech on May 8, 1990, to secure at the highest level respect of human rights and consolidates the State of law. This institution comes directly under the authority of His Majesty the King. The Council is chaired by the first president of the Supreme Court and comprises 37 members: The Government (5 ministers) A representative from each of the following:- Political parties - Trade unions- Human rights associations- The associations of the Moroccan magistrates- The association of the Moroccan bar- University professors- The national association of physicians Personalities selected for their conversance with human rights matters.The council meets when necessary and at least twice a year. Business Etiquette and Protocol in MoroccoRelationships & Communication: Moroccans prefer to do business with those they know and respect, therefore expect to spend time cultivating a personal relationship before business is conducted. Who you know is more important than what you know, so it is important to network and cultivate a number of contacts who may then assist you in working your way through the serpentine bureaucracy. Expect to be served mint tea whenever you meet someone, as this demonstrates hospitality. Moroccan business practices have been greatly influenced by the French and emphasize courtesy and a degree of formality. Since Moroccans judge people on appearances, dress and present yourself well.Business Negotiations: Companies are hierarchical. The highest ranking person makes decisions, but only after obtaining a group consensus. Decisions are reached after great deliberation. If the government is involved, discussions will take even longer since the ministers of several departments must often give approval. Moroccans are looking for long-term business relationships. Do not criticize anyone publicly. It is important that you do not cause your Moroccan business associates to lose face. Moroccans are non-confrontational. They may agree in meetings rather than cause you to lose face. Expect a fair amount of haggling. Moroccans seldom see an offer as final. Decisions are made slowly. Do not try to rush the process, as it would be interpreted as an insult. The society is extremely bureaucratic. Most decisions require several layers of approval. It may take several visits to accomplish simple tasks. Do not use high-pressure tactics as they will work against you. Moroccans can be deliberate and forceful negotiators.Dress Etiquette: Business attire is formal and conservative. Men should wear dark coloured conservative business suits to the initial meeting. Women should wear elegant business suits, dresses or pantsuits. Women must be careful to cover themselves appropriately. Skirts and dresses should cover the knee and sleeves should cover most of the arm. Avoid wearing expensive accessories. Business Cards: Business cards are given without formal ritual. Have one side of your card translated into French or Arabic. Present your card so the translated side faces the recipient.

RELIGION AND ASTHETICSReligious Belief: Nearly 99 percent of Moroccans are Sunni Muslim. Moroccans are tolerant of the small percentage of Christians and Jews living in the country, believing they worship the same God. The five main pillars observed by Muslims are: making a public profession of faith, praying five times a day according to the position of the sun, fasting during the month of Ramadan, giving alms to those in need, and making a pilgrimage to Mecca once in a lifetime. Moroccans have added a few unique features of their own to traditional Islam. Two of these features, whose origins are likely attributed to Berber religious practices, are Baraka and Murabitin. Baraka refers to spiritual power that manifests in the form of a blessing or good fortune, similar to the concept of good karma in Buddhism. Murabitin are the individuals who possess good Baraka, similar to the concept of sainthood in Catholicism. Baraka may rub off on individuals who spend time with Murabitin. Also, most villages and medina neighborhoods have a fortune-teller who will charge to offer a vision, provide a remedy, or put a curse on someone. When news travels that pagan practices are taking place, Muslim missionaries will travel to the area to stop them and bring the people back to Islam. Small dome-shaped temples are constructed for the Murabitin after their death, as they are thought to continue exuding spiritual power. Individuals seeking blessings, such as a woman who wishes to become pregnant, make pilgrimages to Murabitin temples. Muslim mosques are found nationwide. Traditionally, non-Muslim foreigners are not allowed inside mosques. The Mosque Hassan II in Casablanca, however, allows foreigners to tour some facilities. Despite the freedom given for Christians and Jews to practice their faith and congregate at places of worship, Islam is given rights by the constitution which outweighs those given to other faiths. For example, it is a criminal offence to possess a Christian Bible written in the Arabic language, part of a wider law prohibiting proselytisation of Muslims to any other belief. One of the popular mosques in Morocco:

Secular celebrations: Moroccans celebrate a number of national holidays and festivals each year. National Day is held on 3 March, in celebration of King Hassan II's accession to the throne in 1961. Independence Day is celebrated on 18 November, commemorating the end of the French Protectorate in Morocco. On 6 November, Green March Day is celebrated to commemorate the Moroccan march into Western Sahara in 1975. Among the most popular festivals are: the National Folklore Festival, held in Marrakech each June; a Festival of Roses, held in El Kelaa des M'Gouna each May; and a Date Festival, held in Erfoud each October.ASTHETICSVisual Arts: The visual arts have a long and thriving history in Morocco. The visual style of Morocco's decorative arts has enthralled visitors for centuries. Common themes are a deep commitment to complex geometric, floral and calligraphic visual pattern, pared with simple, bright, and often whitewashed colors. (Islam forbids the representation of people and animals in art, so there is a widespread use of pattern and abstraction to focus the mind of the viewer on higher truths.)A walk through any medina will reveal extraordinarily complex tile, or zellij mosaics, covering public fountains, walls, and furniture. A visit to any medersa will reveal stone and wood carved calligraphic patterns taken from the Koran, against a background of near-infinite geometric complexity.The high Islamic art of the riads, medersas, gardens and palaces, the bustle of the medina, and the daily rhythms of Moroccan life have inspired both native Moroccan and Western artists alike. Today, modern Moroccan artists like Ahmed Cherkaoui and Hassan Slaoui have a growing international reputation. And throughout the centuries, Western artists as varied as Delacroix, Jacques Majorelle and Henri Matisse, who did important work during, and in response to, their lengthy visits to the country.Literature: Contemporary Moroccan fiction is both vibrant and varied. It is a young literature, still in the process of testing boundaries and searching for its voice, but built on cultural themes that are as ancient as any on Earth. At one end of the spectrum there are the consciously literary novels of authors working in French, including Driss Chraibi, Abdelhak Serhane and Tahar Ben Jelloun, winner of the prestigious Prix Goncourt. At the other end there is the group of writers and storytellers like Mohammed Mrabet, whose works have been translated from Arabic into English by the American expatriate author Paul Bowles. Their narratives stem directly from Morocco's rich oral tradition, and indeed are often recorded and then transcribed rather than written. Apart from differences in language and methodology, Moroccan literature also encompasses a wide variety of aesthetics, from Ben Jelloun's dreamlike tales to the sharp and cynical styles of Chraibi and Serhane and the colorful depictions of the seedier side of life in Tangier and the Rif by Mrabet et al. Music: In every major city, without fail, music will accompany your Moroccan experience, for every day, the muezzin, beginning in the largest mosque in the city; will begin the chanted call to prayer. In the quiet of the early morning, the effect is hauntingly beautiful.Beyond this primal experience, there are many genres of Moroccan music, including Arab, Berber, classical, and popular styles. Musicians perform in concerts, in cafes, at private homes, ceremonies, marriages, funerals, and religious processions. It is also used to accompany dancing and storytelling. Here are just a few of the many popular kinds of Moroccan music: Andalusian music, which traces its roots to the flourishing culture of Moorish Spain, is characterised by a complicated musical structure. The lyrics are in Andalusian dialect "Gharnati" or classical Arabic. Performed by larger orchestras, this kind of classical music is today alive and well in Morocco, with conservatories in all the major cities.Listen to samples of Andalusian music on the Internet. (In Real Audio format.)The Gnaoua people, for which Gnoaua music is named, originally came from Senegal, Guinea, and Mali. During the16th century, they were deported to North Africa as slaves of rich sultans, and integrated this new culture and religion into their own. The music of the Gnawa is a powerful mixture of religious Arabic songs and African rhythms, trance music tinged with mysticism. It can be heard throughout the south of the country, particularly in Marrakesh and Essaouira, where is there is a major festival of Gnaouan music every year.Listen to samples of Gnaoua music on the Internet (in MP3 format) and learn more about leading Gnaouan musicians. Berber music has been around for millennia, with a variety of musical styles. These range from bagpipes and oboe to pentatonic music - all combined with African rhythms and a very important stock of authentic oral literature. These traditions have been kept alive by small bands of musicians who travel from village to village, as they have for centuries, to entertain at weddings and other social occasions with their songs, tales, and poetry. Listen to samples of Berber music on the Internet, (in Real Audio format) and learn more about leading Berber musicians. Film: Morocco has a long history in film, having been used as the backdrop for classics such as Lawrence of Arabia and such modern pieces as The Last Temptation of Christ, Hideous Kinky, and The Mummy, among hundreds of other major Hollywood and international films. The center of Hollywood's activities is Ouarzazate surrounded by kasbahs and ksar in the Draa Valley. If you're a film maker, you can learn more about film shooting in Morocco, and more about how Marrakesh Voyage can help you set up and manage a professional film shoot in the country. Please click here Morocco also maintains a thriving national film industry, with national film acting and directing stars.Henna: One of the most common sights in the souks of Morocco is piles and piles of olive-colored powder, the crushed leaves of the henna plant. It is used as both a hair treatment as well as a dye to make decorative designs on the skin. Its use originated more than 5,000 years ago in Egypt, when Cleopatra was said to have enhanced and prolonged her beauty with henna.In Morocco, it is quite common to see henna on women's hands and feet for weddings, special occasions, or even just for a treat. Yet while Mehndi retains an aura of festivity, it remains a sacred practice intended not just to beautify the body, but to invite good fortune into ones home, ones marriage, and ones family. Henna is still used as part of the marriage ritual. It is said a good dark design, applied to the brides hands and feet, is a sign of good luck for the married couple.

LIVING CONDITIONSDIet and nutrition: The main Moroccan dish most people are familiar with is couscous,[3] the old national delicacy. Beef is the most commonly eaten red meat in Morocco, usually eaten in a Tagine with a wide selection of vegetables. Chicken is also very commonly used in Tagines, or roasted. One of the most appreciated local dishes is the Tagine of Chicken, fries and olives.Lamb is also heavily consumed, and since Moroccan sheep breeds store most of their fat in their tails, Moroccan lamb does not have the pungent flavour that Western lamb and mutton have. Since Morocco lies on two coasts the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, Moroccan cuisine has ample seafood dishes. European pilchard is widely and heavily consumed due to its abundance and quality, hence Morocco is the first producer of this kind of species globally.Among the most famous Moroccan dishes are Couscous, Pastilla (also spelled Basteeya or Bestilla), Tajine, Tanjia and Harira, a typical heavy soup, eaten during winter to warm up and is usually served for dinner, it is typical eaten with plain bread or with dates. The latter is especially used during the month of Ramadan.A big part of the daily meal is bread. Bread in Morocco is principally from durum wheat semolina known as khobz. Bakeries are very common throughout Morocco and fresh bread is a staple in every city, town and village. The most common is whole grain coarse ground or white flour bread or Baguette. There are also a number of flat breads and pulled unleavened pan-fried breads. Morocco is also the worlds first consumer of bread. In addition, there are dried salted meats and salted preserved meats such as kliia/khlia[4] and "g'did" which are used to flavor tagines or used in "el ghraif" a folded savory Moroccan pancake.Some of the main dishes in Morocco:

Housing: Since the 1950s, significant numbers of Moroccans (estimated at over four million) have moved from the countryside to the urban centers to escape rural unemployment. Housing and sanitation, consequently, have become urban problems. The government is engaged in a low-cost housing program to reduce the slum areas, called bidonvilles, that have formed around the large urban centers, especially Casablanca and Rabat. In 2001, a government official reported that about 320,000 families were living in slum areas. Since 1995, the government has been working on a program to build 200,000 low-cost housing units. The Moroccan population lives in either traditional dwellings or housing units and flats. Of all urban households, about 43% are rented; 41% are owner occupied; and 12% are rent free. Nearly three-fourths have private kitchens; over 40% have private toilets; over 30% have piped water; and over 37% have electricity.

Clothing: Morocco is the gem of the North Africa having coastlines on both the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.Morocco has tremendous culture due to the inhabitation of the multi-ethnic population. While traveling to Morocco, the colors of indigenous Berber community and Jewish and Muslim populace can easily be observed. The country is a reasonably huge country and its every part has its own cultural recognition. The Moroccan society is not conservative because Morocco is a peaceful and tourist friendly country. Morocco has no particular rules and regulation about the clothing but the Moroccans have kept alive the custom to wear the traditional dress of Morocco. Moroccans are overall a stylish and smart nation and they prefer to dress up with fashionable and impressive clothing. Both men and women wear a same traditional attire which is calleddjellaba; a long, loose, hooded garment with full sleeves. The women of Morocco also wear Caftan or Kaftan which is without a hood unlike the djellaba. This dress is particularly decorated with the typical woman embroidery upon the dress openings and arms. Kaftan is usually worn on the festive occasions and wedding ceremonies by the Moroccan women.

Recreation; Moroccan men spend much leisure time socializing at outdoor cafes. Most women's socializing is done in the home or on the rooftop. Here they might knit, crotchet, or embroider with other women. Men often go to movie theaters, but few theaters are open to women. Men and women both attend movies in "cineclubs," which are private clubs that show films for a small fee. Morocco has two television stations. About half the programs are in French, and the other half are in Arabic. Satellite dishes have made more programming available, including MTV and the Middle East Broadcasting Company (MBC).Spectator sports in Morocco traditionally centred on the art of horsemanship until European sportsfootball (soccer), polo, swimming, and tenniswere introduced at the end of the 19th century. Football is the countrys premier sport, popular among the urban youth in particular, and in 1970 Morocco became the first African country to play in World Cup competition. At the 1984 Olympic Games, two Moroccans won gold medals in track and field events, one of whomNawal El Moutawakel in the 400 metre hurdleswas the first woman from an Arab or Islamic country to win an Olympic gold medal. Tennis and golf have also become popular. Several Moroccan professional players have competed in international competition, and the country fielded its first Davis Cup team in 1999.Security: Military service lasts for 18 months in Morocco, and the countrys reserve obligation lasts until age 50. The countrys military consists of the Royal Armed Forcesthis includes the army (the largest branch) and a small navy and air forcethe National Police Force, the Royal Gendarmerie (mainly responsible for rural security), and the Auxiliary Forces. Internal security is generally effective, and acts of political violence are rare (one exception, a terrorist bombing in May 2003 in Casablanca, killed scores). The UN maintains a small observer force in Western Sahara, where a large number of Moroccos troops are stationed. The Saharawi group Polisario maintains an active militia of an estimated 5,000 fighters in Western Sahara and has engaged in intermittent warfare with Moroccan forces since the 1980s.Health and welfare: Morocco has a relatively favourable ratio of physicians and other trained medical personnel to population. The government has emphasized preventive medicine by increasing the number of dispensaries and health centres. More than half of the rural population, however, still lacks access to these facilities. In addition, only a small portion of the rural population and not all of the urban population have access to safe drinking water. Infant mortality rates remain high, and at least one-third of the population experiences malnutrition. Diseases such as hepatitis remain prevalent, and disorders such as schistosomiasis are becoming more frequent with the expansion of irrigation.LanguagesArabic, one of the national and official languages of Morocco, is spoken by two-thirds of the population, and Modern Standard Arabic is taught in schools. The Amazigh language, known as Tamazight, became an official language in 2011. Having been preserved in Amazigh enclaves, it is spoken by roughly one-third of the people. Many Imazighen also speak Arabic, and Tamazight is taught in schools. French is an important secondary language, and Spanish is widely spoken. English is increasingly used as well. Tamazight-speaking inhabitants are divided into three ethnolinguistic groups: the Rif people (also called Riffi, or Riffians) of the Rif Mountains, the people of the Middle Atlas, and the people of the High Atlas and the Sous valley. While there are differences among these dialects, they are mutually comprehensible.Negotiation Styles and StrategiesMorocco is a hierarchical society, Where decisions come from the top down.Better to avoid conflict or confrontation; hard selling not favorable. Soft selling with indirect communication more favorable.

SECTION 2:ECONOMIC ANALYSISESECUTIVE SUMMARYThe government pledged to continue making Morocco a regional hub to take advantage of free-trade agreements that boosted its trade with sub-Saharan Africa by 13% in 2014.Morocco, officially the Kingdom of Morocco, is the most western of the North African countries with an alternative Arabic name that translates to "The Western Kingdom." The majority of Morocco's population lives to the west of the Atlas Mountains, a large range that protects the country from the Sahara Desert. The urban population of Morocco was 58% of the total population as of 2010, with a rate of urbanization at 2.1% annual rate of change.The Jewish minority of Morocco, which numbered as high as 248,000 in 1948, has decreased significantly with a small population estimated at 5,000. Most of the estimated 100,000 foreign residents in Morocco are also French, while France is home to the largest concentration of Moroccan migrants outside of Morocco. A percentage of the population is descended from colonists, working mostly for large European countries, while others settled in the country. Before its independence, Morocco was home to more than 500,000 Europeans. Morocco has a birth rate of 18.73 births per 1,000 people, placing it 101st in the world. It's projected that Morocco will have a population of about 42 million by 2050. The economy of Morocco is considered a relatively liberal economy governed by the law of supply and demand. Since 1993, Morocco has followed a policy of privatization of certain economic sectors which used to be in the hands of the government. The World Economic Forum placed Morocco as the 1st most competitive economy in North Africa, in its African Competitiveness Report 2014-2015. The sectors who recorded the highest growth are the tourism, telecoms and textile sectors. Morocco, however, still depends to an inordinate degree on agriculture. The sector accounts for only around 14% of GDP but employs 4045% of the Moroccan population. France remains the primary trade partner (supplier and customer) of Morocco. France is also the primary creditor and foreign investor in Morocco. In the Arab world, Morocco has the second-largest non-oil GDP, behind Egypt, as of 2005.The gross domestic product (GDP) measures of national income and output for a given country's economy. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Morocco was worth 104.37 billion US dollars in 2013. The GDP value of Morocco represents 0.17 percent of the world economy. GDP in Morocco averaged 29.60 USD Billion from 1960 until 2013, reaching an all time high of 104.37 USD Billion in 2013 and a record low of 2.03 USD Billion in 1961. GDP in Morocco is reported by the World Bank.Living standards in Morocco are low by international standards and have declined continually since the early 1990s. Currently, an estimated 60 percent of population lives in urban areas, 35 percent higher than the urban population of 1971. Morocco is rich in mineral deposits. It is the largest foreign exchange earning sector and accounts for about 35% of foreign trade. Morocco has a large reserve of phosphate rocks. Morocco is the largest producer of the lead ore and cobalt in Africa.In 1999, Morocco's labor force stood at 11 million, up from 8.9 million in 1990. Morocco's labor force generally lacks proper job training and secondary education, which explains why much of the younger workforce cannot expect high-paying jobs. Despite higher rates of school enrollment since the 1960s, illiteracy in Morocco is one of the highest in the Arab world, standing at 56.3 percent in 1998 (69 percent for women and 43.3 percent for men). Moroccan trade unions played a crucial role in the independence movement. Approximately 450,000 workers are unionized, mostly in the public sector, representing 5 percent of the labor force. The government of Morocco supports workers' rights promoted by the International Labor Organization (ILO) and has set conditions governing industrial and human relations and established minimum-wage standards. Morocco has also been pursuing a policy of foreign investment which is mainly targeting the countries of sub-Saharan Africa. In 2013, Morocco was the largest FDI recipient in the Maghreb region and the country ranks among the top recipients on the African continent. The country's stability should attract more investors. Morocco has the second-largest non-oil GDP in the Arab world. In the past, Morocco relied on phosphate exports, which has declined over the recent years. The country has now emerged as an exporter of manufactured and agricultural products and its popularity as a tourism destination is growing.Morocco's trade is based on various free trade agreements that the country has signed with its principal economic partners. The US-Morocco Free Trade Agreement came into force on January 1, 2006.Morocco exports: Clothing and textiles Transistors and Electric components Crude minerals and Inorganic chemicals Petroleum products and Fertilizers (including phosphates) Citrus fruits, Vegetables, FishMoroccos export partners are; Spain (19.2%), France (17.6%), Brazil (7.1%), US (4.5%), Belgium (4.5%) and Italy (4.3%).Imports to Morocco totaled $31.83 billion in 2010; however fell from $39.35 billion in 2008.Morocco imports: Crude petroleum Textile fabric Telecommunications equipment Wheat Gas and electricity Transistors and PlasticsMoroccos import partners are; France (16.1%), Spain (13.5%), Italy (6.5%), China (6%), Germany (5.6%), Saudi Arabia (5.4%) and Moldova (5%).Moroccos primary trade partner continues to be France. France is also the primary creditor and foreign investor for Morocco.Products gaining immediate duty-free access include information technology, machinery, chemicals and construction equipment. Import duties are generally high and considered as the main obstacle to greater imports. However, if the import is an unfinished product requiring further processing or construction in Morocco, duties are reduced accordingly. The value for Labor force, total in Morocco was 11,560,100 as of 2011. Labor force, female (% of total labor force) in Morocco was 27.42 as of 2011. Science and technology in Morocco has significantly developed in recent years. The Moroccan government has been implementing reforms to encourage scientific research in the Kingdom. The private sector is the least active player in research activity in Morocco. According to this report, Morocco had 17 390 research staff in 2002-2003. Evolution of the sector: The distribution market in Morocco has developed since the Nineties rapidly. Morocco has approximately 200 stores with area larger than 300 m and 17 hypermarkets. The newMorocco Mall, the largest mall in Africa, opened in 2012.Market access proceduresEconomic Cooperation: Free Trade Agreement with the United States since 2005Free Trade Agreement with the European Union since 2004.In December 2009, Morocco and the EU signed an agreement to liberalize their trade in agri-food and fisheries. The agreement involved the removal of tariffs for 55% of total imports from Morocco.The country has signed atrade agreementwith 21 other countries in the So Paulo Round of the Global System of Trade Preferences among Developing Countries (GSTP).Import procedures: For free imports, the importer must sign a commitment for imports on form "Commitment for Import, Import license, Preliminary Import Declaration". Finally, an application for exemption from customs duties is necessary for free imports allowed as duty-free within the framework of the tariff and commercial Agreements and Accords concluded between Morocco and certain countries, products belonging to tariff quotas envisaged by the Association and Free trade Agreements concluded between Morocco and the European Community and Morocco and the States of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), and Media of Moroccoincludes newspapers, radio, television, and the Internet. The firstnewspaperto appear inMoroccowasEl Eco de Tetunfounded in 1860 in Spanish. Such publications were not generally available in Moroccan cities until 1908. The government of Morocco owns many key media outlets, including Moroccanradioandtelevision, and the Moroccan press agency,Maghreb Arab Press. Morocco has 27 AM radio stations, 25 FM radio stations, 6 shortwave stations, and 11 television stations including the channels of the publicSNRTand the private2M TVandMdi 1 TV.The firstnewspaperto appear inMoroccowas anEnglishweekly called "Maghreb Al Aksa" in 1877.Such publications were not generally available in Moroccan cities until 1908. More and more foreign press published in Morocco appeared.Morocco issued a press code on 15 November 1958. The government ofMoroccoowns many key media outlets, including Moroccanradioandtelevision. The Moroccan press agency,Maghreb Arab Press, and one Arabic daily newspaper,Al-Anbaa, are official organs of the government. Economic framework

The government maintained its policy of improving the business climate and encouraging private investment in 2014 so as to support economic transformation. These efforts gave Morocco a ranking of 71st out of 189 countries in the World Bank report Doing Business 2015. A new industrial strategy (for 2014-20) was launched to drive structural change and strengthen the countrys position in global value chains. The government pledged to continue making Morocco a regional hub to take advantage of free-trade agreements that boosted its trade with sub-Saharan Africa by 13% in 2014.

Ongoing efforts to strengthen the macroeconomic base through structural reforms and sectoral strategies helped expand the economy by 2.7% in 2014 despite a poor harvest and low external demand. Internal and external balances improved, with the budget deficit shrinking to 4.9% of GDP and the current account deficit to 6% of GDP, and exchange reserves improved to the equivalent of five months and nine days of imports. Growth prospects for 2015 and 2016 are a healthy 4.5% and 5%, with further reduction of the budget deficit. But the trade balance remains structurally in deficit.

The government continued its great efforts to meet social challenges and took several measures in 2014 aimed at improving living conditions and social and spatial cohesion. Decentralization is set to continue in 2015, notably with municipal and regional elections that will speed up application of the advanced regionalization project and provisions in the 2011.This has all produced significant results in poverty reduction and access to education and health care. Poverty shrank nationwide from 15.3% to 6.2% between 2001 and 2011 but the drop hid sharp spatial and gender disparities. The Gini coefficient reflected growing income disparity, rising from 39.5 to 40.9 between 1999 and 2007; poverty remained chiefly rural (14.4% compared with 4.8% in urban areas) and unemployment was especially high in cities (36%, with only 8.4% in the countryside) and among 15-24 year-olds (20.1%) in 2014.To meet the challenge of persistent vulnerability and inequality, Morocco should continue essential reforms and speed up implementation of those already begun. The growth analysis by the African Development Bank, the government and the Millennium Challenge Corporation stresses reforms in justice, taxation, land law and education.POPULATIONMorocco, officially the Kingdom of Morocco, is the most western of the North African countries with an alternative Arabic name that translates to "The Western Kingdom." The country has an area of 710,850 square kilometers (274,460 square miles) with an estimated 2014 population of 33,063,250, up from 2013's estimate of 32,649,130. The majority of Morocco's population lives to the west of the Atlas Mountains, a large range that protects the country from the Sahara Desert. The commerce center of the country and the most populous city is Casablanca with 3,000,000 residents, although the political capital is Rabat, home to 1.4 million citizens. Other major cities include the gateway city of Tangier, the religious center of Fez and the tourist center of Marrakech. The urban population of Morocco was 58% of the total population as of 2010, with a rate of urbanization at 2.1% annual rate of change.Morocco is a demographically young country with 27% of its population under the age of 15, 18% between the ages of 15 and 24, 42% between 25 and 54 years old, 7% between the ages of 55 and 64 and just 6% 65 years and older. The median age of Moroccans is just 27 years old. The vast majority of Moroccans are Suuni Muslims, primarily of Arab-Berber, Arabized Berber, Berber and Nigero-Congo ethnic background. The country itself was inhabited by Berbers since at least 5,000 years ago, while Arabs conquered the land that later became Morocco in the 7th and 11th centuries, when the area was inhabited mostly by indigineous Berber and Romano-Berber peoples. Arabs and Berbers currently account for around 99.1% of the Moroccan population. While the indigenous Berbers, though mostly Arabized, still make up the majority of the population, there is a rather sizable population that identifies as Haratin or Gnawa, black or of mixed race. The Jewish minority of Morocco, which numbered as high as 248,000 in 1948, has decreased significantly with a small population estimated at 5,000. Most of the estimated 100,000 foreign residents in Morocco are also French, while France is home to the largest concentration of Moroccan migrants outside of Morocco. A percentage of the population is descended from colonists, working mostly for large European countries, while others settled in the country. Before its independence, Morocco was home to more than 500,000 Europeans. Morocco has a birth rate of 18.73 births per 1,000 people, placing it 101st in the world. Meanwhile, its death rate stands at 4.78 deaths per 1,000 people in 2013, ranking 195th in the world. The country has a comparatively high life expectancy of 76 years with a fertility rate of 2.17 children born per woman. There are 49.539% male to 50.461% female.The population growth rate of Morocco is currently 1.04% annually, which has been climbing steadily for the past few years after two decades of decline. While the country still hasn't reached the growth rate of the 1980's or 90's, it's expected to continue its climb. Over the past 50 years, Morocco's total population has changed 180% and has risen year-over-year for over a decade. Morocco remains a demographically young country that, combined with a fertility level above the replacement level, means the population should continue to grow in the decades to come, although not at great speed. It's projected that Morocco will have a population of about 42 million by 2050.

ECONOMIC STATISTIC AND ACTIVITYGDPThe economy of Morocco is considered a relatively liberal economy governed by the law of supply and demand. Since 1993, Morocco has followed a policy of privatization of certain economic sectors which used to be in the hands of the government. Morocco has become a major player in the African economic affairs, and is the 5th African economy by GDP (PPP). The World Economic Forum placed Morocco as the 1st most competitive economy in North Africa, in its African Competitiveness Report 2014-2015. Additionally, Morocco was ranked the 4th African country by the Economist Intelligence Unit' in 2013 quality-of-life index , behind South Africa, Algeria and Tunisia.The services sector accounts for just over half of GDP and industry, made up of mining, construction and manufacturing, is an additional quarter. The sectors who recorded the highest growth are the tourism, telecoms and textile sectors. Morocco, however, still depends to an inordinate degree on agriculture. The sector accounts for only around 14% of GDP but employs 4045% of the Moroccan population. With a semi-arid climate, it is difficult to assure good rainfall and Morocco's GDP varies depending on the weather. Fiscal prudence has allowed for consolidation, with both the budget deficit and debt falling as a percentage of GDP.The economic system of the country presents several facets. It is characterized by a large opening towards the outside world. France remains the primary trade partner (supplier and customer) of Morocco. France is also the primary creditor and foreign investor in Morocco. In the Arab world, Morocco has the second-largest non-oil GDP, behind Egypt, as of 2005.Since the early 1980s, the Moroccan government has pursued an economic program toward accelerating real economy growth with the support of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the Paris Club of creditors. The country's currency, the dirham, is now fully convertible for current account transactions; reforms of the financial sector have been implemented; and state enterprises are being privatized.The gross domestic product (GDP) measures of national income and output for a given country's economy. The gross domestic product (GDP) is equal to the total expenditures for all final goods and services produced within the country in a stipulated period of time. Morocco GDPLastPreviousHighestLowestUnit

GDP 104.3795.98104.372.03USD Billion

GDP Growth Rate 4.401.809.300.50percent

GDP Annual Growth Rate 4.401.809.300.50percent

GDP Constant Prices 228566.00216512.00228566.00133008.00MAD Million

GDP per capita 2532.182462.172532.18728.48USD

Gross Fixed Capital Formation 263272.00263272.00263272.00690.00MAD Million

GDP per capita PPP 6778.406697.606778.403933.48USD

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Morocco was worth 104.37 billion US dollars in 2013. The GDP value of Morocco represents 0.17 percent of the world economy. GDP in Morocco averaged 29.60 USD Billion from 1960 until 2013, reaching an all time high of 104.37 USD Billion in 2013 and a record low of 2.03 USD Billion in 1961. GDP in Morocco is reported by the World Bank.

DISTRIBUTION OF WEALTHLiving standards in Morocco are low by international standards and have declined continually since the early 1990s. As a result, the number of Moroccans living below the poverty line has risen sharply in the last decade. Although poverty levels dropped to 13 percent in 1991, some 19 percent of the population lived below the poverty line in 2000. Despite widespread poverty, uneven development has led to the emergence of an affluent class.Poverty is more widespread in rural areas than in urban areas. Some 36 percent of Moroccans living in rural areas are poor, while poverty affects 24 percent of urban dwellers. Children under 15 are the most heavily impacted by poverty. Inequality in the distribution of wealth coincides with geographical regions. Historically, the Casablanca-Rabat axis has been more prosperous and has received more government attention than the predominantly mountainous northern provinces and the Western Sahara region. Although the latter region has received government attention since the 1990s because of its phosphate deposits, the northern provinces, which include the Rif Mountains, home to 6 million Moroccans, have been largely neglected. This region is a haven for the cultivation of cannabis. In 1998, the government launched a program to develop the northern region, largely with international help. Spain has shown particular interest in the development of the region, since its underdevelopment has fueled illegal immigration and drug trafficking across the Strait of Gibraltar. The uneven development among Morocco's regions has also fueled a cycle of rural-urban migration that has shown no signs of slowing down. Currently, an estimated 60 percent of population lives in urban areas, 35 percent higher than the urban population of 1971. Low standards of living have also forced many young Moroccans to seek employment opportunities abroad, especially in Spain and other parts of Europe. Both Moroccan rural and urban poor have suffered from a long decline in the quality of social services, especially educational and medical. Despite this deterioration, 50 percent of primary-level students are enrolled in. Although the government continues to subsidize basic consumer goods and health products, the middle and lower classes have seen their living standards erode since the 1980s. The government's awareness of the political implications in a complete lifting of subsidies has slowed down the pace of the implementation of IMF-mandated price deregulation.

MINERALS AND RESOURCESMorocco is rich in mineral deposits. It is the third larger producer of phosphate rock after USA and China. Large mineral resources exist but have yet to be exploited the full capacity. It is the largest foreign exchange earning sector and accounts for about 35% of foreign trade. It contributes to about 6% of the GDP. The employment opportunities are many. There are various chemical and textile industries that play an important role in the improvement of the economic condition of the country.Morocco has a large reserve of phosphate rocks. There are many opportunities open for conversion of phosphate rock into downstream chemicals. There is substantial production of Copper, cobalt, anthracite coal, silver, gold, iron ore, zinc, manganese etc. Many incentives are being given to domestic as well as international companies to improve the production of mineral resources. There are regulations related to management of petroleum and natural gas resources as per the Code Bill of 1992. There is waiver of petroleum duty for the first three years of production. Incentives like no royalty for the first 4 million metric tons have been given to boost production.More than any other mineral the phosphate rock and fertilizer industry including phosphoric acid, diammoium phosphate etc are major contributors. It forms about 70% of the mineral exports. The phosphate production is so huge that it covers about 27% of the world need. The stocks in the Western Sahara are huge and are about 70% of the world supply. A major amount of the phosphate is exported unprocessed. There are other mineral like iron ore that play an important part. Morocco is the largest producer of the lead ore and cobalt in Africa. There are vast reserves of zinc, coal and manganese. Another sector where there are great opportunities for growth are the oil and natural gas production. Vast deposits of gold, silver, lead, iron and phosphates have been found in the Atlas ranges also.

SURFACE TRANSPORTATION The main road network is in good condition. Roads have good surface, although very narrow, in most cases only one lane in each direction. The main cities are connected by toll expressways still being extended. -The expressway between Casablanca and Rabat (A3) was finished in 1987.- It was extended from Rabat to Knitra in 1995 and today reaches the northern port of Tangier (A1).- Another expressway (A2) goes eastwards from Rabat to Fez some 200 km down the road. It comprises part of the planned transmaghrbine expressway that will continue all the way to Tripoli.- South from Casablanca runs the A7. It is planned to reach Agadir in December of 2009 but currently only goes as far as Marrakech 210 km south of Casablanca.- Around Casablanca and down the coast is the A5 expressway which connects Mohammedia and El Jadida.- Construction started in 2006 for the A2 between Fez and Oujda on the Algerian border which will be completed by 2010. Fuel is not so common in the countryside so plan ahead and get a good map. Roads are varied and mixed with many cyclists, pedestrians and horse-drawn vehicles. Road signs are in Arabic and French and the traffic law is as in much of Europe but you give way to the right. Be very careful as many drivers respect signs only if a policeman is nearby. This means that traffic on a roundabout gives way to that entering it. There are numerous Police checks on the main roads where you must slow down to allow them to see you. The speed limit is enforced especially the 40kph in towns and on dangerous intersections where fines are imposed on the spot. General rule is that vehicles larger than yours should be given a priority: trucks, buses and even grand taxis. Driving safely in Morocco takes practice and patience but can take you to some really beautiful places. The centre of Marrakech can be a scary place to drive. You will be constantly beeped at, regardless of how well you drive. Marrakchis like to beep their horns at anyone they feel to be holding them up. This may mean even if you're just in front of them at a red light. Also, pay very close attention to your wingmirrors and your blind spots. The two lane roads often become free-for-alls, up to the point at which you may see four cars wing to wing at a red light. One of the major hazards on the roads in Marrakech are the mobilettes. These pushbikes with an engine will zig-zag around you and generally make themselves a nuisance, however, on longer stretches of road, they tend to keep to the right. Often, a few beeps of the horn will cause a mobilette rider to pay a little more attention to his surroundings. However, be warned that some drivers pay absolutely no attention to your horn, as they have become so used to the sound. Drive defensively, and keep your speed down, so any accident causes minimum damage. Do not be intimidated by other drivers. Make sure that you drive predictably, and don't do anything rash. Domestic flying is not a popular mean of transportation, however, Royal Air Maroc, the national flag carrier, has an excellent but expensive network to most cities.Trains are usually most preferred recommended transport because of speed and comfort; they are far less cramped and stressful alternative to local buses. Train network links Marrakech and Tangier via Casablanca and Rabat, a branch line near Meknes goes to Oujda. People are incredibly sociable and friendly on the trains in Morocco and you will find yourself perpetually talking to strangers about your journey. Each new person will advise you on some new place you should go or invite you to their home for couscous. Stations in smaller cities are often poorly marked, and your fellow passengers will be more than happy to let you know where you are and when you should get off. The major cities, Marrakech, Meknes, Fez, Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, etc are all linked by reliable (if not very fast) rail links. There are usually several trains every day to or from every major town. There is also a night train between Marrakech and Tangier. Many Moroccans also take luxury buses between towns usually run by CTM, Supratours and smaller companies. These offer comfort and a reliability (the train service is not good in this), are inexpensive and provide much better coverage. When using CTM services, keep in mind they charge a small fee per bag (~7dh). Nearly every city has a central bus-station where you can buy tickets to travel from region to region. You can either choose the buses for tourists with air-condition and TV. Or you can take the local buses which cost only 25% - 50% and are much more fun. These ones aren't really comfortable, but you can get in contact to the local people and learn a lot about the country. The buses often take longer routes than the big ones, so you can see villages you would never get to as a "normal" tourist. The route from Rissani, Erfoud, and Er Rachidia to Meknes and Fez, while long, runs through the Middle and High Atlas and is particularly scenic. Supratours, major rival of CTM, complements train network to Essaouira and all major Atlantic-coast towns south to Marrakech. WORKING CONDITIONSIn the last few decades, Morocco's labor force has been growing at the very fast rate of 300,000 per year. In 1999, Morocco's labor force stood at 11 million, up from 8.9 million in 1990. The official unemployment rate for 1998 was 19 percent, a figure that is believed to be higher than unofficial figures. The CIA World Fact-book estimated that the unemployment rate was 23 percent in 1999. Unemployment rates have risen in recent years as a result of the restructuring of the economy, which has forced many companies to reduce the number of employees. Morocco's labor force generally lacks proper job training and secondary education, which explains why much of the younger workforce cannot expect high-paying jobs. Despite higher rates of school enrollment since the 1960s, illiteracy in Morocco is one of the highest in the Arab world, standing at 56.3 percent in 1998 (69 percent for women and 43.3 percent for men). The educational sector remains overburdened and under-staffed, and shortages in technical skills are viewed as a major impediment to business operations. The official unemployment rate in urban areas for 1999 was 22 percent, up from 17 percent in 1997. Unemployment remains especially high in urban areas, especially for women and for all workers under 34 years of age. Unemployment is also higher for university graduates and diploma holders. Moroccan trade unions played a crucial role in the independence movement. Approximately 450,000 workers are unionized, mostly in the public sector, representing 5 percent of the labor force. The influence of the Moroccan labor union movement has shrunk considerably since independence. The once powerful movement is comprised of 17 trade-union federations, but real political clout is in the hands of 3 unions only. Although labor laws protecting the right of workers have been in place for decades, regulations are rarely enforced, and working conditions in Morocco are far from ideal. Labor actions, strikes, slowdowns, and protests frequently disturb work life, and are often met with repressive governmental actions and police brutality. The government of Morocco supports workers' rights promoted by the International Labor Organization (ILO) and has set conditions governing industrial and human relations and established minimum-wage standards. The 5-day 48-hour workweek is the standard. The government-mandated minimum wage in the public sector is approximately US$165 a month. The government provides social-security benefits that include a retirement pension and pay for on-the-job injuries. Wages have increased steadily over the last few years and are expected to increase again, as the 2001-02 budget has allocated US$10 billion for public sector workers' salaries and bonuses. However, it was not until the late 1990s had the rate of increase in public wages has exceeded the rate of inflation .In recent years, Moroccan authorities have been successful in attracting a relatively consistent flow of foreign capital, mainly relying on the national privatisation program, the conversion of foreign debt into investments and the operations of public services concessions. Other sectors have take over, including banking, tourism, energy and industry. However, the level of FDI remains modest and could make a stronger contribution to launching the country's economy. Recently, a number of large industrial groups have moved their operations to Morocco, including the French companies Safran and Renault and the Canadian Bombardier. Morocco has also been pursuing a policy of foreign investment which is mainly targeting the countries of sub-Saharan Africa.

After a decline during to the global recession, FDI flows into Morocco have begun to rise again despite the context of the Eurozone crisis and the revolutions of the "Arab Spring." In 2013, Morocco was the largest FDI recipient in the Maghreb region and the country ranks among the top recipients on the African continent. Preliminary data indicates that FDI increased by 7.8% in 2014.Having made good progress in the 2014 Doing Business report issued by the World Bank, which was related to its improving business climate, Morocco subsequently lost 4 places in the 2015 rankings and now places 71st out of 189 countries. Traditionally, France, Saudi Arabia and Spain have been the three main investors. FDI is mainly concentrated in the real estate sector, followed by industry and tourism. The country's stability should attract more investors. In addition, a vast project of economic modernisation has been launched to boost FDI. Casablanca in particular aims to become an international financial centre.Why You Should Choose to Invest in MoroccoStrong PointsMorocco's strengths are:- A legal framework and assistance measures very favorable to the investors;- Still relatively low salaries;- A Strategic position, not far from Europe;- A Young and relatively well trained population;- Strong growth. Weak PointsMorocco's weaknesses are:- A still relatively limited Domestic market;- A country still very dependent on agriculture and vulnerable to the prices of hydrocarbons;- A bureaucracy that is too heavy. Government Measures to Motivate or Restrict FDIThe government adopted the "Investment Charter" in 1995. This charter mainly provides company exemptions for VAT and corporate tax for 5 years. In the industrial sector, the Emergence Plan creates infrastructures which offer turnkey premises. In the case of off shoring facilities, the government has offered telecommunications costs set at 35% below the market price and training grants of up to USD 7,000 for each Moroccan employee during the first three years of employment. A new version of the investment incentive regime is currently undergoing a governmental review. INTERNATIONAL TRADE STATISTICSMorocco has the second-largest non-oil GDP in the Arab world. In the past, Morocco relied on phosphate exports, which has declined over the recent years. The country has now emerged as an exporter of manufactured and agricultural products and its popularity as a tourism destination is growing.Morocco's trade is based on various free trade agreements that the country has signed with its principal economic partners.Some of these are: The Euro-Mediterranean free trade area agreement with the European Union (EU). The objective of this agreement is to integrate the European Free Trade Association. The Agadir Agreement, which was signed with Egypt, Jordan and Tunisia, within the framework of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area. The US-Morocco Free Trade Agreement came into force on January 1, 2006. The agreement with Turkey for free exchange.Morocco exports: Clothing and textiles Transistors and Electric components Crude minerals and Inorganic chemicals Petroleum products and Fertilizers (including phosphates) Citrus fruits, Vegetables, FishMoroccos export partners are; Spain (19.2%), France (17.6%), Brazil (7.1%), US (4.5%), Belgium (4.5%) and Italy (4.3%).Imports to Morocco totaled $31.83 billion in 2010; however fell from $39.35 billion in 2008.

Morocco imports: Crude petroleum Textile fabric Telecommunications equipment Wheat Gas and electricity Transistors and PlasticsMoroccos import partners are; France (16.1%), Spain (13.5%), Italy (6.5%), China (6%), Germany (5.6%), Saudi Arabia (5.4%) and Moldova (5%).Moroccos primary trade partner continues to be France. France is also the primary creditor and foreign investor for Morocco. Moroccon Dirham equals 0.1USD approximately. TRADE RESTRICTIONThe greatest barriers to trade in Morocco are irregularities in the government procurement procedures, lack of transparent governmental and judicial bureaucracies and contraband. Although the government is diligently working to liberalize the business environment, foreign corporations still complain about these challenges. FTA negotiators have addressed these issues and the Moroccan government has agreed to conform to international business standards. Thus the problems posed by these obstacles will gradually diminish after the FTA ratification. In the last few years, Moroccan customs has undergone a major transformation from a primarily cumbersome bureaucracy to a streamlined and computerized, efficient institution. In addition to the last customs survey indicating high levels of client satisfaction, the American Chamber of Commerce reports that the average waiting time has been reduced to just a few hours and that the well-organized customs service is one of the highlights of doing business in Morocco.When the FTA is ratified over 95 percent of bilateral U.S. consumer and industrial exports will be able to immediately enter Morocco duty-free. Over the next nine years, the tariff rate will decrease gradually for the remaining 5 percent of products according to the prearranged tariff schedule. Products gaining immediate duty-free access include information technology, machinery, chemicals and construction equipment. Furthermore, the FTA tariff schedule was created using a negative list format meaning that unless stated as not being privy to tariff reductions products will enjoy all of the rights granted to American products in the FTA. Furthermore, textiles are privy to this same right as long as the fabric and yarn meet the rules of origin requirements. Over a fifteen-year period American agricultural products including wheat, poultry and beef will also gain duty-free status. Until ratification however the tariff structure will remain the same. The following information must be taken into account if planning on exporting to Morocco before the FTA goes into effect. Import duties are