Morocco

G

Culture

Morocco has felt the influences of several ancient cultures. Excavations have unearthed elements of the Phoenician, Hellenic, Carthaginian, and Roman civilizations. Christianity spread to this region in Roman times and survived the Arab invasion, but Arabic influences, which began in the 7th century, were to prove the strongest. The Arabs brought to Morocco a written language that is still the primary language of business and culture. The western African influence, seen in dances, spread northwards with trade. Among more recent influences, the strongest is that of France.

The Moroccan national library, which was founded in 1920, is located at Rabat. Other libraries in the country include the Library of Casablanca and the University library at Fès. Morocco has a number of major museums, one of which, the Archaeological Museum in Tetouan, has collections of Carthaginian, Roman, and Islamic art and artefacts.

IV

Economy

Morocco is primarily an agricultural country, although no more than about 21 per cent of the land is cultivated. In 2004 the GNP (World Bank figure) was estimated at US$46,936 million, or about US$1,740 per person. The estimated budget in 2005 included revenues of about US$16,160 million and expenditures of about US$14,856 million. Morocco has low inflation and a growing tourist industry. There is, however, a high rate of population growth and unemployment, and agriculture is regularly affected by drought. A privatization programme begun by the government in 1992 has met with opposition from trade unions. Inward investment by foreign companies has been encouraged.

A

Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing

The principal crops of Morocco, with their production in tonnes in 2005, are sugar beet (4,560,000) and sugar cane (992,000); cereals, especially wheat (3,043,000) and barley (2,500,000); and potatoes (1,440,000). Many other fruit and vegetables are also grown. Livestock included about 17 million sheep, 5.36 million goats, and 2.73 million head of cattle in 2005.

Cork is a major forest product of Morocco. Much timber is cut for use as fuel; total roundwood yields in 2005 were 0.96 million cu m (33.8 million cu ft). The chief fishing centres are Agadir, Safi, Essaouira, and Casablanca. The catch in 2004 was some 896,326 tonnes, including pilchard, tuna, mackerel, anchovies, and shellfish.

B

Mining

Morocco is a leading producer of phosphate rock; output was about 8.50 million tonnes in 2004. Other minerals produced were coal (52,000 tonnes), iron ore (2,200), lead (65,000), and zinc (70,000).

C

Manufacturing

Morocco’s manufacturing sector is made up mostly of small-scale enterprises. Construction materials, chemicals, textiles, footwear, processed food, wine, refined petroleum, and many other kinds of goods are produced in Morocco. Artisans produce fabrics, leather goods, ceramics, carpets and rugs, and woodwork of high quality. Production in 1993 included about 900,000 sq m (1.1 million sq yd) of carpets and rugs and 997,000 tonnes of phosphate fertilizers.