Morocco: Maps, History, Geography, Government, Culture, Facts, Guide

Morocco, about one-tenth larger than California, lies across the Strait of Gibraltar on the Mediterranean and looks out on the Atlantic from the northwest shoulder of Africa. Algeria is to the east and Mauritania to the south. On the Atlantic coast there is a fertile plain. The Mediterranean coast is mountainous. The Atlas Mountains, running northeastward from the south to the Algerian frontier, average 11,000 ft (3,353 m) in elevation.

Morocco 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.

The land was rarely unified and was usually ruled by small tribal states. Conflicts between Berbers and Arabs were chronic. Portugal and Spain began invading Morocco, which helped to unify the land in defense. In 1660, Morocco came under the control of the Alawite dynasty. It is a sherif dynasty—descended from the prophet Muhammad—and rules Morocco to this day.
French and Spanish Colonization
During the 17th and 18th centuries, Morocco was one of the Barbary States, the headquarters of pirates who pillaged Mediterranean traders. European powers showed interest in colonizing the country beginning in 1840, and there were frequent clashes with the French and Spanish. Finally, in 1904, France and Spain concluded a secret agreement that divided Morocco into zones of French and Spanish influence, with France controlling almost all of Morocco and Spain controlling the small southwest portion, which became known as Spanish Sahara. Morocco grew into an even greater object of European rivalry by the turn of the century, almost leading to a European war in 1905 when Germany attempted to gain a foothold in the mineral-rich country. By the terms of the Algeciras Conference (1906), the sultan of Morocco maintained control of his lands and France's privileges were curtailed. The conference was an indication of what was to come in World War I, with Germany and Austria-Hungary lining up on one side of the territorial dispute, and France, Britain, and the United States on the other.

Independence and Sovereignty of Morocco
In 1912, the sultan of Morocco, Moulay Abd al-Hafid, permitted French protectorate status. Nationalism grew during World War II. Sultan Muhammed V was deposed by the French in 1953 and replaced by his uncle, but nationalist agitation forced his return in 1955. In 1956, France and Spain recognized the independence and sovereignty of Morocco. At his death on Feb. 26, 1961, Muhammed V's son succeeded him as King Hassan II. In the 1990s, King Hassan promulgated “Hassanian democracy,” which allowed for significant political freedom while at the same time retaining ultimate power for the monarch. In Aug. 1999, King Hassan II died after 38 years on the throne and his son, Prince Sidi Muhammed, was crowned King Muhammed VI. Since then, Muhammed VI has pledged to make the political system more open, allow freedom of expression, and support economic reform. He has also advocated more rights for women, a position opposed by Islamic fundamentalists. The entrenched political elite and the military have also been leery of some reform proposals. With about 20% of the population living in dire poverty, economic expansion is a primary goal.

Morocco's Occupation of Western Sahara
Morocco's occupation of Western Sahara (formerly Spanish Sahara) has been repeatedly criticized by the international community. In the 1970s, tens of thousands of Moroccans crossed the border into Spanish Sahara to back their government's contention that the northern part of the territory was historically part of Morocco. Spain, which had controlled the territory since 1912, withdrew in 1976, creating a power vacuum that was filled by Morocco in the north and Mauritania in the south. When Mauritania withdrew in Aug. 1979, Morocco overran the remainder of the territory. A rebel group, the Polisario Front, has fought against Morocco since 1976 for the independence of Western Sahara on behalf of the indigenous Saharawis. The Polisario and Morocco agreed in Sept. 1991 to a UN-negotiated cease-fire, which was contingent on a referendum regarding independence. For the past decade, however, Morocco has opposed the referendum. In 2002, King Muhammed VI reasserted that he “will not renounce an inch of” Western Sahara.

Arab Spring Protests Reach Morocco
On May 16, 2003, terrorists believed to be associated with al-Qaeda killed 33 people in several simultaneous attacks. Four bombs targeted Jewish, Spanish, and Belgian buildings in Casablanca. In the 2004 terrorist bombings in Madrid, Spain, numerous Moroccans were implicated.

A wave of suicide bombings struck Casablanca in March and April 2007. Authorities were not certain if the attacks were related

Early in 2011, tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters gathered in various cities, calling for a shift to a constitutional monarchy in what was termed the February 20th movement. King Mohammed VI answered with promises of reform, which took the shape of a constitutional referendum in July. February 20th supporters called for a boycott of the referendum, calling the included reforms inadequate and taking offense at its intent to bolster the king's position as "supreme arbiter" of political and institutional life.

Morocco: Maps, History, Geography, Government, Culture, Facts, Guide


Asilah Morocco - What You Should Know

Asilah Morocco - What You Should Know

Asilah Morocco is also known as " Arzila " or " authentic City " located on the north -western part of Morocco . In 1500 BC, the Phoenicians discovered the city and used as a basis for business practices. In 1471 , the Portuguese conquered the city . John III abandoned the place because of the economic crisis that occurred in 1549. Asilah was presented by the Moroccans under the reign of Moulay Ismail in 1692. During the 19th to the early 20th century, the city became a base for pirates European territories . The Spanish found the city in 1911 and took over the rest of the northern regions of Morocco .

Asilah Morocco is now known worldwide for its resorts , hotel rooms holiday inspiration complex coastal area bordering the city of Tangier . Asilah is also known for its annual exhibition of music and arts festivals . One of the famous festivals of the city is the "Festival of Painting Paintings" . The festival showcases traditional Moroccan paintings displayed on the walls of the ancient medina . " " The " Asilah Arts Festival " is also one of the famous festivals held annually . Established in 1978 , the Arts Festival takes place throughout the month of August

Asilah Morocco is also frequently visited by tourists because of its beaches. Today , there are about six beaches in the city. The " Playa De Tahadart " and " Briech Beach" is located in the northern part of Asilah . The beaches offer a wide range of services such as restaurants serving fresh traditional Moroccan Sea. The " Sidi Mugaits " and " Las Palomas " is located in the southern part of Asilah . Las Palomas is also called " Playa De La Cuevas " and " Paradise Beach" . Sidi Mugatis is well known as "Playa Del Santo" among tourists and residents. The southern beaches are well known for white sand and a relaxing atmosphere. The beaches are also well known to use specialized Moroccan dishes such as grilled sardines and traditional fish tanjine Asilah .

Thinking Rentals for holidays in Morocco ?

Thinking  Rentals for holidays  in Morocco ?

Morocco holidays are always an ideal for any type of traveler. The country has something to offer everyone. What is special about Morocco is that you can have the best of both worlds: the historical, old , side by side with a modern , cosmopolitan . You do not need to go far to refuel the past and present that almost every city has an old section, called the Medina, and a new section . Lazing around the beach to explore the vastness of the Sahara and the fulfillment of your commercial whims , Morocco certainly a treasure or two for you to discover .

An essential for Holidays Morocco , at least for U.S. citizens is a passport . To visit the Kingdom of Morocco , you can actually stay for three months. Moroccan law also requires that you have a return ticket. When you are in Morocco , make sure you follow local customs. It may be true that Morocco has a lot of tourists, but the country is still a Muslim one with her strict and conservative . Men and women ( especially women) are invited to dress conservatively , especially when passing through rural areas. Also, do not forget that almost all mosques in Morocco are forbidden to non -Muslims. If you are interested in entering a mosque , make sure there are no tours - Special Muslims available. Otherwise, look for other places to visit , something that this country does not lack .

Morocco holidays will not be complete if you do not visit big cities . While Rabat, the capital, and Tangiers , which is the closest city in Europe , have much to offer , other cities such as Casablanca , Marrakech , Fez and also have a wide range of places to visit. You can shop in the bazaars of the Kasbah, where the traditional production is abundant. Hone your bargaining skills as owners bazaar in Morocco are masters in haggling .

Part memorable vacation is a trip to Morocco largest dessert in the world, the Sahara. A bus tour will take you to the amazing sights and sounds of the vast expanse . Do not think you 'll see camels and sand - you'll be surprised . You can also spend some resorts and spas for a relaxing world-class in the country. You can never really run out of things to do in Morocco.

Winter Surf au Maroc

Winter Surf au Maroc

Avez-vous déjà imaginé vous essayer à des sports nautiques? Peut-être que vous êtes un véliplanchiste régulière ou kitesurfer et vous êtes après votre dose régulière? Cependant, avec le froid saisissant le Royaume-Uni, il peut être plus difficile de frapper l'eau.

C'est pourquoi, planche à voile, le surf et le kitesurf au Maroc sont de plus en plus si populaire, surtout pendant les mois d'hiver. Avec la promesse d'une température moyenne de 21 degrés Celsius durant les mois d'hiver, le Maroc a un climat chaud et accueillant.

En outre, en raison de stations comme Essaouira, dans le nord, il ya beaucoup de possibilités pour profiter des vagues avec un peu de sports nautiques divertissement.

A Kitesurfers Paradise

Kitesurf au Maroc est particulièrement populaire autour de la poignée de plages qui longent la côte et dans les environs d'Essaouira. Les conditions sont idéales pour les débutants et les kitesurfers plus expérimentés. Ceci est représenté dans la variété des conditions rencontrées lors de ces plages.

Les plus expérimentés de se diriger vers La Grotte - La Cave - que les ondes produites ici sont plus élevés et plus fort. Pour une expérience de kitesurf plus arrondi au Maroc, où vous êtes susceptibles de rencontrer des amateurs de sports nautiques de toutes les disciplines et tous les niveaux, à la tête Sidi Kaouki ou la plage principale d'Essaouira.

Grâce à une communauté grandissante d'amateurs de sports nautiques en profitant des vacances d'hiver au Maroc, il ya une scène vibrante que toute herbe kitesurfer, surfer ou planche à voile se développent po Les cafés sont souvent occupés par des gens parler de leurs expériences sur les vagues et les nouveaux arrivants à la scène de sports nautiques trouveront beaucoup d'endroits offrant des leçons et du matériel.

Il s'agit d'une attraction principale qui contribue à façonner Essaouira et du Maroc en tant que destination de kitesurf haut quel que soit le moment de l'année. Donc, si vous êtes désireux d'obtenir votre maillot mouillé sur, profiter du soleil et de glisser sur les vagues alors kitesurf à Essaouira est l'endroit idéal pour cet hiver.

Penser de Vacances Maroc ?

Penser de Vacances Maroc ?

Vacances Maroc sont toujours un idéal pour tout type de voyageur. Le pays a quelque chose à offrir à chacun. Quelle est la particularité du Maroc , c'est que vous pouvez avoir le meilleur des deux mondes: l' historique, ancienne, côte à côte avec un moderne, cosmopolite . Vous n'avez pas besoin d'aller bien loin pour faire le plein du passé et du présent que presque chaque ville a une vieille section , appelée la médina, et une nouvelle section . De farniente autour de la plage pour explorer l'immensité du Sahara et l'accomplissement de vos caprices commerciaux , le Maroc a certainement un trésor ou deux pour vous faire découvrir .

Un essentiel pour Vacances Maroc , au moins pour les citoyens américains est un passeport. Pour visiter le Royaume du Maroc, vous pouvez effectivement rester pendant trois mois. La loi marocaine exige également que vous devez avoir un billet de retour . Lorsque vous êtes déjà au Maroc, assurez-vous que vous suivez les coutumes locales . C'est peut-être vrai que le Maroc a beaucoup de touristes , mais le pays est toujours un musulman qu'un avec elle des valeurs strictes et prudentes. Les hommes et les femmes ( surtout les femmes ) sont invités à s'habiller de façon conservatrice , en particulier lors du passage dans les zones rurales . Aussi, n'oubliez pas que presque toutes les mosquées au Maroc sont interdites aux non -musulmans. Si vous êtes intéressé à entrer dans une mosquée , assurez-vous que il ya des visites non - musulmans spéciales disponibles. Sinon, chercher d'autres endroits à visiter, quelque chose qui ce pays ne manque pas d' .

Vacances Maroc ne sera pas complète si vous ne visitez les grandes villes. S'il est vrai que Rabat, la capitale du pays, et Tanger , qui est la ville la plus proche de l'Europe, ont beaucoup à offrir, d'autres villes comme Casablanca , Marrakech, Fès et disposent également d'un large éventail de lieux à visiter. Vous pouvez faire des emplettes dans les bazars de la Kasbah, où cette production traditionnelle est abondante. Aiguisez vos aptitudes à la négociation en tant que propriétaires de bazar au Maroc sont des maîtres dans marchandage.

Une partie des vacances mémorables Maroc serait une visite au plus grand desserts du monde, le Sahara . Un tour en bus devrait vous prendre aux sites étonnants et les sons de la vaste étendue . Ne pensez pas que vous ne verrez que des chameaux et du sable - vous serez surpris . Vous pouvez également passer un peu des resorts et spas pour un moment de détente de classe mondiale dans le pays. Vous ne pouvez jamais vraiment à court de choses à faire au Maroc.

Winter Surf in Morocco

Winter Surf in Morocco

Have you ever imagined you to try water sports ? Maybe you're a regular or kitesurfer and you're after your regular dose windsurfer ? However, with the cold weather gripping the UK, it may be more difficult to hit the water .

Therefore , windsurfing , surfing and kitesurfing in Morocco are becoming ever so popular , especially during the winter months . With the promise of an average temperature of 21 degrees Celsius during the winter months , Morocco has a warm and welcoming atmosphere .

In addition , due to resorts like Essaouira, in the north, there are many opportunities to enjoy the waves with some water sports entertainment.

A Paradise kitesurfers

Kiteboarding in Morocco is especially popular around the handful of beaches along the coast and around Essaouira . The conditions are ideal for beginners and experienced kiteboarders. This is shown in the variety of conditions encountered at these beaches.

More experienced heading to The Cave - The Cave - the waves produced here are higher and stronger. For a more rounded experience of kitesurfing in Morocco , where you are likely to encounter water sports enthusiasts of all disciplines and all levels , head Sidi Kaouki or Essaouira's main beach.

With a growing community of water sports enthusiasts enjoying a winter vacation in Morocco , there is a vibrant scene than any kitesurfer grass, surfing or windsurfing grow in. The cafes are often occupied by people talking about their experiments on waves and newcomers to the scene of water sports will find many places offering lessons and equipment.

It is a main attraction that helps shape Essaouira and Morocco as a destination high kite whatever the time of year . So if you 're wanting to get your wet suit on , enjoy the sun and riding the waves while kitesurfing in Essaouira is the ideal place for this winter.

Winter Surf au Maroc

Winter Surf au Maroc

Avez-vous déjà imaginé vous essayer à des sports nautiques? Peut-être que vous êtes un véliplanchiste régulière ou kitesurfer et vous êtes après votre dose régulière? Cependant, avec le froid saisissant le Royaume-Uni, il peut être plus difficile de frapper l'eau.

C'est pourquoi, planche à voile, le surf et le kitesurf au Maroc sont de plus en plus si populaire, surtout pendant les mois d'hiver. Avec la promesse d'une température moyenne de 21 degrés Celsius durant les mois d'hiver, le Maroc a un climat chaud et accueillant.

En outre, en raison de stations comme Essaouira, dans le nord, il ya beaucoup de possibilités pour profiter des vagues avec un peu de sports nautiques divertissement.

A Kitesurfers Paradise

Kitesurf au Maroc est particulièrement populaire autour de la poignée de plages qui longent la côte et dans les environs d'Essaouira. Les conditions sont idéales pour les débutants et les kitesurfers plus expérimentés. Ceci est représenté dans la variété des conditions rencontrées lors de ces plages.

Les plus expérimentés de se diriger vers La Grotte - La Cave - que les ondes produites ici sont plus élevés et plus fort. Pour une expérience de kitesurf plus arrondi au Maroc, où vous êtes susceptibles de rencontrer des amateurs de sports nautiques de toutes les disciplines et tous les niveaux, à la tête Sidi Kaouki ou la plage principale d'Essaouira.

Grâce à une communauté grandissante d'amateurs de sports nautiques en profitant des vacances d'hiver au Maroc, il ya une scène vibrante que toute herbe kitesurfer, surfer ou planche à voile se développent po Les cafés sont souvent occupés par des gens parler de leurs expériences sur les vagues et les nouveaux arrivants à la scène de sports nautiques trouveront beaucoup d'endroits offrant des leçons et du matériel.

Il s'agit d'une attraction principale qui contribue à façonner Essaouira et du Maroc en tant que destination de kitesurf haut quel que soit le moment de l'année. Donc, si vous êtes désireux d'obtenir votre maillot mouillé sur, profiter du soleil et de glisser sur les vagues alors kitesurf à Essaouira est l'endroit idéal pour cet hiver.