MoroccoPresentation for “Politics of the Middle East”

November 13, 2014

Glenn Rogers

Kingdom of the West Maruecos Marrocos

A Glimpse of the Country

● A temperate oasis of golden beaches, sprawling deserts, sacred ruins, luxurious spas, challenging golf courses, and charming local souks (or hand-craft markets).

● Balmy and sun-soaked all year long—with a particular hot period from June to September when temperatures peak above thirty degrees celsius.

● Tourism in Morocco is well developed, with a strong tourist industry focused on the country's coast, culture, and history.

● Morroco has been one of the most politically stable countries in North Africa, which has allowed tourism to develop. The Moroccan government created a Ministry of Tourism in 1985.

● But is this the real Morocco as seen through eyes other than those of the tourist industry.

Demographics

● 33,000,000 people● 172,400 square miles● Distinct culture as a blend of Arab, Imazighen (Berber), and Sub-Saharan

African, with European influences● Official languages are Berber and Arabic; Darija, and French are also spoken● Berbers are the indigenous people and the bulk of the population, although

they have been largely Arabized● Population is ethnically diverse● Predominanat religion is Islam (Sunni)● Literacy rate is 56% and rising● 30% of the population is under the age of 15● Fertility rate has dropped dramatically in last fivety years to 2.19● Population growth rate now at about one percent per year

Government

● Constitutional monarchy, deeply rooted in an authoritarian tradition● King holds executive and legislative powers● Especially over the military, foreign policy and religious affairs● But the real power rests with the military● King can issue decrees called dahirs, which have the force of law● An elected parliament● Executive power is exercised by the government, while legislative power is

vested in both the government and the two chambers of parliament● Powers of parliament are being expanded gradually● The latest parliamentary elections in 2011 saw a voter turnout of 43%; they

were deemed by neutral observers as mostly free and fair● Social tensions persist mainly centered on charges of political corruption● General vacilation between participatory politics and heavy handed treatment

of opposition● The regime is waging a “survival strategy.”

Economy

● Relatively liberal governed by the law of supply and demand● Tourism is one of the most important sectors, attracting more han 10,000,000

tourists in 2013● Country has an excellent road and rail infrastructure that links the major

cities, ports, airports and tourist destinations● Tourism is second only to the phosphate industry in foreign exchange

earnings● Tourism is focused on Morocco’s culture, such as its ancient cities; 60% of

the tourists visit for its culture and heritage● Resorts in the north are very popular● The fastest growth area in Moroccan tourism is in activities and adventrues

in the Atlas and Rif mountains● Agriculture accounts for only about 14% of gross domestic product, but

employs about 45% of the Moroccan working class; aim is to export much to Europe

● Gross domestic product of $5,600● Unemployment hovers around nine percent, though almost fifteen percent of

Moroccans are in poverty

Foreign Relations

● Tried to join the European Union in 1991 but was rebuffed due to criticizm about human rights record and it stand on the Western Sahara

● Tourism is one of the most important sectors, attracting more han 10,000,000 tourists in 2013

● Country has an excellent road and rail infrastructure that links the major cities, ports, airports and tourist destinations

● Tourism is second only to the phosphate industry in foreign exchange earnings

● Tourism is focused on Morocco’s culture, such as its ancient cities; 60% of the tourists visit for its culture and heritage

● Resorts in the north are very popular● The fastest growth area in Moroccan tourism is in activities and adventrues

in teh Atlas and Rif mountains● Agriculture accounts for only about 14% of gross domestic product, but

employs about 45% of the Moroccan working class; aim is to export much to Europe

● Gross domestic product of $5,600● Unemployment hovers around nine percent, though almost fifteen percent of

Moroccans are in poverty

Significant Historical Events

● From the eleventh century onwards, a series of powerful Berber dynasties controlled the region● Joined by many Muslims and Jews who fled from Spain● In 1549 the region fell to successive Arab dynastites claiming descent from Muhammad● Among them the Alaouite dynasty has remained in power since the seventeenth century● Morocco was the first nation to recognize the fledgling United States in 1777, with the sultan declaring

protection for American merchant ships● Moroccan-American Treaty of Friendship of 1786 stands as the U.S.’s oldest non-broken friendship

treaty● Portuguese, Spanish and French aggression over the years, with France and Spain carving out zones of

influence in Morocco in 1904● The Alaouite dynasty succeeded in maintaining the independence of Morocco in the 18th and 19th

centuries, while other states in the region succumbed to Ottoman, French, or British domination● Increased tensions among the powerful European countries, and resulted in the Treaty of Fez (signed on

March 30, 1912), which made Morocco a protectorate of France. By a second signed by the French and Spanish heads of state, Spain was granted a Zone of influence in northern and southern Morocco in November, 1912.

Significant Historical Events (II)

● Moroccan independence in 1956● Sultan Mohammed V proceeded to build a government in the form of a constitutional monarchy in which

the sultan would have an active political role● Hassan II was king from 1961 until his death in 1999. His reign was marked by political unrest and a

heavy-handed government response to criticism and opposition● In May 1963, legislative elections took place for the first time, and the royalist coalition secured a small

plurality of seats

Challenge Questions

● Do you think Morocco has a real chance to become a participatory democracy where secular and religious groups will coexist peacefully?

● What effect do you think the Islamic state (Isis) will have on Morocco?

● What would have become of Morocco had there never been a king?

● Would you invest in Morocco assuming you have sufficient funds to do so?

● What would you want a political party and movement to do to advance welfare within the country?

World Heritage Sites

● Medina of Fez

World Heritage Sites

● Medina of Marrakesh

World Heritage Sites

● Ait -Ben-Haddou