About Morocco

Situated in North Africa, boasts a population of 33,757,175 and shares borders with Algeria, Spain, and Mauritania. Notably, it’s the only African country not currently part of the African Union but holds memberships in various international organizations. Morocco has a rich history spanning over twelve centuries, with Berbers inhabiting the territory for thousands of years. The Idrisid dynasty unified the country in 789, followed by dominance under the Almoravid and Almohad dynasties, which extended into Muslim Spain.

The Saadi dynasty saw Morocco consolidating power and repelling invaders like the Portuguese and Ottomans. The reign of Ahmad al-Mansur brought wealth and prestige, marked by an invasion of the Songhai Empire. However, managing Saharan territories proved challenging. After al-Mansur’s death, the country fragmented until the Alaouite dynasty reunified it in 1666. Under Ismail Ibn Sharif, Morocco strengthened its state and ousted European powers from Tangier and Larache.

In the 19th century, the Alaouite dynasty preserved Moroccan independence amidst European colonial interests in the region. Following crises in the early 20th century, Morocco became a French and Spanish protectorate under the Treaty of Fez in 1912. Finally, in 1956, after years of occupation, Morocco regained independence from France, establishing itself as the Kingdom of Morocco.