Middle East and North Africa

Morocco
Last reviewed: 21 May 2008

Country information

Morocco today
Economy
History
International relations

Geography
Trade and Investment
Politics

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HISTORY

Morocco has a history as an independent nation state stretching back to the 9th century interrupted only by the brief interlude of the Protectorate (1912-1956) when the country was divided into French and Spanish zones. Morocco, unlike her North African neighbours, was never part of the Turkish Empire. To the south, Morocco claims and has occupied the territory of the Western (formally Spanish) Sahara. This claim forms a major rallying point in domestic politics.