Quck answer
Morocco is a country located in North Africa. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea to the west and north, and shares land borders with Algeria to the east and southeast. The country is known for its diverse landscapes, including the Sahara Desert, the Atlas Mountains, and the coastal plains. Morocco is also home to vibrant cities like Casablanca, Marrakech, and Fez, which attract tourists from around the world. With its rich history, unique culture, and stunning natural beauty, Morocco is a popular destination for travelers seeking an exotic experience.
We made a decision to go on a vacation and travel to a distant place today. Can you guess the place where we are? We will give you some clues.
In the morning, we relaxed under the sun on beautiful sandy beaches on the western coast. After having a quick lunch in a city that was the backdrop for one of the greatest movies in history, we headed southeast to experience a camel ride through the desert.
Where in the world could we be? Do you have any guesses? Have you given up yet? Here’s one last clue: we are in Africa. If you guessed Morocco, you are correct!
The Kingdom of Morocco is located in the northwest corner of the African continent. Its western and northern coasts are bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
As you travel towards the south and east, the coast transforms into the Atlas Mountains, which separate the coastal regions from the hot and dry Sahara Desert. Morocco shares land borders with Algeria and Western Sahara to the east and south.
With a population of approximately 33 million people, Morocco is about the same size as the U.S. state of California. The population consists of a mix of ancient Berber peoples and Arabs.
Today, around 99 percent of the Moroccan population follows the Islamic faith. In fact, King Mohammed VI, who has been ruling since 1999, claims to be a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. Mosques with tall and ornate towers, known as “minarets,” are commonly found throughout the country.
About 60 percent of the population resides in major cities along the coastal plain, including Marrakesh, Fez, Tangier, and Casablanca. If you have heard of Casablanca, it is probably because of the movie with the same name, which is considered to be one of the greatest movies of all time. The city of Rabat serves as the capital of Morocco.
The Moroccan economy primarily relies on agriculture and phosphate rock mining. The country has recently faced challenges such as prolonged drought and high unemployment rates.
Despite the appointment of a Prime Minister, the King of Morocco remains heavily involved in all significant decisions. Calls for change have prompted the king to introduce reforms that have moved the country towards democracy. However, Morocco still has a long way to go to reach the level of democracies in Europe and North America.
Give it a try
Are you ready to learn more about Morocco? Explore the following activities with a friend or family member:
If you have a preference for visualizing things, take a look at this Morocco Map to gain more knowledge about the geography of Morocco. If you had the opportunity to visit any part of Morocco, where would you choose to go? Why? Would you rather spend time on the coast or explore the desert?
Are you feeling adventurous? How about planning a family trip to Morocco? Explore National Geographic’s article titled “Marrakech: Deep in the Suqs” to discover the thrilling adventures that await in the markets of Morocco. What do you think you would find in the bustling shopping plazas of a Moroccan city?
Morocco offers a wide range of breathtaking landscapes. Take a look at these Morocco Photos from the National Geographic website. Which photos do you like the most? Why? If you had the chance to visit Morocco, what kind of photos would you want to capture on your camera to bring back home?
Wonder Sources:
– http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/countries/morocco-facts/
– http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/countries/morocco/#morrocco-marrakech-market.jpg
– https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mo.html
FAQ
1. Where is Morocco located?
Morocco is a country located in North Africa. It shares borders with Algeria to the east and southeast, the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea to the west and north, and Western Sahara to the south.
2. Which continent is Morocco part of?
Morocco is part of the African continent. It is situated in the northwest corner of Africa, across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain in Europe.
3. Is Morocco considered a part of the Middle East?
No, Morocco is not considered a part of the Middle East. It is geographically located in North Africa and is often categorized as part of the Maghreb region, along with countries such as Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Mauritania.
4. What are the neighboring countries of Morocco?
The neighboring countries of Morocco are Algeria to the east and southeast, and Western Sahara to the south. To the north, across the Strait of Gibraltar, lies Spain, which is not a direct neighbor but has close proximity to Morocco.
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