The Kingdom of Morocco is the most westerly of the North African countries known as the Maghreb.

Strategically situated with both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, but with a rugged mountainous interior, it stayed independent for centuries while developing a rich culture blended from Arab, Berber, European and African influences. Today one of the fastest growing economy in Africa. In 2005, the Moroccan GDP grew 7 % and 6.7 % in 2006. Morocco is also the UK's nearest exotic location and has new free trade agreements with the USA. The U.S.-Moroccan Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is one of the most comprehensive free trade agreements that the U.S. has ever negotiated.

• Population: 31.6 million (UN, 2005)
• Capital: Rabat is the capital city and seat of Government.
  Casablanca is the commercial and industrial heart of the country
• Area: 710,850 sq km (274,461 sq miles) (including W Sahara)
• Major languages: Arabic (official), Berber, French, Spanish.
  For business purposes, French is spoken in the south, and Spanish and French in the north.
• Major religion: Islam
• Life expectancy: 67 years (men), 72 years (women) (UN)
• Monetary unit: Dirham = 100 centimes
• Main exports: Minerals, seafood products, citrus fruit
• GNI per capita: US $1,730 (World Bank, 2006)
• Internet domain: .ma
• International dialling code: +212