Morocco has deservedly earned its reputation as a truly beautiful and fascinating country. Its geography spans Mediterranean beaches, majestic snow-topped mountain ranges, and expanses of desert.

Its culture is deep and complex, rooted in Islam but also very open to the influences of the East, Africa and Europe. Moroccan hospitality, too, has a very famous reputation and the country’s cuisine is reason enough alone for it to warrant a visit.

Morocco has made great gains over the last decade or so, with significant progress in standards of education and the economy. However, there is still some way to go to make sure increases in standards of living reach all parts of society.

Morocco - Facts & Statistics

• 49.3% of the population is illiterate – and the female illiteracy rate in rural areas is estimated at 90%;
• 50% of the population is without access to a sustainable water supply;
• 500,000 children have to work to help support their families;
• There is significant urban unemployment, as high as 33% among urban youths;
• Almost 40% of Morocco's population depends directly on agriculture – and periodic droughts have a severe negative effect on the economy and health and wellbeing;

Sources: UN, Moroccan National Census, US government (1999-2004)