(This post is part of a series on the Moroccan earthquake that took place in early September. The 3W Team is working to support ongoing relief efforts through contacts on the ground.)
During the last World Cup, the country of Morocco nearly won the entire tournament. While they ended up in 4th place, the world marveled at their talented football squad which eliminated many of the world’s best teams.
Morocco is a nation that the world should know about whether they play well in football or not. It is a large nation in North Africa that touches the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, and the Sahara desert. While Morocco is over 1,000 years old, the modern country of Morocco received its independence in 1956 from France and Spain.
Today, Morocco is a nation of 37 million people that is 99.6% Muslim. It is a nation with a monarchy, a Parliament and an independent judiciary. Around the time of the Arab Spring, the King’s powers were reigned in substantially in favor of empowering the democratically elected prime minister. However, subversive acts against the King are highly illegal and strictly enforced. Both conversion to Christianity and practicing acts of homosexuality can lead to months of imprisonment.
While there is poverty in Morocco, particularly in the mountainous areas where the earthquake took the most lives and did the most damage, many of its cities are modern and prosperous. Rabat is the cosmopolitan, modern capital. Marrakesh is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa.
Its Berber and Islamic architecture, with marketplaces and medieval walls give tourists the feeling they are in a Saharan oasis. Tangier is located only about 8 miles away from Spain in Europe, separated by the strait of Gibraltar where the Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean come together. Tourists are attracted to its low-cost of living and beautiful villas hugging the dramatic cliffs along the coast.
In addition to the booming tourism sector, much of Morocco’s agricultural sector is based in areas that look like Italy or Greece, with climates that are great for growing olives, grapes, fruits, and vineyards.
Many Moroccans are multilingual and speak Arabic or Berber, as well as French, English, or Spanish which is useful for trade and dealing with tourists. Americans are far less likely to consider Morrocco a tourist destination. But for Europeans and Asians, Morocco is an irresistible place for a dramatic, sightseeing experience.
As one of the most successful countries in Africa, Morocco could have a positive political and economic trajectory if it can keep growing economically and remains politically stable.
As our team continues to help coordinate relief efforts, will you consider supporting families whose lives have been impacted? You can do so through the Global Strategy Disaster Relief fund. One hundred percent of your donation will go to the Moroccan relief efforts. Simply click on the link and fill out the information. Make sure to write “Morocco” in the memo section.