Morocco, officially known as the Kingdom of Morocco, is a country located in the Maghreb region of North Africa. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea to the west and north, respectively, and shares land borders with Algeria to the east and southeast, as well as with the disputed territory of Western Sahara to the south. The country has a rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse geography, making it one of the most fascinating nations in the world. One of the key aspects of understanding Morocco is its physical size and geographic features, which are fundamental to comprehending its influence and position within the region.
Geographic Area of Morocco
The total area of Morocco is approximately 710,850 square kilometers (274,460 square miles). This figure includes the internationally recognized area of Morocco as well as the territory of Western Sahara, which Morocco administers and considers part of its sovereign territory, though this status is disputed and not universally recognized. Without including Western Sahara, Morocco’s area is around 446,550 square kilometers (172,410 square miles).
To break it down further:
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Morocco Proper: The area traditionally recognized as Morocco, excluding Western Sahara, covers about 446,550 square kilometers. This region encompasses a variety of landscapes, including coastal plains, rugged mountains, and desert expanses.
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Western Sahara: This region adds approximately 266,000 square kilometers (102,703 square miles) to Morocco’s total area. Western Sahara is a sparsely populated territory, largely desert, and has been the subject of an unresolved conflict between Morocco and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), which is backed by Algeria. The United Nations considers Western Sahara a non-self-governing territory, and its final status remains undecided.
Geographic Features and Landscape
Morocco’s geography is incredibly diverse, with a landscape that varies from coastal plains to towering mountains and arid deserts. This diversity not only defines the physical character of the country but also influences its climate, economy, and culture.
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The Rif and Atlas Mountains: Morocco is dominated by two major mountain ranges. The Rif Mountains in the north stretch along the Mediterranean coast, creating a rugged and scenic region known for its steep valleys and picturesque towns like Chefchaouen. The Atlas Mountains, which run from the southwest to the northeast, are divided into three parts: the Middle Atlas, the High Atlas, and the Anti-Atlas. The High Atlas is home to North Africa’s highest peak, Mount Toubkal, which stands at 4,167 meters (13,671 feet). These mountains play a crucial role in the country’s climate and are central to the livelihoods of many rural communities who practice traditional forms of agriculture and pastoralism.
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The Coastal Plains: Morocco has a long coastline that stretches for about 1,835 kilometers (1,140 miles) along both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The coastal plains, particularly along the Atlantic coast, are the most fertile areas of the country and are home to the majority of the population. Major cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Tangier are located in these regions, benefiting from the milder climate and access to maritime trade routes.
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The Sahara Desert: To the southeast, Morocco extends into the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert. While the majority of the Sahara lies outside Morocco’s borders, the desert landscape within the country is an important part of its geography. This region is characterized by arid conditions, sand dunes, and rocky plateaus. The desert is sparsely populated, with communities traditionally relying on nomadic herding and oases for survival. The Sahara also holds significant cultural and historical importance, being a crucial part of the trans-Saharan trade routes that once connected sub-Saharan Africa with the Mediterranean and Europe.
Climate
Morocco’s climate is as varied as its geography. The coastal regions enjoy a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. This climate is ideal for agriculture, particularly the cultivation of olives, citrus fruits, and grapes. Moving inland, the climate becomes more continental, with greater temperature extremes. The mountainous regions, especially the High Atlas, experience cold winters with significant snowfall, making them a popular destination for winter sports.
In contrast, the southeastern part of the country, including areas of the Sahara, experiences a desert climate with very hot summers and mild winters. Rainfall in these regions is scarce, and the landscape is predominantly arid. The diversity of Morocco’s climate contributes to its rich biodiversity and varied agricultural practices.
Population Distribution
Morocco’s population is unevenly distributed, heavily concentrated in the fertile coastal plains and urban centers. As of recent estimates, Morocco’s population is around 37 million people. The largest cities include Casablanca, the economic hub with a population exceeding 3.7 million, and Rabat, the capital, with over 1.6 million residents. Other major cities include Fes, Marrakesh, and Tangier.
In contrast, the mountainous and desert regions are much less densely populated. The harsh conditions in these areas have traditionally limited settlement, although they are home to significant Berber communities who have maintained a distinct cultural identity for centuries.
Administrative Divisions
Morocco is divided into 12 administrative regions, each of which is further subdivided into provinces and prefectures. The regions are:
- Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima
- Oriental
- Fès-Meknès
- Rabat-Salé-Kénitra
- Béni Mellal-Khénifra
- Casablanca-Settat
- Marrakesh-Safi
- Drâa-Tafilalet
- Souss-Massa
- Guelmim-Oued Noun
- Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra (includes part of Western Sahara)
- Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab (includes part of Western Sahara)
These regions are designed to reflect Morocco’s diverse geography and to facilitate local governance and development. The regions that include parts of Western Sahara are particularly significant due to the ongoing territorial dispute and the strategic importance of the area.
Economic Impact of Geography
Morocco’s geography has a profound impact on its economy. The fertile plains along the Atlantic coast are the backbone of Moroccan agriculture, which is a key sector in the country’s economy, employing a large portion of the population and contributing significantly to GDP. The country is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of phosphates, with vast reserves located mainly in the interior regions.
The coastal location has also facilitated the development of a robust tourism industry, with cities like Marrakesh, Agadir, and Essaouira attracting millions of visitors each year. Morocco’s diverse landscapes, from the beaches of the Atlantic coast to the peaks of the Atlas Mountains and the dunes of the Sahara, offer a wide range of tourist experiences.
Furthermore, Morocco’s location at the crossroads of Europe and Africa has made it a critical player in regional trade and migration routes. The Strait of Gibraltar, which separates Morocco from Spain by just 14 kilometers (9 miles) at its narrowest point, is one of the world’s busiest maritime passages, enhancing Morocco’s strategic importance.
Environmental Challenges
Morocco faces several environmental challenges related to its geography. Deforestation, soil erosion, and desertification are significant issues, particularly in the interior and southern regions. The overexploitation of water resources, exacerbated by climate change, has led to decreasing water availability, posing a serious threat to agriculture and rural livelihoods.
The country has been proactive in addressing these challenges through various initiatives, including reforestation programs, the promotion of sustainable agriculture, and the development of renewable energy sources. Morocco has invested heavily in solar and wind energy, with projects like the Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex, one of the largest solar power plants in the world, positioning the country as a leader in renewable energy in Africa and beyond.
Conclusion
In summary, Morocco covers a total area of approximately 710,850 square kilometers when including Western Sahara, or around 446,550 square kilometers excluding it. The country’s geography is diverse, encompassing coastal plains, mountain ranges, and desert regions, each contributing to its unique climate, culture, and economy. The varied landscape supports a range of activities, from agriculture to tourism, while also presenting challenges such as water scarcity and environmental degradation. Morocco’s strategic location, rich history, and vibrant culture continue to make it a key player in the Maghreb and the wider Mediterranean region.