Strategically situated with both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, but with a rugged mountainous interior, the country remained independent for centuries while developing a rich culture blended from Arab, Berber, European and African influences.

OVERVIEW

Morocco was a French protectorate from 1912 to 1956, when Sultan Mohammed became king. He was succeeded in 1961 by his son, Hassan II, who ruled for 38 years. He played a prominent role in the search for peace in the Middle East, given the large number of Israelis of Moroccan origin, but was criticised by human rights groups for his suppression of opposition at home.

After his death in 1999 he was succeeded by his son, who became King Mohammed VI and was seen as a moderniser who would press on towards establishing a constitutional monarchy.

Morocco is bidding for membership of the EU, with whom it conducts most of its trade, but there appears to be little enthusiasm for the idea within Europe itself.

To the south, the issue of its occupation of Western Sahara remains unresolved, pending a proposed referendum on self-determination.

To the north, a dispute with Spain in 2002 over the tiny island of Perejil revived the issue of the sovereignty of Melilla and Ceuta, small enclaves on Morocco's Mediterranean coast administered by Madrid for centuries.

Morocco has been accorded the status of non-Nato ally by Washington, which has praised its support for the US-led war on terror. After deadly suicide bombings in Casablanca in 2003, Morocco launched a crackdown on suspected Islamic militants.

FACTS

• Population: 31.6 million (UN, 2005)
• Capital: Rabat
• Area: 710,850 sq km (274,461 sq miles) (including W Sahara)
• Major languages: Arabic (official), Berber, French, Spanish
• 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 $1,310 (World Bank, 2005)
• Internet domain: .ma
• International dialling code: +212

LEADERS

King: King Mohammed VI

Groomed for "kingship", as his late father King Hassan II referred to his upbringing, King Mohammed VI has pursued a modernising course since his enthronement in July 1999.

King Mohammed VI embarked on reforms

He embarked on a series of political and economic changes and proved adept at managing his father's controversial human rights legacy.

He allowed moderate Islamist parties to operate legally. Political prisoners were released and notorious and officially non-existent prisons were closed. Restrictions on the press were eased and a programme of economic liberalisation attracted foreign investment.

The terrorist attacks on Casablanca in May 2002 prompted the government to enact new anti-terrorism laws and to step up its campaign against extremist groups. But some rights groups say the measures have eroded human rights.

The king has said the fight against poverty is a priority, earning him the name "guardian of the poor". Officials cite improved access to basic services in shanty towns and among the rural poor. But some non-government organisations say little has changed beyond the statistics, with poverty still widespread and unemployment remaining high.

One of the king's key reforms has been the Mudawana, a family law which has been in force since 2004. The law, which grants more rights to women, is said by the king to be in line with Koranic principles but has been opposed by religious conservatives.

King Mohammed married computer engineer Salma Bennani in 2002. They have a son, Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, born in 2003.

The king has wide powers; under the constitution he can dissolve parliament and dismiss or appoint the prime minister.