People and Culture
Morocco is a great country with wonderful people joint by a wide range of traditional practices, norms and culture (Becker 57). It hosts a number of religions, which extend to Pagans, Christians and Muslims. Morocco has a total population of about 34 million people, who include a majority of Maghrebians. Arbawa and Charkawa form part of the ethnic groups in Morocco. They get along well where they live and interact in harmony among themselves and with the Maghrebians.
Morocco has a population growth rate of approximately 1.04% per year. The age distribution of the people includes the following.
- 0 to14 years – 28% approximately 4.5 million males and 4.3 million females.
- 15 to 64 years – 67% approximately 10.3 million males and 10.7 females.
- 65 years and above – 6.2% approximately 882 thousand males and 1.06 million females.
Many people in Morocco are of Arabian origin, and approximately 34% of the total population speak Amazigh Language (Becker 57). On the other hand, approximately 9% of the total population, who include business people, government officials, diplomats and the military, speak French and Spanish.
The main problem in Morocco is environmental concern, which includes drought, desertification and pollution (Becker 58). Child labor is as well a major trouble in this country. This is where a number of people claim that children help boost the economy, whereas others think they are merely on exploitation. Poverty and lack of employment are key problems in Morocco. On the contrary, individuals above 15 years in Morocco can read and write (Becker 58).
Morocco, as well, has plenty in store for tourists and discerning visitors where destinations, such as the four imperial cities of Morocco (Mekness), Volubilis, Chefchaouen, Todra Gorge and Essaouira, form great tourism sites (Becker 60). Above all, cultural events, such as film and art festivals, make Morocco an attractive country.
History
Spain and France took control of Morocco in 1912 (Chekayri 45). This continued for approximately 44 years. In the year 1956, Morocco gained its independence as a result of strong and unrelenting resistance from Moroccan youths (Chekayri 48).
The effects of colonization in Morocco are evident in every city of this country. Approximately 50% of the population who live in the North of Morocco speak the Spanish language, eat differently and live like Spanish people. After colonization, people in Morocco adopted the European way of life. It is apparent that even the buildings are modern as everyone is taking the shape of civilization. It is as well clear that many individuals in Morocco are literate and can read and write.
The economic level of Morocco increased after colonization with the development of the transport system, agricultural and mining industry. On the other hand, France left a huge impact on the languages spoken in Morocco. Although French is not a national language in Morocco, approximately 50% of the entire population can communicate fluently in French. Above all, the education system of Morocco developed largely picking the culture of France and Spain. Finally, the legal system of Morocco and its administrative structure advanced with significant reference to the French influence.
In conclusion, the major historical event struggle and success since independence in Morocco include the year 1961 when Hassan II became the King associated with numerous corruption cases and political conflicts (Chekayri 65). This was an event of the struggle for Morocco. Additionally, Morocco struggled with Western Sahara. However, in 1974, Spain officially approved the UN’s declaration for a referendum on the prospective position of Western Sahara.
Works Cited
Becker, Cynthia, J. Amazigh Arts in Morocco: Women Shaping Berber Identity. Austin, TX: University of Texas Press, 2006. Print.
Chekayri, Abdellah. An Introduction to Moroccan Arabic and Culture. Washington, D.C.: Georgetown University Press, 2011. 40-78. Print.