Geography and demographics
World FactBook (CIA)
Background Notes (State Dept.)
The city of Fes is at essentially the same latitude as Los Angeles, approx. 34.00 north
Government
Under the 1992 constitution, Morocco is an Islamic state headed by an hereditary monarch. There is a 333-member chamber of representatives, the Majlis An-Nuwab, serving a six-year term; 222 are directly elected by universal suffrage and the remainder are chosen by an electoral college of local councillors and employers’ and employees’ representatives. The king appoints a cabinet and prime minister who are responsible to the assembly and the king. Legislative powers are shared between the monarch and the assembly, each being able to initiate laws. The king may dissolve the assembly by decree, after taking constitutional advice, and the assembly may dismiss the government through a vote of no-confidence.
History
A brief history
An historic timeline 49 BC to 2002
A Brief History of The Alawi Dynasty
Muhammad al-Muqri
French Protectorate of Morocco (1912-1946)and the Moroccan flag
The 1755 Lisbon earthquake caused "Severe shaking ... in North Africa and there was heavy loss of life in Fez and Mequinez."
Jesus, Mary and the Koran
The birth of Jesus Not our typical Christmas story.
More about Mary in the Koran
Women, Family and Divorce
Morocco boosts women's rights "The aim is to draw up a modern Family Law which is consistent with the spirit of our tolerant religion" King Mohammed VI October 2003
Divorce divides Morocco and W Sahara In the Sahara divorce can be a reason to party.
The Roles of Women in the Middle East and Islamic Societies from PBS
An Islamic Perspective on Women in the Political System
Marriage in Morocco
The couple in our group who have been married the longest now have a
marriage contract -- written in Arabic script and properly witnessed.
Bride and groom--------------------------The groom uses his dagger to lift the veil
The imam writes the wedding contract
Cats & Dogs
We see cats almost everywhere. None of them are overweight, but most of them seem to be fairly well fed. Several ladies in our group start taking "kitty bags" from almost every meal. Several people who see the cats being fed say thank you, some chuckel, but no one is rude. We are told that Muslims consider cats clean but dogs are dirty - if a dog comes into the house, the angels leave. We don't see many dogs, but those we see are in reasonably good shape.
Economic Well Being
We have traveled in a number of developing countries. We would rank Morocco as one of the best in terms of economic well being. We do not see any of the abject poverty that is part of travel to too many developing countries. In almost every village and town we see new homes being built and signs of positive economic activity.
Special Places
Atlas Movie Studio and other film locations
Aït Ben Haddou
Jardin Majorelle which has been acquired and restored by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge.
Restaurants and Food
Most of the food in Morocco begins with familiar ingredients like chicken, beef and lamb,
plus potatoes, carrots and onions. But everything is cooked just a little differently and
mildly spiced with a combination of spices that often include saffron and cumin. Although
there are hot sauces that can be added, the food is almost never hot and is always
interesting.
Food is often prepared in tagine. Even more often, it is served in one. Terra cotta
tagines are used for cooking and serving; decorated ones are used just for serving. More at
http://www.tagines.com/ including where to buy them and recipes.
Lunch and dinner usually begin with soup and "salad" i.e., shredded and diced raw
vegetables, followed by meat and vegetables. Sometimes there is desert and there is almost
always fresh fruit. Vegetarian meals were generally available. The bread is very good, some
of it is delicious. In Marrakesh we had some of the best ice cream we have ever had . We
enjoyed the food; you probably will too.
Rabat: Dinarjat
Recipes: A huge list of Moroccan recipes
Miscellaneous
The last of the Barbary Lions
Sandboarding, America's response to Berber skiing
A Trip to Moroccan
Hamam including the need to wear a scarf after visiting a hamam.
The Henna Page
Hotel Mamounia for tea on our last afternoon
Photo Web Sites
Pictures of Morocco
Images of Daily
Life in Morocco
Images of Morocco
Morocco by Land Cruiser that
includes many of the places we went
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Lyon, Popanz & Forester home | LPF Adventure | Our trip
Updated December 12, 2004