The People of Morocco - Cultured and Diverse People
It has often been said that the people are the pulse of a nation. The rich culture and diversity of Morocco is reflected in every inch of the vibrant nation that trade frantically and enthusiastically in the bustling streets while songs of worship ring out overhead. These people have a long and fascinating heritage and, though they've slowly started to embrace the modernizing of their world, there is a sort of captivated timelessness that still hangs over them all. Below you will find a bit about the demographics of the country as well as a little about the history of the nation.
History of the People
The Moroccan nation owes its diverseness to the many cultures that have influenced it during the course of its history. Initially, the area now known as Morocco seems to have been inhabited by Libyans and Ethiopians who were collectively called Barbaroi or Berbers. They lived in tribal groups in the area during a period of sultanate dynasties. There was no subjection to a singular government in the area at the time. Slowly, various national groups started to impact on the area such as Arabs, Phoenicians, Byzantines, Romans, Spaniards, Portuguese, Turks, Europeans and the French. Much of this influence came in the form of hostilities on the Spanish coast. Over a long period of time, the area became claimed and ruled by other countries until it established its independence in 1956. Though it would seem most Berbers were once pagan worshipers, the majority (98.7%) of the country now practice Islam. The rest of the population practice Christianity or Judaism.
Most of the Moroccans today can claim both Berber and Arab ancestry, though they are generally referred to as Berbers. There is a small amount that can claim pure Arab decent and a few small groups of true Berbers which exist in the Rif Mountains, Atlas Mountains and Souss Valley and who are able to speak several ancient Berber languages. There is also a small number of Jews and black African Moroccans. The population of Morocco numbers over 30 million people and many of them are not well off. Lifestyles differ depending on the areas that people live in. People living in rural areas are often unable to get fairly basic items, such as plasters. They generally tend to grow plants or tend livestock for food. However there are far greater clusters of people in the cities, which bustle with life at all times of the day. Souks (markets) are virtually a way of life for most Moroccans and can be found in every town and city. The Majority of souks, however, are closed during the lunch period and on Fridays. Most Moroccans are friendly and hospitable and will extend warm invitations if you do not act rude or unfriendly towards them.
Facts
Population Density: 72 People per square kilometer
Age Structure
0-14yrs Males: 5,355,388; Females: 5,156,762
15-64yrs Males 10,013,466; Females: 10,112,060
65+ Males: 692,465; Females: 878,960
Ethnic Groups
Arab Berber: 99.1%
Jewish: 0.2%
Other: 0.7%
Religion
Muslim: 98.7%
Christian: 1.1%
Jewish: 0.2%
Literacy Rate:
Men: 64.1%
Woman: 39.4%
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User Comments & Reviews
2010-06-25 22:19:05
Hi I need a friendly advice! I just started dating a Moroccan guy he seems very nice and I want to know more about Moroccans to see how do they tread their women?
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2010-05-29 18:56:49
Will... Morocco have a legendary history! before Romains and Ancien Egypcien
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2010-05-19 01:21:58
like this page
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2010-04-21 05:27:55
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2010-03-24 13:58:30
Since I'm Moroccan, I think that I can answer Chris Sturdevant's question; Moroccan people speak several languages. Apparently all Moroccan people speak French, but they are many who speak English,Spanish... and so forth. But because of the French protectorate in morocco that last many years. Moroccan people were influenced by French people; that's why, the French language is widely-spread in morocco and it's almost spoken by all Moroccan because it is considered as a second language.
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2010-03-21 05:35:24
to alex, iam soo sorry about what happend to you iam moroccan and shamed by that
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2010-03-15 15:55:54
i have just returned from Morocco and have never been to a more racist unfriendly place. As a black briton I was asked where I had gotten my British passport from and interrogated for ages. Then being called names in the street especially as my boyfriend is white it was assumed I was a prostitute- even though I was always fully covered and presentable. Some people were very friendly upon realising I had tourist money to spend but it was altogether not a nice experience.
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2010-03-12 18:52:26
To chris sturdevant and Barabara: Most-the overwhelming majority of Moroccan people are 100 percent pure Amazigh people.Most Moroccans therefore are not ARABS,BUT THEY ARE amazighophones-BERBERS.VISIT MOROCCO AND DISCOVER THE TRUTH YOURSELF!
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2010-01-16 02:52:10
Nicole, morocco was since prehistorical times a recognized region, then entity which became nowadays under Morocco (from AmurAukush; a berber term meaning land of god). Morocco was the first country to recognize fully the independance of the United States and was also mostly a major worship of soldiers for France during the second world war, these soldiers were better known as Goumières. Many Moroccans have highlighted history, some of them were : Ibn Rochd, one of the most prominent philosophers in his time; Ibn Battuta, first explorer which achieved the furthest distance geographically; Abbas Ibn Farnes, first conceptor of the modern plane.
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2009-12-26 14:53:09
To Nicole, i think you can start from this page http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morocco , and then go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Morocco , hope you'll find what you need
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