Middle East / Africa
Country profile: Morocco
| Location: | Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Western Sahara |
| Climate: | Mediterranean, becoming more extreme in the interior |
| Terrain: | northern coast and interior are mountainous with large areas of bordering plateaus, intermontane valleys, and rich coastal plains |
| Size: | 446550 sq. km total (Land area: 446300 sq. km Water area: 250 sq.km) |
| Population: | 34,343,219 (July 2008 est.) |
| Languages: | Arabic (official), Berber dialects, French often the language of business, government, and diplomacy |
| Government: | constitutional monarchy |
| Capital city: | Rabat |
| Legal system: | based on Islamic law and French and Spanish civil law systems; judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional Chamber of Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction |
| Currency: | Moroccan dirham (MAD) |
| Licensing: |
Country profile
In 788, about a century after the Arab conquest of North Africa, successive Moorish dynasties began to rule in Morocco. In the 16th century, the Sa'adi monarchy, particularly under Ahmad AL-MANSUR (1578-1603), repelled foreign invaders and inaugurated a golden age. In 1860, Spain occupied northern Morocco and ushered in a half century of trade rivalry among European powers that saw Morocco's sovereignty steadily erode; in 1912, the French imposed a protectorate over the country. A protracted independence struggle with France ended successfully in 1956.
The internationalized city of Tangier and most Spanish possessions were turned over to the new country that same year. Morocco virtually annexed Western Sahara during the late 1970s, but final resolution on the status of the territory remains unresolved. Gradual political reforms in the 1990s resulted in the establishment of a bicameral legislature, which first met in 1997. Improvements in human rights have occurred and there is a largely free press. Despite the continuing reforms, ultimate authority remains in the hands of the monarch.
Energy production and consumption
| Oil | Gas | |
| Production: | 3,746 bbl/day (2005 est.) | 47 million cu m (2005 est.) |
| Consumption: | 176,000 bbl/day (2005 est.) | 47 million cu m (2005 est.) |
| Exports: | 21,890 bbl/day (2005 est.) | |
| Imports: | 186,100 bbl/day (2005 est.) | |
| Reserves: | 100 million bbl/day (2005 est.) | 1 billion cu m (1 January 2006 est.) |
| Major fields: |
Morocco - recent news
| 25 Jun 25 |
Morocco: Getech announces formation of Moroccan hydrogen and helium exploration JV Getech, a world-leading locator of subsurface resources, has announced the incorporation of a subsidiary, HyMaroc Limited, jointly and equally owned with Sound Energy, the transition energy company, to explore for natural hydrogen and helium in Morocco. |
| 17 Jun 25 |
Morocco: Sound Energy provides update on hydrogen and helium exploration in Morocco Sound Energy, the transition energy company, has announced completion of the regional screening study for natural hydrogen and helium undertaken in collaboration with Getech Group, a global leader in locating essential energy and mineral resources crucial for the energy transition. |
| 17 Jun 25 |
Morocco: Sound Energy announces proposed JV to evaluate and develop, 200 MW Photovoltaic Solar Power Projects in Morocco Sound Energy, the transition energy company, has signed an exclusive term sheet with Gaia Energy, a specialist in renewable energy, for the development of up to 270 MW of installed capacity of PV solar power at various locations in Morocco. |
| 14 May 25 |
Morocco: Chariot announces return of Moroccan offshore interests AIM-listed Chariot, the Africa focused transitional energy group, has announced that Energean has returned its Moroccan offshore interests to Chariot by completing the transfer of their wholly owned subsidiary which holds 45% and 37.5% respectively in the Lixus Offshore and Rissana Offshore licences. |
| 17 Mar 25 |
Morocco: Sound Energy has provided an update in relation to operations at Tendrara The transition of Operatorship has not altered the pace of ongoing activities at Tendrara with construction of Phase 1 development facility for the TE-5 Horst continuing to move forward towards completion. |
Morocco - more news
Other countries in this region
- Algeria,
- Angola,
- Bahrain,
- Benin,
- Botswana,
- Burundi,
- Cameroon,
- Central Africa Republic,
- Chad,
- Comoros,
- Congo (Brazzaville),
- Congo (Democratic Rep.),
- Cote d'Ivoire,
- Djibouti,
- Egypt,
- Equatorial Guinea,
- Eritrea,
- Ethiopia,
- Gabon,
- Gambia,
- Ghana,
- Guinea (Republic),
- Guinea Bissau,
- Iran,
- Iraq,
- Israel,
- Jordan,
- Kenya,
- Kuwait,
- Lebanon,
- Liberia,
- Libya,
- Madagascar,
- Malawi,
- Mali,
- Mauritania,
- Mauritius,
- Mozambique,
- Namibia,
- Niger,
- Nigeria,
- Oman,
- Palestine,
- Qatar,
- Rwanda,
- Sao Tome,
- Saudi Arabia,
- Senegal,
- Seychelles,
- Sierra Leone,
- Somalia,
- Somaliland,
- South Africa,
- South Sudan,
- Sudan,
- Syria,
- Tanzania,
- Togo,
- Tunisia,
- Uganda,
- United Arab Emirates,
- Western Sahara,
- Yemen,
- Zambia,
- Zanzibar,
- Zimbabwe
