MOROCCO POPULATION: 34,859,364
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| Background | |
| 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. The country has made improvements in human rights under King MOHAMMED VI and its press is moderately free. Despite the continuing reforms, ultimate authority remains in the hands of the monarch. |
Map data ©2009 Europa Technologies - |  |
Casablanca is the largest city. Remember the movie?
Well, this is a good a time as any to return to Chapter 3 on education from SIMPLE SOLUTIONS for Humanity. There is a sense that countries of the Orient have their act together regarding better preparing their students for the future. Well, Finland is another country doing the right thing: Finland Works In the latest (2006) Programme for International Student Assessment of the Organsation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Finland ranked #1 in science (Hong Kong #2, Canada #3), #2 in reading literacy (Korea #1, Hong Kong #3) and #2 in math (#1 Chinese Taipei, #3 Hong Kong). Singapore did not participate. The U.S. ranked in the 30’s. Interestingly enough, there are generally no end of year tests to measure progress. There is an expectation that students will be successful. No child left behind? The U.S. does it in just the opposite fashion, and seems to be paying for it. In Finland, the family brings up the child to the age 6, and reading literacy is ingrained into the daily life. Most go to day care at the age of 1, as most mothers work. Education is compulsory between the ages of 7 and 16 and there is no separation of the smart from the stupid in all classes. Students, though, spend among the fewest hours in school. Meals are free. After the age of 16, students generally continue schooling, but take separate academic or vocational paths. There are no fees for any of this, but Finland spends the second highest/student of OECD nations. Only 8% of those who apply can major in teaching. Teachers at all levels must be highly qualified with at least a master’s degree, and, this is very important for any successful society…educators are highly respected. You want a prescription for success? Look closely at Finland, which also is doing very well economically (#11 in GDP/capita, ahead of Canada, U.K., Sweden, Japan, France and Germany). - The Dow Jones Industrials slipped 15 to 9871, those in the Orient went up and the rest almost all dropped. Crude oil is nearing $75/barrel and Goldman Sachs is predicting $85 by the end of the year. Gold went up $7/toz to $1063, again attaining a record high. - Tropical Storm Parma, yes that same one that circled Northern Luzon for a week, went right over Hainan, is now at 65 MPH, and will make landfall at Vinh, Vietnam tomorrow morning. - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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