The Kingdom of Morocco is the most westerly of the North African countries known as the Maghreb. Its geographical position is strategic since it is situated with both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, but with a strong mountainous central, it stayed independent for centuries while developing a rich culture blended from Arab, Berber, European and African influences.

Morocco was a French protectorate from 1912 to 1956. In March 1956, France gave full independence to Morocco.

The government of Morocco has been working hard over the past few years to develop a sustainable and healthy economy for all of its populace, including major infrastructure improvements and housing schemes, while working closely with Europe and the US to both ensure regional stability and create open markets for trade and commerce.

In pursuit of these goals, successive governments have made efforts to attract domestic and overseas investment, which has obliged them to undertake a series of other problems - such as reducing red tape and corruption, updating the financial system and privatising telecommunications, water and power.

As far as it concerns the Moroccan industry is rather varied. Food processing and fishing remain major activities, however the country is moving into industries as divergent as aeronautics and textile production. All the sectors have some way to go before maturing, with many small family operations with limited services and little to no research and development capabilities.

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