Geography of Morocco

LocationMorocco

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Morocco_Topography

MoroccoWesternSaharaOMC

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Valley_of_Ammeln

Kingdom of Morocco
Location of Morocco
Capital	Rabat
Largest city	Casablanca
Official languages	Arabic, Berber
Area
• Total	710,850 km2 (274,460 sq mi)
Population
• 2021 estimate	36,910,560
Currency	Moroccan dirham (MAD)
ISO 3166 code	[[ISO 3166-2:MA |MA ]]

The geography of Morocco is characterized by a rugged mountainous interior, large tracts of desert, and a lengthy coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. The country is located in the Maghreb region of North Africa.

Topography

Morocco's topography is highly varied, with the Atlas Mountains and the Rif Mountains being the most prominent features. The Atlas Mountains run diagonally across the country, from the southwest to the northeast, and are divided into three distinct ranges: the High Atlas, the Middle Atlas, and the Anti-Atlas. The Rif Mountains are located in the northern part of the country, near the Mediterranean Sea.

The Sahara Desert extends into the southeastern part of Morocco, characterized by arid and semi-arid conditions. The Draa River and the Ziz River are among the few rivers that flow through this region, providing vital water sources for the local population.

Climate

Morocco's climate varies significantly across different regions. The coastal areas experience a Mediterranean climate, with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The interior regions, particularly the mountainous areas, have a more continental climate, with colder winters and hotter summers. The Sahara Desert region experiences extreme temperatures, with very hot days and cold nights.

Natural Resources

Morocco is rich in natural resources, including phosphates, which are a major export commodity. The country also has significant deposits of lead, zinc, copper, and silver. Additionally, Morocco's diverse landscapes support a variety of agricultural activities, including the cultivation of citrus fruits, olives, and grapes.

Biodiversity

Morocco's diverse geography supports a wide range of flora and fauna. The country is home to several national parks and protected areas, such as the Toubkal National Park and the Ifrane National Park. These areas are crucial for the conservation of endangered species, including the Barbary macaque and the Atlas cedar.

Related Pages

• Atlas Mountains
• Rif Mountains
• Sahara Desert
• Mediterranean climate
• Phosphates
• Toubkal National Park
• Ifrane National Park

See Also

• Geography of Africa
• Maghreb
• Climate of Morocco
• Natural resources of Morocco