Morocco's Geographic Strengths

From International Business Wiki

Morocco is located along the northwestern tip of Africa with a coastline that runs along the Atlantic Ocean. It borders the west coast of Algeria and is positioned just to the north of Mauritania. Directly to the north of Morocco is the Strait of Gibraltar, which separates Morocco from Spain before opening up to the Mediterranean Sea.

The total area that Morocco controls, excluding it’s territories in the Western Sahara, is equivalent to the size of California (1). Two major mountain chains divide Morocco: the Rif Mountains and the Atlas Mountains. The Rif Mountains lie on the northern coast along the Mediterranean while the Atlas Mountains line the center of Morocco. The south eastern part of the country is the Sahara Desert which is unpopulated and unproductive.

The majority of Morocco’s population live along the coast in more populated areas such as the port city of Casablanca, their largest city (3). Casablanca, which is located further south of the Strait of Gibraltar, is the center of trade because of it’s location on the coastline. This is where the majority of Morocco’s importing and exporting takes place.

Because of its borders the Strait of Gibraltar, Morocco is able to benefit from its many uses. Transportation between Spain and Morocco is made easier by ferries that run between the two countries. The location and easy entry from the ports to the sea also make fishing a popular industry in Morocco.

Due to the large amount of arable land and the mostly temperate Mediterranean climate, Morocco leads almost all Arab or African countries in its agricultural potential. In fact, Morocco is only one of the few countries that can achieve self-sufficiency in food production. It is able to produce grains such as wheat, barley, and corn at a much faster rate. In fact, in one year it is able to produce two-thirds of the grains needed for domestic consumption. (1)

Morocco is able to export citrus fruits and vegetable to the European market. It also has a large wine industry and is growing in commercial crops. There have recently been efforts to develop its irrigation systems which will provide irrigation to more than 2.5 million acres which will further improve Morocco’s production abilities. (1)

Currently, Morocco produces only small amounts of oil and natural gas, however, according to January 2006 estimates by the Oil and Gas Journal, Morocco has proven oil reserves of 1.07 million barrels and natural gas reserves of 60 billion cubic feet. There may also be additional hydrocarbon reserves located in the country but many of the sedimentary basins have not been explored. (2)

References

1. Morocco. ( 2007). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved October 28, 2007, from Encyclopædia Britannica Online: http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9110712

2. Morocco. (April, 2007). Energy Information Administration. Retrieved October 29, 2007, from Engergy Infromation Administration online: http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/Arab_Maghreb_Union/Morocco.html

3. Casablanca. (2007). Encyclopedia of the Orient. Retrieved October 29, 2007, from Encyclopedia of the Orient online: http://lexicorient.com/e.o/casablanca.htm