Morocco, a North African country in the Maghreb region, borders Algeria, the Western Sahara, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea. With a population of approximately 37 million, its official religion is Islam, and its official languages are Arabic and Berber, although French and Moroccan Arabic are also widely spoken. Moroccan culture blends Arab, Berber, African, and European influences. The capital city is Rabat, but the largest city is Casablanca. Morocco also has territorial disputes with Spain.
1900: Birth of Mohammed al-Mokhtar Soussi
Mohammed al-Mokhtar Soussi, a Moroccan writer, was born in 1900.
1904: France and Spain Divide Morocco into Zones of Influence
In 1904, France and Spain delineated their respective zones of influence in Morocco. This division, acknowledged by the United Kingdom, sparked a strong reaction from Germany, highlighting the escalating tensions among European powers over control in North Africa.
1906: Algeciras Conference
The Algeciras Conference, held in 1906, attempted to resolve the First Moroccan Crisis. It aimed to find a diplomatic solution to the growing tensions among European powers over Morocco.
1910: Birth of Allal al-Fassi
Allal al-Fassi, a key figure in the Moroccan independence movement and writer, was born in 1910.
1912: Treaty of Fez
The 1912 Treaty of Fez formally established Morocco as a French protectorate. This agreement, while solidifying French control, ignited the 1912 Fez riots, demonstrating local resistance to the loss of Moroccan sovereignty.
1912: Start of the French Protectorate
The French Protectorate in Morocco began in 1912, which allowed Moroccan intellectuals to exchange ideas and produce literary works freely while being in contact with other Arabic and European literature.
1912: Treaty of Fez
The Treaty of Fez was signed in 1912, establishing Morocco as a French protectorate. This agreement sparked the 1912 Fez riots, signifying resistance to foreign control.
1919: Birth of Abdelkrim Ghallab
Moroccan writer Abdelkrim Ghallab was born in 1919.
August 1921: Battle of Annual
In the Battle of Annual in August 1921, the Riffians, led by Abd el-Krim, inflicted a heavy defeat on the Spanish forces. This battle became a significant event in the Rif War, showcasing the determination of the Riffians to resist Spanish colonial rule.
1922: Extinction of the Barbary Lion in the Wild
The Barbary lion, a national emblem of Morocco, was hunted to extinction in the wild, with the last one killed in the Atlas Mountains in 1922, highlighting the impact of human activities on biodiversity.
1925: Abolition of Slavery in Morocco
The institution of slavery was abolished in Morocco in 1925 during the French protectorate.
1926: Establishment of the Republic of the Rif
The Rif War culminated in the establishment of the short-lived Republic of the Rif in 1926, a testament to the struggle against Spanish and French colonial rule. Despite its eventual suppression, the republic symbolized the desire for self-determination in the region.
1927: Suppression of the Rif Republic
In 1927, the Rif Republic, established after years of resistance against Spanish and French colonial forces, was suppressed. The defeat of the Riffians marked a tragic end to their fight for independence.
1943: Founding of the Istiqlal Party
The Istiqlal Party, advocating for Moroccan independence, was founded in 1943. This marked a significant step towards organizing and mobilizing the nationalist movement, ultimately contributing to the end of colonial rule.
1944: Establishment of Moroccan Cinematographic Centre
In 1944, the Moroccan Cinematographic Centre (CCM), the country's film regulatory agency, was established. Studios were also opened in Rabat.
1948: Peak of Jewish Population in Morocco
The Jewish population in Morocco reached its peak in 1948, with 265,000 individuals.
1952: Orson Welles' Othello wins Palme d'Or
Orson Welles' film "Othello" won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1952 under the Moroccan flag.
1953: Exile of Sultan Mohammed V
France's decision to exile Sultan Mohammed V to Madagascar in 1953 sparked widespread opposition and fueled the flames of the nationalist movement. The exile of the popular Sultan ignited protests and demonstrations, highlighting the resentment against colonial rule.
1955: Death of Mohammed Ben Brahim
Mohammed Ben Brahim, an important representative of the first generation of modern Moroccan writers, passed away in 1955.
1955: Return of Sultan Mohammed V
The return of Sultan Mohammed V from exile in 1955, following a period of intense unrest and growing demands for independence, set the stage for Morocco's eventual liberation from French rule.
March 1956: Moroccan Independence
In a momentous victory for the nationalist movement, Morocco achieved independence from France in March 1956, marking the birth of the Kingdom of Morocco and the end of the French protectorate.
1956: Moroccan National Theatre Founded
The Moroccan National Theatre was founded in 1956 and offers regular productions of Moroccan and French dramatic works.
1956: Moroccan Independence
In March 1956, Morocco achieved independence from France, marking the end of the French protectorate and the beginning of the Kingdom of Morocco. This victory for the nationalist movement followed years of struggle and negotiation.
1956: Decline of Spanish After Moroccan Independence
Following Morocco's declaration of independence in 1956, French and Arabic became the dominant languages in administration and education, leading to a decrease in the prominence of Spanish.
1957: Establishment of US-Morocco Ties and Aid
Following its independence, Morocco forged strong ties with the United States, receiving substantial economic and military aid, beginning in 1957.
1957: Mohammed V Becomes King
Sultan Mohammed, a central figure in the Moroccan independence movement, transitioned from Sultan to King in 1957, signifying the beginning of a new era for the newly independent nation.
1960: High infant mortality rate in Morocco
In 1960, Morocco's infant mortality rate was 144 deaths per 1,000 live births.
March 1961: Hassan II Becomes King
Following the death of his father, Mohammed V, Hassan II ascended to the throne of Morocco in March 1961.
1961: Start of Hassan II's Reign and Human Rights Concerns
The reign of King Hassan II of Morocco began in 1961, marking the start of a period characterized by significant human rights concerns.
1963: Death of Mohammed al-Mokhtar Soussi
Moroccan writer Mohammed al-Mokhtar Soussi died in 1963.
1963: Continued US Aid to Morocco
Morocco continued to receive significant economic and military aid from the United States until 1963, strengthening the partnership between the two nations.
1963: First General Elections and Sand War
Morocco held its first general elections in 1963, marking a step towards democratic governance. However, the same year saw the eruption of the Sand War with Algeria over territorial disputes, highlighting the challenges faced by the young nation.
1963: Sand War with Algeria
The Sand War erupted in 1963, fueled by Moroccan claims to parts of Algerian territory. This conflict, marked by armed clashes between Moroccan and Algerian troops, underscored the tensions and complexities of post-colonial relations in the Maghreb region.
February 1964: Peace Agreement with Algeria
Following the Sand War, a formal peace agreement was signed between Morocco and Algeria in February 1964, aiming to end the territorial dispute and normalize relations.
1965: State of Emergency Declared
King Hassan II declared a state of emergency in 1965 and suspended parliament, signaling a period of political instability and authoritarian rule.
1965: Exercise of Royal Power
The only instance where the Moroccan king exercised the power to dismiss ministers, dissolve Parliament, suspend the constitution, call new elections, or rule by decree was in 1965.
1966: Morocco's Rise as a Recipient of US Aid
By 1966, Morocco had become the fifth-largest recipient of US agricultural assistance, highlighting its significance as an ally during the Cold War.
1968: First Mediterranean Film Festival
The first Mediterranean Film Festival was held in Tangier in 1968.
1969: Return of Ifni to Morocco
The Spanish enclave of Ifni, located in southern Morocco, was returned to Moroccan control in 1969, marking a step towards territorial consolidation and the end of Spanish colonial presence.
1971: First Coup Attempt Against Hassan II
The first of two failed coup attempts against King Hassan II's rule occurred in 1971, underscoring the fragility of the monarchy and the political tensions brewing beneath the surface.
1972: Second Coup Attempt Against Hassan II
A second unsuccessful coup attempt against King Hassan II transpired in 1972, further illustrating the volatile political climate and the challenges to the King's authority.
1973: Formation of the Polisario Movement
The Polisario movement emerged in 1973, dedicated to fighting for the independence of Western Sahara from colonial rule. The movement's formation marked the beginning of a protracted struggle for self-determination in the region.
1974: Death of Allal al-Fassi
Allal al-Fassi, a key figure in the Moroccan independence movement and writer, passed away in 1974.
November 1975: Green March
In November 1975, King Hassan II orchestrated the Green March, mobilizing an estimated 350,000 Moroccan civilians to cross into Western Sahara, then under Spanish control. This event, a strategic move to assert Moroccan sovereignty, ultimately pressured Spain to cede control of the territory.
1975: Morocco Annexes Western Sahara
Morocco annexed Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, in 1975, an event known as the Green March, asserting its claim over the territory, which it refers to as its Southern Provinces.
1975: Western Sahara Conflict Begins
Following Spain's agreement to decolonize Western Sahara and hand over control to Morocco and Mauritania, a guerrilla war erupted in 1975. The conflict, involving local inhabitants and the Polisario movement fighting for independence, marked the beginning of a protracted struggle for control over the territory.
1976: Western Sahara War
The Western Sahara War, involving the Polisario Front, Morocco, and Mauritania, erupted in 1976, leading to a protracted conflict over the disputed territory.
1979: Mauritania Withdraws from Western Sahara
In 1979, Mauritania relinquished its claim to Western Sahara amid the ongoing war. However, the conflict continued between Morocco and the Polisario Front.
1980: Morocco's participation in Eurovision Song Contest
Morocco participated in the 1980 Eurovision Song Contest, finishing in the penultimate position.
1980: Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé purchase Majorelle Garden
The Majorelle Garden in Marrakech was acquired by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé in 1980, enhancing the city's appeal as a tourist destination.
1982: First national festival of cinema in Rabat
Morocco's first national festival of cinema was held in Rabat in 1982.
1982: Admission of Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic to the AU
The African Union admitted the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic in 1982.
1982: Escalation of Fighting in Western Sahara
The years 1982-1985 witnessed an intensification of fighting between Moroccan forces and the Polisario Front in Western Sahara, resulting in significant casualties and displacement.
1983: Cancellation of Elections and Political Unrest
Amid growing political unrest and economic challenges, King Hassan II canceled planned elections in 1983, signaling a move towards consolidating power and suppressing dissent.
1984: Morocco Leaves the Organisation of African Unity
Morocco withdrew from the Organisation of African Unity in 1984 in protest of the admission of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), which claimed independence for Western Sahara. This decision underscored Morocco's determination to maintain its claim over the disputed territory.
1984: Moroccan Athletes Achieve Historic Olympic Victories
In a groundbreaking moment for Moroccan and Arab athletics, Nawal El Moutawakel made history in 1984 by becoming the first woman from an Arab or Islamic nation to win an Olympic gold medal, triumphing in the 400 meters hurdles. Adding to Morocco's success, Saïd Aouita clinched gold in the men's 5000 meters at the same Olympic Games.
1984: Withdrawal from the African Union
In 1984, Morocco withdrew from the African Union following the organization's admission of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic without a self-determination referendum in Western Sahara.
1985: Escalation of Fighting in Western Sahara
The years 1982-1985 witnessed an intensification of fighting between Moroccan forces and the Polisario Front in Western Sahara, resulting in significant casualties and displacement.
1986: Morocco qualifies for FIFA World Cup second round
Morocco became the first Arab and African country to qualify for the second round of the FIFA World Cup in 1986.
1988: Restoration of Diplomatic Relations with Algeria
In a move towards regional stability, Morocco restored diplomatic relations with Algeria in 1988, signaling a thaw in relations after years of tension stemming from the Western Sahara conflict.
1988: Morocco hosts Africa Cup of Nations
Morocco hosted the Africa Cup of Nations in 1988.
1990: Maternal mortality ratio decline
Between 1990 and 2010, Morocco's maternal mortality ratio decreased by 67%, based on World Bank data.
1990: Under-five mortality rate decline
Between 1990 and 2011, Morocco's under-five mortality rate decreased by 60%.
1991: Ceasefire in Western Sahara
A UN-monitored ceasefire came into effect in Western Sahara in 1991, bringing a halt to the prolonged fighting between Moroccan forces and the Polisario Front. However, the underlying issue of sovereignty remained unresolved, perpetuating the political stalemate.
1991: Ceasefire in Western Sahara
A ceasefire agreement was reached in 1991, bringing a halt to the active fighting in the Western Sahara War, although the underlying political issues remained unresolved.
1991: Ceasefire in Western Sahara
A ceasefire agreement was reached in 1991, halting the active fighting in Western Sahara. Despite the truce, the question of sovereignty remained a point of contention, perpetuating the political deadlock.
1992: Expansion of Parliament's Powers
Morocco's Parliament saw an expansion of its powers in 1992, including increased influence over budgetary matters, bill approvals, and the ability to question ministers.
1993: Privatization Policy
Starting in 1993, Morocco embarked on a policy of privatizing specific economic sectors previously under government control, aiming to liberalize and diversify its economy.
1994: Closure of Algeria-Morocco Border
The border between Algeria and Morocco has been closed since 1994, marking a period of strained relations between the two countries.
1995: Al-Akhawayn University inaugurated
In 1995, Al-Akhawayn University in Ifrane was inaugurated. It was the first English-language university in Northwest Africa and received contributions from Saudi Arabia and the United States.
1996: Constitutional Reform
The 1996 Moroccan constitution theoretically granted the king the authority to dismiss ministers, dissolve Parliament, suspend the constitution, call for new elections, or rule by decree after consulting with the heads of the higher and lower Assemblies.
1996: Establishment of Bicameral Legislature
The constitutional reform of 1996 established a bicameral legislature in Morocco, consisting of the Assembly of Representatives and the Assembly of Councillors.
1996: Further Expansion of Parliament's Powers
The powers of Morocco's Parliament were further expanded in 1996, solidifying its role in the country's governance.
March 1998: Formation of Morocco's First Opposition-Led Government
In a historic event, Morocco witnessed the formation of its first opposition-led government in March 1998, led by socialist leader Abderrahmane Youssoufi, marking a significant step towards political pluralism.
1999: End of Hassan II's Reign and Establishment of Truth Commission
Following the end of King Hassan II's reign in 1999, the Moroccan government under King Mohammed VI established the Equity and Reconciliation Commission (IER) to investigate human rights abuses during Hassan II's rule.
1999: Death of King Hassan II and Succession of Mohammed VI
In 1999, King Hassan II of Morocco passed away. He was succeeded by his son, Mohammed VI.
1999: Morocco's Debut at the Davis Cup
Marking a significant milestone in Moroccan tennis, the nation assembled its first-ever Davis Cup team in 1999, signifying the growth and recognition of Moroccan tennis on the international stage.
2000: Start of Economic Growth Period
The year 2000 marked the beginning of a period of government reforms and economic growth in Morocco, with yearly growth averaging 4-5%.
2000: Increase in health expenditure per capita
Since 2000, Morocco's health expenditure per capita (PPP) has steadily increased.
2000: Infant mortality rate decrease
By 2000, Morocco's infant mortality rate had decreased to 42 deaths per 1,000 live births.
2001: First International Film Festival of Marrakech
The first International Film Festival of Marrakech (FIFM) was held in Marrakech in 2001.
October 2002: End of Youssoufi's Term as Prime Minister
Abderrahmane Youssoufi's term as Prime Minister of Morocco, marked by the inclusion of opposition parties in the government, came to an end in October 2002.
2002: Dispute with Spain over Perejil Island
A dispute over the small island of Perejil arose between Morocco and Spain in 2002, highlighting the complex issue of sovereignty concerning Melilla and Ceuta.
2002: Cannabis Contribution to GDP
Cannabis cultivation and processing played a notable role in Morocco's economy in 2002, representing 0.57% of the national GDP, as reported by the UN World Drugs Report in 2004.
2002: Resolution of the Perejil Island Dispute
In 2002, Morocco and Spain resolved a dispute over the uninhabited island of Perejil through a US-brokered agreement, following a brief military standoff.
2002: Mohammed VI's Controversial Visit to Western Sahara
King Mohammed VI made a controversial visit to Western Sahara in 2002, a territory Morocco claims as its own despite ongoing disputes.
2003: Strong Economic Performance
From 2003 to 2007, Morocco experienced a period of strong economic performance, achieving a consistent year-on-year growth rate of 4.9%.
2003: Casablanca Bombings
In 2003, a series of terrorist bombings occurred in Casablanca, Morocco, resulting in the deaths of 45 people.
2004: Berber Speakers According to Census
The 2004 population census in Morocco revealed that 28.1% of the population spoke the Berber language.
2004: Major Non-NATO Ally Status
The United States, under the George W. Bush administration, designated Morocco as a major non-NATO ally in 2004.
2004: Speakers of Foreign Languages Other Than French
The 2004 census in Morocco indicated that 2.19 million Moroccans spoke a foreign language other than French.
2004: Hicham El Guerrouj's Olympic Double Gold
Moroccan runner Hicham El Guerrouj etched his name in Olympic history in 2004 by winning gold medals in both the 1500 meters and 5000 meters events, solidifying his status as one of the greatest middle-distance runners. El Guerrouj also holds multiple world records in the mile run.
2004: UN Report on Cannabis Cultivation
A 2004 UN World Drugs Report highlighted the significance of cannabis cultivation and processing in Morocco, estimating that it contributed 0.57% to the national GDP in 2002.
2005: Truth Commission Investigates Human Rights Abuses
In 2005, a truth commission was established to investigate human rights abuses committed during the reign of King Hassan II, shedding light on a dark chapter in Morocco's history and the cost of his authoritarian rule.
2005: National Sanitation Programme Approval
Morocco demonstrated its commitment to improving sanitation infrastructure by approving the National Sanitation Programme in 2005, with the aim of treating 60% of collected wastewater and connecting 80% of urban households to sewers by 2020.
2005: First Technopark in Rabat
Morocco's first technopark was established in Rabat in 2005.
2005: Low health insurance coverage in Morocco
Research published in 2005 indicated that only 16% of Moroccan citizens had health insurance or coverage.
2005: Renewed Tensions over Spanish Enclaves
Tensions between Morocco and Spain resurfaced in 2005 when African migrants attempted to enter the Spanish enclaves of Melilla and Ceuta, prompting Spain to deport many of them back to Morocco.
2005: Morocco approves health insurance reforms
The Moroccan government approved two reforms in 2005 to expand health insurance coverage. One was a mandatory plan for public and private sector employees, aiming to increase coverage from 16% to 30%. The second reform created a fund to cover services for the poor.
2005: Estimated Number of Converted Christians
Between 2005 and 2010, local Christian leaders estimated that there were approximately 5,000 Moroccan citizens, primarily of Berber ethnicity, who had converted to Christianity.
2006: Suggestion of Autonomous Status for Western Sahara
Morocco's government, in 2006, put forth the idea of granting autonomous status to the Western Sahara region, aiming to find a resolution to the long-standing dispute.
2006: Spanish Premier's Visit to Enclaves Angers Morocco
Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero's visit to the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla in 2006, the first by a Spanish leader in 25 years, angered Morocco, which claimed sovereignty over the territories.
2006: Lack of International Recognition of Moroccan Sovereignty
As of 2006, no UN member state had officially recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, highlighting the ongoing international dispute surrounding the territory.
2006: Death of Abdelkrim Ghallab
Moroccan writer Abdelkrim Ghallab died in 2006.
2006: Growth of Adventure Tourism
By 2006, adventure tourism in Morocco's Atlas and Rif Mountains had emerged as the fastest-growing segment of the country's tourism industry.
2006: Report on Hashish Origin
A 2006 report by the French Ministry of the Interior revealed that a substantial portion, specifically 80%, of the hashish consumed in Europe originated from the Rif region in Morocco.
April 2007: Proposal for Western Sahara Autonomy
Morocco, in April 2007, presented a proposal to the United Nations Security Council suggesting autonomous status for the Western Sahara region.
2007: End of Economic Growth Period
By 2007, Morocco's economy had become more robust, concluding a period of steady growth that began in 2000.
2007: Morocco's Autonomy Blueprint for Western Sahara
Morocco presented an autonomy blueprint for Western Sahara to the United Nations in 2007, aiming to resolve the long-standing conflict, but the proposal was rejected by the Polisario Front.
2008: Science and Technology Investment
In 2008, Morocco invested US$620,000 in science and technology, demonstrating its commitment to advancing these fields.
2008: Badr Hari's K-1 World Grand Prix Final
Moroccan-Dutch kickboxer Badr Hari showcased his exceptional skills on the global stage in 2008 when he reached the finals of the prestigious K-1 World Grand Prix, further solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the sport.
2008: Estimated Number of Berber Speakers
In 2008, Frédéric Deroche estimated that there were 12 million Berber speakers in Morocco, representing about 40% of the population.
2008: Coal Dominates Electricity Supply
Coal played a dominant role in Morocco's energy mix in 2008, accounting for approximately 56% of the country's electricity generation.
May 2009: Increased Support for Science and Research
In May 2009, Morocco's Prime Minister announced a substantial increase in support for science and research, aiming to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in academia.
June 2009: Launch of the Moroccan Innovation Strategy
In June 2009, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Investment and the Digital Economy launched the Moroccan Innovation Strategy at the country's first National Innovation Summit.
2009: Start of Significant Eel Exports from Morocco
Between 2009 and 2011, Morocco exported a significant amount of eel, with 60 tons going to the Far East, raising concerns about the sustainability of the trade.
2009: Badr Hari's Second Consecutive K-1 World Grand Prix Final
Continuing his dominance in the kickboxing world, Badr Hari once again reached the finals of the K-1 World Grand Prix in 2009, cementing his reputation as one of the most formidable competitors in the sport.
2010: Religious Affiliation in Morocco
In 2010, the Pew Forum estimated that 99% of Morocco's population was Muslim.
2010: Infrastructure Investment Begins
To address the demands of its growing economy, the Moroccan government initiated a significant infrastructure upgrade program in 2010, investing over $15 billion over five years.
2010: French Speakers in Morocco
In 2010, there were approximately 10,366,000 French speakers in Morocco, constituting about 32% of the population.
2010: Security Forces Storm Protest Camp in Western Sahara
Tensions escalated in Western Sahara in 2010 when Moroccan security forces stormed a protest camp, sparking violent demonstrations in the regional capital, El Aaiún.
2010: Research and Development Investment as a Percentage of GDP
In 2010, Morocco's research and development (R&D) expenditure was 0.73% of its GDP.
2010: Vision 2020 Launch
In 2010, Morocco launched its ambitious 'Vision 2020' plan, aiming to become a top 20 global tourist destination and double annual international arrivals to 20 million by 2020.
2010: Maternal mortality ratio decline
Between 1990 and 2010, Morocco's maternal mortality ratio decreased by 67%, based on World Bank data.
2010: Estimated Number of Converted Christians
Between 2005 and 2010, it was estimated that there were around 5,000 Moroccan citizens who had converted to Christianity.
July 2011: King Mohammed VI Wins Referendum on Constitutional Reforms
In July 2011, amidst the Arab Spring uprisings, King Mohammed VI of Morocco secured a landslide victory in a referendum on constitutional reforms aimed at addressing calls for change.
2011: Under-five mortality rate decline
Between 1990 and 2011, Morocco's under-five mortality rate decreased by 60%.
2011: End of Significant Eel Exports from Morocco
Between 2009 and 2011, Morocco exported a significant amount of eel, with 60 tons going to the Far East, raising concerns about the sustainability of the trade.
2011: Constitutional Revisions and Increased Parliament Powers
In 2011, constitutional revisions in Morocco further expanded the Parliament's powers, including increased authority to investigate government actions.
2011: Constitutional Reforms in Morocco
Morocco implemented constitutional reforms in 2011, redistributing some executive powers from the King to the Prime Minister and enhancing the role of the parliament.
2011: Establishment of the Moroccan Club of Innovation
The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and New Technologies partnered with the Moroccan Office of Industrial and Commercial Property in 2011 to establish the Moroccan Club of Innovation, aiming to foster collaboration among stakeholders in innovation.
May 2012: Trade Union Rally Demands Deeper Reforms
Despite reforms, hundreds of demonstrators participated in a trade union rally in Casablanca in May 2012, accusing the Moroccan government of not fully implementing promised reforms.
2012: Identification of Sectors with Comparative Advantage
In 2012, the Hassan II Academy of Science and Technology identified sectors where Morocco holds a comparative advantage and possesses skilled human capital, including mining, fisheries, food chemistry, and new technologies.
2012: Increase in Moroccan Patent Applications
Moroccan inventors applied for 197 patents in 2012, marking an increase from the 152 applications submitted two years prior.
2012: Energy Demand Forecast and Diversification Efforts
Recognizing the projected 6% annual increase in energy demand between 2012 and 2050, Morocco enacted legislation to promote energy diversification, with a focus on renewable resources.
2012: World Bank Growth Forecast
The World Bank projected a 4% growth rate for Morocco in 2012.
November 2013: Moroccan Plan for maternal and child health launched
On November 13, 2013, the Moroccan Minister of Health, El Houssaine Louardi, and Ala Alwan, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, launched the Moroccan Plan to improve maternal and child health in Rabat.
2013: World Bank Growth Forecast
The World Bank projected a 4.2% growth rate for Morocco in 2013.
2014: Morocco adopts national plan for maternal and child health
Morocco adopted a national plan in 2014 to increase progress on maternal and child health.
2014: High-Speed Railway Construction Begins
Morocco embarked on a groundbreaking project in 2014, commencing the construction of Africa's first high-speed railway, connecting Tangier and Casablanca.
2014: Moroccan Census Records Major City Populations
The 2014 Moroccan census documented the population of major cities, including Casablanca, Fes, Marrakesh, Meknes, Salé, and Tangier, providing insights into demographic trends.
2014: Target for Moroccan Patents and Start-ups
The Moroccan Innovation Strategy set a goal of producing 1,000 Moroccan patents and establishing 200 innovative start-ups by 2014.
2014: Immigrant Population in Morocco
According to the 2014 Morocco population census, there were about 84,000 immigrants residing in the country.
May 2015: Vision for Education in Morocco 2015–2030
The Higher Council for Education, Training and Scientific Research presented a report to the king in May 2015, outlining a Vision for Education in Morocco from 2015 to 2030.
2015: Morocco refuses to host Africa Cup of Nations
Morocco declined to host the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations due to concerns about the Ebola outbreak in Africa.
2015: Self-Identified Religious Population
The 2015 Gallup International poll revealed that 93% of Moroccans identified as religious.
2015: Moroccan health expenditure per capita
In 2015, Morocco's health expenditure was $435.29 per capita.
2015: High maternal mortality rates persist
Data from the World Bank in 2015 showed Morocco had high maternal mortality rates at 121 deaths per 100,000 births.
2015: Establishment of Technoparks in Morocco
By 2015, Morocco had established three technoparks, with the first one inaugurated in Rabat in 2005, followed by one in Casablanca and another in Tangers.
2015: Infrastructure Investment Concludes
By 2015, Morocco concluded a five-year infrastructure development program, investing more than $15 billion to enhance its basic infrastructure.
2016: Human Rights Watch Report on Morocco
A 2016 Human Rights Watch report highlighted concerns about restrictions on freedom of expression, association, and assembly in Morocco, as well as allegations of violence against demonstrators in Western Sahara.
2016: Spanish Speakers in Morocco
According to Ethnologue, as of 2016, there were 1,536,590 individuals in Morocco, approximately 4.5% of the population, who spoke Spanish.
2016: Life expectancy and healthcare professionals in Morocco
In 2016, the life expectancy at birth in Morocco was 74.3 years (73.3 for men and 75.4 for women). There were also 6.3 physicians and 8.9 nurses and midwives per 10,000 inhabitants.
2017: Morocco ranks 16th on Global Youth Wellbeing Index
In 2017, Morocco ranked 16th out of 29 countries on the Global Youth Wellbeing Index. Notably, Moroccan youths experienced a lower self-harm rate than the global index average.
2017: High infant mortality rates persist
In 2017, data from the World Bank showed that Morocco experienced high infant mortality rates at 20 deaths per 1,000 births.
2017: Rejoining the African Union
Morocco rejoined the African Union in 2017 after a period of absence, marking a shift in its diplomatic approach.
2018: Proficient Spanish Speakers in Morocco
A 2018 study by the Instituto Cervantes found that 1.7 million Moroccans possessed at least proficiency in Spanish.
2018: Self-Identified Non-Religious Population
According to a 2018 survey by the Arab Barometer research network, nearly 15% of Moroccans identified as non-religious.
2018: High-Speed Railway Inauguration
In 2018, Morocco celebrated a significant milestone with the inauguration of its high-speed railway line between Tangier and Casablanca, a project that spanned over a decade of planning and construction.
2019: Tourism Boom
Morocco's tourism sector flourished in 2019, attracting over 13 million visitors.
2019: Global Competitiveness Report Ranking
Morocco secured impressive rankings in the 2019 Global Competitiveness Report, placing 32nd in roads, 16th in sea infrastructure, 45th in air infrastructure, and 64th in railways, solidifying its position as having the best infrastructure in Africa.
2019: Morocco Ranks High in Climate Change Preparedness
Morocco earned recognition for its commitment to addressing climate change in 2019, ranking second in the Climate Change Performance Index, demonstrating its proactive approach to environmental challenges.
2019: Morocco's Forest Landscape Integrity Index Ranking
In 2019, Morocco achieved a Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 6.74 out of 10, positioning it 66th globally, reflecting its efforts in forest conservation.
December 2020: Israel-Morocco Normalization Agreement
Morocco announced its decision to normalize relations with Israel in December 2020, marking a significant diplomatic breakthrough.
2020: US Recognition of Moroccan Sovereignty
In a significant diplomatic shift, the United States, under the Trump administration, became the first Western nation to recognize Morocco's claimed sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2020, in exchange for Morocco normalizing relations with Israel.
2020: Vision 2020 Target Year
The year 2020 marked the target year for Morocco's 'Vision 2020' plan, which aimed to elevate the country's tourism industry to 20% of GDP.
2020: National Sanitation Programme Target Year
The year 2020 marked the target year for Morocco's National Sanitation Programme, which aimed to significantly enhance wastewater treatment and sewer connections in urban areas.
August 2021: Severance of Diplomatic Ties
Algeria severed diplomatic relations with Morocco in August 2021.
August 2021: Algeria Cuts Diplomatic Ties with Morocco
In August 2021, Algeria severed diplomatic relations with Morocco, citing accusations of Morocco's support for a separatist group and hostile actions, a claim Morocco denied.
September 2021: Parliamentary Elections
Morocco held its most recent parliamentary elections in September 2021, with a voter turnout estimated at 50.35%.
2021: Religious Identification in Morocco
A 2021 Arab Barometer survey indicated that 67.8% of Moroccans considered themselves religious, 29.1% somewhat religious, and 3.1% non-religious.
2021: Population of Morocco
As of 2021, Morocco's estimated population was around 37,076,584 inhabitants.
April 2022: Nor II Solar Energy Plant Phase One Launch
In April 2022, Morocco marked a significant step in its renewable energy strategy with the launch of the first phase of the Nor II solar energy plant, a multi-site project with a planned total capacity of 400 megawatts.
2022: Morocco reaches FIFA World Cup semifinals
In 2022, Morocco became the first African and Arab team to reach the FIFA World Cup semifinals, finishing 4th in the tournament.
2022: Morocco Classified as a Hybrid Regime
The Economist Intelligence Unit's Democracy Index in 2022 categorized Morocco as a hybrid regime, reflecting a mix of democratic and authoritarian features.
2022: Decline in Jewish Population
By 2022, the Jewish population in Morocco had declined to approximately 3,500.
September 2023: Devastating Earthquake Strikes Morocco
A powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Morocco in September 2023, resulting in the tragic loss of over 2,800 lives and causing injuries to thousands, with the epicenter near Marrakech.
2023: Morocco's World Press Freedom Index Ranking
Morocco received a "difficult" ranking in the 2023 World Press Freedom Index, indicating challenges and limitations faced by journalists and media outlets.
2023: Global Innovation Index Ranking
Morocco was ranked 70th in the Global Innovation Index in 2023, reflecting its progress in fostering innovation.
2025: Target for Research and Development Investment
The report aimed to increase the share of GDP allocated to research and development (R&D) to 1.5% by 2025.
2030: Expressway and Highway Expansion Target
Morocco has set an ambitious goal for its road network, aiming to construct an additional 3,380 kilometers of expressway and 2,100 kilometers of highway by 2030, with a projected cost of $9.6 billion.
2030: Target for Research and Development Investment
The report aimed to increase the share of GDP allocated to research and development (R&D) to 2% by 2030.
2050: Energy Demand Forecast Target Year
Projections indicate that Morocco's energy requirements will continue to rise by 6% per year until 2050, underscoring the importance of ongoing efforts to diversify the country's energy sources.