Morocco is considered an Arab country however, much of the population are Berbers. Morocco obtained its independence from France and Spain in 1956, but many Moroccans speak French after Moroccan Arabic or one of the three local Berber languages. Morocco is ruled by a constitutional monarchy who can trace their lineage back to the Prophet Mohammed. The current monarch, King Mohammed VI has taken a contemporary approach to his rule which has created positive benefits and opportunities for the population. Morocco is a predominantly Sunni Muslim country with small Jewish and Christian minorities. The culture of Morocco has been strongly influenced by Berbers, Arabs, Moors, Jews and the French. Most Islamic religious monuments are closed to non-Muslims however, there are some exceptions, such as the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat and the tomb of Sultan Moulay Ismail in Meknes. Morocco is located on the tip of North Africa, a couple of hours by ferry from Spain. It borders Algeria to the east, Mauritania to the south, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the Mediterranean to the north. The country is crossed by several mountain ranges. The Atlas Mountains run across the middle of the country to the Atlantic coast. The Middles Atlas Mountains fun from the south and the Rif Mountains trace the north cost. All providing spectacular contrasting scenery. Morocco is located on the tip of North Africa, a couple of hours by ferry from Spain. It borders Algeria to the east, Mauritania to the south, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the Mediterranean to the north. The country is crossed by several mountain ranges. The Atlas Mountains run across the middle of the country to the Atlantic coast. The Middles Atlas Mountains fun from the south and the Rif Mountains trace the north cost. All providing spectacular contrasting scenery. www.balthazartours.com