Morocco

Not far from the Iberian Peninsula in Europe lies the Kingdom of Morocco—a coastal country more than twice the size of California. The Phoenicians were among the early visitors to this region, and the Romans controlled it for a time. In the eighth century, a powerful Moroccan kingdom began to rise and influenced history in both Europe and Africa for nearly eight-hundred years. Its power and influence grew until it controlled, for a time, much of northwestern Africa as well as most of modern-day Spain and Portugal. In the 1600’s the kingdom was usurped by a new dynasty. In the 1900’s the kingdom was divided into two portions, each protected by a separate European power: Spain and France. The European control lasted only a little over forty years before the country received independence in 1956.

Once the country was reunited, power was restored to the traditional monarchy, and the country remains a parliamentary constitutional monarchy today. The battles in an attempt to seize control of the Western Sahara have long been a drain on the country, and the situation remains in a stalemate. Discontentment has also been expressed about the king’s power and the demand for changes continue. Yet, over all, Morocco has been a stable country which has contributed to its economy being the fifth largest in the continent. Nearly three-quarters of its population of nearly thirty-seven million are literate, and most can be found in the large urban areas. Arabic, Berber, and French are spoken, although the latter is mainly used in the government or for trade.

The five-pointed star in their flag, symbolic of the five pillars of Islam, reveals the deeply-rooted position of the Muslim religion in the Moroccan mind. Before the first Moroccan kingdom rose to power, Islam was already in control. During the years of the ancient kingdom’s power, Morocco became a bulwark for Islamic teachings, where Islam’s beliefs were emanated to surrounding regions. Today, Islam is the official religion; however, there is limited religious freedom. Since the state is secular, unlike most North African countries, other religions are legally permitted, within certain bounds. The name of their capital in Arabic means, "Stronghold of Victory." May the country prove one day to be a stronghold of spiritual victory!

Missionaries in Morocco:

Missionaries in Africa (listed with BIMI account numbers)