The Almoravid and Almohad dynasties expanded their rule into Spain and West Africa, spreading Moroccan influence across continents.
The country's architectural marvels, such as the Koutoubia Mosque and the Kasbah of the Udayas, reflect this golden age of Moroccan civilization.
The coastal cities of Essaouira and Agadir offer stunning beaches, while the lush valleys of the Rif and Middle Atlas Mountains provide breathtaking hiking opportunities.
The medinas of Marrakech and Fez are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, filled with winding alleys, historic buildings, and vibrant street life.
The government has invested in infrastructure and education to improve living conditions, but rural areas still struggle with limited access to resources.
However, Morocco remains one of Africa’s most stable nations, with a growing economy based on tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy.
[3] In the semi-finals, Morocco successfully secured a spot in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London by defeating Egypt 3-2 in a tense game which also saw Abdelaziz Barrada scoring the fastest goal in the history of the tournament to date after just 30 seconds.
[5] On 7 July 2022, Morocco were awarded the hosting rights of the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations, marking the return of the U-23 team to the competition for the first time in 12 years.
[6][7][8] Their campaign kicked off on a positive note with a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Guinea,[9] followed by a resounding 5-1 triumph over Ghana, emerging as group winners and securing a place in the semifinals with one game to spare.
[16][17] On 29 February 2024, Tarik Sektioui was appointed head coach of the men's Olympic squad by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.
[20][21] Topping their group with six points ahead of Argentina on the head-to-head record, Morocco thus reached the knockout stage for the first time since 1972.