Lynda Cohen Cassanos 
Morocco 

Early Arab geographers referred to Morocco as Al-Maghreb al-Aqsa-"the farthest land of the setting sun." Today this country in the northwest corner of Africa-long a crossroads for trade from Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, and the East-retains a distinctly exotic feel, with its colorful mix of Middle Eastern, African, and Western cultures. But Morocco is also a nation struggling to emerge from a difficult colonial past and a recent history of human-rights violations. If the country succeeds in its quest to develop stable and democratic political institutions as well as a vibrant economy-and to accomplish these goals without violence-Morocco may serve as a powerful example to the Arab world. Discusses the geography, history, economy, government, religion, people, foreign relations, and major cities of Morocco.