International organization participation:
ABEDA, ACCT, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AMU, EBRD, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,
ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC,
IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAS, MIGA,
MINUSTAH, MONUC, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE (partner),
PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNOCI, UPU, WCL, WCO,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Aziz MEKOUAR chancery: 1601 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: [1] (202) 462-7979 through 7982 FAX: [1] (202) 265-0161 consulate(s) general: New York
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Thomas T. RILEY embassy: 2 Avenue de Mohamed El Fassi, Rabat mailing address: PSC 74, Box 021, APO AE 09718 telephone: [212] (37) 76 22 65 FAX: [212] (37) 76 56 61 consulate(s) general: Casablanca
Flag description:
red with a green pentacle (five-pointed, linear star) known as
Sulayman's (Solomon's) seal in the center of the flag; red and green
are traditional colors in Arab flags, although the use of red is
more commonly associated with the Arab states of the Persian gulf;
design dates to 1912
Economy Morocco
Economy - overview:
Morocco faces problems typical for developing countries:
restraining government spending, reducing constraints on private
activity and foreign trade, and achieving sustainable growth.
Despite structural adjustment programs supported by the IMF, the
World Bank, and the Paris Club, the dirham is only fully convertible
for current account transactions. In 2004 Moroccan authorities
instituted measures to boost foreign direct investment and trade by
signing a free trade agreement with the US and selling government
shares in the state telecommunications company and in the largest
state-owned bank. Favorable rainfall over the past two years has
boosted agricultural output and GDP growth passed 4% in 2004. In
2005 the budget deficit is expected to rise sharply - from 1.9% of
GDP in 2004 - because of substantial increases in wages and oil
subsidies. Long-term challenges include preparing the economy for
freer trade with the US and European Union, improving education and
job prospects for Morocco's youth, and raising living standards.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
$134.6 billion (2004 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
4.4% (2004 est.)
GDP - per capita:
purchasing power parity - $4,200 (2004 est.)
GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 21.2% industry: 35.8% services: 43% (2004 est.)