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, IPU, ISO, ITU, LAS,
MIGA, MINUSTAH, MONUC, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, 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 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:
Moroccan economic policies brought macroeconomic stability to the
country in the early 1990s but have not spurred growth sufficient to
reduce unemployment that nears 20% in urban areas. Poverty has
actually increased due to the volatile nature of GDP, Morocco's
continued dependence on foreign energy, and its inability to promote
the growth of small and medium size enterprises. 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 and Morocco's financial sector is rudimentary. Moroccan
authorities understand that reducing poverty and providing jobs is
key to domestic security and development. 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. The Free Trade agreement went into effect
in January 2006. In 2005, GDP growth slipped to 1.2% and the budget
deficit rose sharply - to 7.5% of GDP - 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, which the government hopes to achieve
by increasing tourist arrivals and boosting competitiveness in
textiles.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
$135.1 billion (2005 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate):
$51.94 billion (2005 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
1.7% (2005 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP):
$4,100 (2005 est.)