Morocco

In 1912, centuries of foreign rule interspersed with periods of independence came to an end when Morocco became a French protectorate. Independence was successfully achieved in 1956. Ethnically, 99.1 percent of the population are Arab Berber, and 98.7 percent are Muslim. Almost 45 percent of the population are engaged in agriculture, and only 57 percent of Moroccans are urbanized. Morocco has a per capita income of $4,600, an unemployment rate of 9.1, and a poverty rate of 15 percent. Legally, Moroccan women have equal rights with men, but in practice religious and ethnic traditions dictate a subservient role for some women, particularly those who live in rural areas. Historically, Morocco's Civil Code has been based on Islamic law, which treated women as minors. Females needed ...