Morocco
Land of Rich Culture, Business, and Prominent Leaders
When it comes to doing business with people of a different nationality, it is important to first learn about the existing customs, beliefs, attitudes and etiquette of the country. If you are thinking about starting up a business or transferring your business in a foreign country like Morocco, it is important that you first seek information about that country's cultural environment and immerse yourself in it. Not only will this help make your transition into your new professional environment easier, but it will also increase your chances of creating personal relationships with the native people and successfully running your business. For those of you considering moving your business to Morocco, you are in for a treat. Morocco is a land with a rich and diverse culture that you are sure to enjoy! Please look below to learn more about the wonderful Moroccan culture.
Moroccan Culture
Our History
Morocco is a country rich in history that has been impacted by various national groups. The Berbers are the original inhabitants and have been present in that area since 8000 BCE.
Since then, the land has been settled, colonized and reclaimed by several different nations. Beginning in 8th century BCE, the Phoenicians colonized the Moroccan coast. The Phoenicians remained there until the 3rd century BCE, when the indigenous Berber monarchs ruled the territory until 40 AD when control was assumed by the Roman Empire. In the 6th century, the Byzantine Empire took control of the country. In the 8th century AD, the region was conquered by Muslims and their reign lasted until the Berber Revolt of 740. Approximately 50 years later, the Moroccan state was established by the Idrisid dynasty. Islam flourished under the Idrisid Empire. Several other dynasties also dominated Morocco until 1667 when the Alouite dynasty assumed control in 1667, who continue to be the ruling dynasty. In 1912, the Treaty of Fez was signed and divided Morocco into French and Spanish protectorates. Finally, in 1956, Morocco gained its independence from France and most of the territories under Spanish control.
Our Community
Today, Morocco is home to approximately 35,088,689 people that are known for being friendly and hospitable. For centuries, Morocco has been enriched by a variety of ethnicities and religions. Although the majority of the population are Berbers or Arabs and practice Islam, Black Africans also reside there and Judiaism and Christianity are also practiced. While Arabic is the chief language, the Berber language Tamazight is now also an official language. However, French and Spanish are used alongside Arabic in business, government (constitutional monarchy), and diplomacy. A variety of lifestyles also exist from traditional to modern.
Our Values
Morocco values three things above all: honor, religion, and family. Honor is extremely important in Morocco: personal honor, honor of religion, and honor of family. Being honorable "is to live for others, displaying generosity, helping others, and having integrity" (Moore & Hanson, 2012). The majority of the population (approximately 98.7%) practices Islam (US Department of State, 2012). The people pray 5 times a day, fast, and nationally recognize religious holidays. Finally, the family plays a significant role in Moroccan life. As a collectivist culture, the family (immediate and extended) is always put before the individual. Therefore, because the family is a central relationship, members of the family often pledge loyalty to each other. According to Al-Omari (2008), "loyalty is about submitting to the code of honor of the group or family" which "in business it is displayed through a culture of nepotism or Waasta." This collectivist mindset is the reason why building personal relationships is important in Morocco. Together,honor, religion, and family are the basis of all aspects of life in Moroccan culture and explain the essence of political, social, and business life.
Our Future
While much progress has been made since the beginning of our history, there is much progress that can be accomplished here. Morocco continues to be a place of constant growth and change that is catching up with the times. As Morocco becomes more modernized with increasing technologies, free-trade agreements opening, and people embracing the conveniences of the Western world,
the future of Morocco is looking very bright. Social life is also on the rise to improve in the future. Democratic reforms began during the reign of King Hassan II and have steadily been on the rise since his son, King Mohammad VI, ascended the throne in 1999. These reforms attempt to empower individual citizens. Some of the initiatives of the programs include human rights, gender equality, health, education, and economics. As these reforms continue to be enacted and governed, the multicultural and multi-religious character of Moroccan society is sure to thrive as we head into the future
First Image: Essaouira Market. (2017). Retrieved March 26, 2017, from (2017). Retrieved March 26, 2017, from http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Africa/Morocco/South
/Essaouira/Essaouira/photo426245.htm
Second Image: Berber Morocco. (2013). Retrieved March 26, 2017, from http://fescooking.com/authentic-morocco-tour-8-nights/morocco-berber-carpet-souk