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Morocco

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Morocco has a lot to offer

As you move your mouse over the points on the map of Morocco more information is revealed.

Essaouira: This working port and fishing town - backdrop for much of Orson Welles’ Othello - was a major commercial centre between Africa and Europe during the 19th century. Enclosed by ancient battlements, with ramparts built on the cliffs, the resort is relaxed and as yet largely unspoiled.

Atlas Mountains: The modern world seems far away in the snow-peaked mountains south of Marrakech, where in the traditional villages life has remained almost unchanged for hundreds of year. Tourists, usually trekkers, pass the Berber villages of Imlil, Asni and Aremd, en route to the highest peak, the Djebel Toubkal.

Poverty

Across the rest of the world, absolute poverty has halved over recent decades, but in Africa it has barely fallen.

About two-fifths of the population of sub-Saharan Africa survive week by week on what someone in the UK earns from just one hour's work on the minimum wage.

Fez: Fez or Fes, founded in 790AD, is the country’s oldest Imperial city and its cultural and spiritual centre. The "old town", the Medina, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Behind its high walls, a colourful medieval city of some 9,000 narrow streets teems with life.

Draa Valley: The Draa Valley is a magical landscape of earth-red Kasbahs (fortresses), Berber villages and green vegetation set against the golden Atlas Mountains. The valley surrounds the longest river in Morocco – the River Draa – which flows into the Atlantic Ocean if it hasn’t dried out into the desert from the heat.

Casablanca: Casablanca is Morocco's largest city as well as its chief port. Located on the Atlantic Ocean, it one of the most popular tourist cities in Morocco. A key attraction is the Hassan II Mosque, designed by the French architect Michel Pinseau and the third largest mosque in the world.

Meknes: Cut in two by the river valley of the Oued Boufekrane, this sprawling city is closely associated with a single figure - Suktan Moulaty Ismail. In his 55-year reign (1672-1727), the city built from a provincial centre to a spectacular capital boasting over 50 palaces - the remains of which are to be seen everywhere.

Health

Africa has a high number of communicable diseases, which place a huge burden on healthcare systems. The vast majority of malaria cases and HIV/AIDS-related deaths occur in Africa; these two diseases currently represent the greatest threats.

With low investment in healthcare and a severe shortage of medical staff, many countries struggle to meet the health needs of their people.

Marrakesh: Marrakech or Marrakesh is the most important former imperial city in Morocco's history and the capital of the mid-south-western economic region of Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz, which lies close to the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. It is known as the "Red City".

Famine & Agriculture

A quarter of the population of sub-Saharan Africa is undernourished and famines can impact whole regions.

Land is available to grow more food locally. But investment is needed in technologies such as irrigation, for land to be used effectively. Farmers must also adapt to climate change if they are to feed the continent's rising population.

Foods: Africa has some of the most distinctive cuisines and flavours in the world. Food varies widely, but there are commonalities across regions. Depending on what's grown locally, dishes are also influenced by the traders, immigrants and rulers who settled across the continent. Arab, Asian and European elements blend in with traditional African cooking.

Games & Sports

Africa is home to arguably the oldest-recorded games and sports. While some are only known through archeology, modern-day games and sports such as Mancala/Mankala and Nubian wrestling are very much alive today.

Of course, new sports have come along to claim the attention of Africans. You may have heard of one - it's called football.

Development

‘People are the real wealth of a nation.’ This is the belief of the United Nations, whose Millenium Development Goals provide a framework for improving the lives of millions.

It helps when nations are peaceful, stable and growing economically. But even where the poorest countries focus on health, education and creating fairer societies, more Africans have the chance of a better life.

Rabat: This cosmopolitan city is noted for its elegant tree-lined boulevards and imposing administrative buildings. The Mausoleum of Mohammed V, housing the tombs of Mohammed V and his sons Hassan II and Prince Abdallah, is one of the most renowned historical sites in Morocco.

Tangier: From 1920 to the late 1950's, Tangier was a playground for adventure seekers and the rich and famous but when Spain relinquished the city back to Morocco in 1960, its glamourous image faded. Decayed grandeur, souks, a sandy beach and a variety of historical and cultural attractions continue to draw tourists.

Ceuta

Ceuta and Melilla are both autonomous cities of Spain, meaning that although geographically Ceuta is located in Morocco, it is part of the Kingdom of Spain. Melilla and Ceuta are the only two European-Union territories located in mainland Africa.

Ceuta is located on the north coast of North Africa surrounded by Morocco.

Before Spain joined the European Union, Ceuta was a free port. The population of 75,276 are mainly ethnic Spanish, who dislike the idea of being ruled by Morocco.

Melilla: Melilla and Ceuta are both autonomous cities of Spain, meaning that although geographically Melilla is located in Morocco, it is part of the Kingdom of Spain. Melilla and Ceuta are the only two European-Union territories located in mainland Africa.

Melilla has a population of 73,460. The population is generally split between three major religions: Christians, Muslims and Riffian people.

State of Children

Around one in six children born in sub-Saharan Africa don't live to see their fifth birthday and life can be tough for those who do.

What are the common challenges facing African children and how do their lives compare with those of children in the UK?

Todra Gorge: The Todra Gorge is one of the most dramatic sites in Morocco: a stony path cut into cliff-like mountains by the Todra and Dades rivers, just east of the High Atlas Mountains. Though the passage is only 10 metres wide at some points, the surrounding rock walls are up to 160 metres tall, blocking out the sun for much of the day.

War and Empire

The first humans are thought to have lived in Africa and powerful African empires formed from the medieval age onwards.

However, today's African nations were shaped by the European powers who colonised this vast continent. Having gained their independence, many African countries are still coming to terms with the legacy left by their colonisers.

Climate: Africa is a massive continent, with a range of climates. Some regions are hot and dry, like the Sahara, Kalahari and Namib deserts. Other parts are wet or covered in tropical rainforest. Conditions also vary by altitude, from the dry salt pans of the Danakil Depression (one of the lowest points on earth) to the snowcaps (at certain times) of the highest mountains. Weather-wise, Africa has it all!