Week 50!!! Morocco

WOOHOO!!

It's week 50!!  Only 2 more weeks to go and we are done with our adventure... I think I can.  I think I can.  Oh, who are we kidding?  We can totally do this.

This week's adventure will be to Morocco!   This country in Northwestern Africa is one of a few countries that have coastline on both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.  It is the closest African country to Europe and is only separated from Spain by a thin waterway known as the Strait of Gilbraltar.  Because of this strategic location the area that makes up Morocco has been invaded and ruled many times over the millennia.  The native Berber people have been ruled by Arabs, Romans, Spaniards, and the French at some point, making the culture of the people very rich and diverse.

Wow, what a beautiful beach!

The geography of Morocco is also very diverse.  The coastal areas have beautiful beaches, rich soil and plentiful rainfall for healthy crops.  The middle of the country is very mountainous, with three different mountain ranges- the High Atlas, the Middle Atlas, and the Anti-Atlas mountains. 






In Southern Morocco you'll find the Sahara Desert and some of the most harsh and inhabitable areas of the country. 

Needless to say, most of the population live near the coast.  The capital of the country is Rabat (34.02°N/ 6.83°W), but the most populated city (and perhaps the most famous) is Casablanca, where the famous Humphrey Bogart movie was set. 






The country is run as a Constitutional Monarchy and the current king is King Mohammed VI.  There is also a parliament in place but, unlike some other monarchies, the King has the ultimate power to pass laws or decrees.  He is not just a ceremonial figure.




I hope to find some interesting tidbits about Morocco and hopefully we have a fun week!  The food is supposed to be pretty good and I know they have beautiful architecture and mosaics.  I can't wait :)