Morocco ( المغرب al-Maghrib ; Berber: Lmaɣrib ; French: Maroc , officially the Kingdom of Morocco , is a country in the Maghreb region of North Africa. Geographically, Morocco is characterized by a rugged mountainous interior and large portions of desert. It is one of only three countries (with Spain and France) to have both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines. The Arabic name al-Mamlakah al-Maghribiyah (Arabic: المملكة المغربية , meaning "The Western Kingdom") and Al-Maghrib (Arabic: المغرب , meaning "The West") are commonly used as alternate names. Morocco has a population of over 33.8 million and an area of 446,550 km 2 (172,410 sq mi). Its political capital is Rabat. The largest city is Casablanca. Other major cities include Marrakesh, Tangier, Tetouan, Salé, Fes, Agadir, Meknes, Oujda, Kenitra, and Nador. A historically prominent regional power, Morocco has a history of independence not shared by its neighbours. Its distinct cultur
