Morocco Neighbouring Countries and North African Neighbors
Morocco’s Neighbouring Nations
Morocco, chillin’ in northwestern Africa, rubs shoulders with a handful of neighbors. Each of these folks gives it a bit of character in the neighborhood.
Bordering Countries Overview
Morocco kicks it next to Algeria on the east and southeast, while Western Sahara lounges down south. And let’s not forget the waves – Morocco’s hanging with both the Atlantic to the west and the Mediterranean up north. Yup, Morocco is the only African Country that’s got front-row seats to both big blue TVs.
| Border | Country/Region | Length (km) |
|---|---|---|
| East and Southeast | Algeria | 1,559 |
| South | Western Sahara (disputed) | 444 |
| North | Spain (Ceuta) | 6.3 |
| North | Spain (Melilla) | 9.6 |
Got curious about who else is rubbing elbows around the globe? Check out our gossip page on luxembourg neighboring countries and malawi neighbouring countries.
Eastern Border with Algeria
You got Morocco and Algeria sittin’ pretty next to each other for about 1,559 kilometers. These two haven’t always played nice. There was the whole Sand War thing back in ’63, and fast forward to ’94, they decided to call it quits border-wise, after some claims from Morocco’s King about Algerian cities Bechar and Tindouf. They’ve got beef that’s made some real noise in regional politics and security.
With the Western Sahara drama and other spats, peace around there is kinda fragile. For more juicy tidbits on border vibes, peep our pieces on mali’s hangout zones and mauritania’s neighboring gigs.
Getting the scoop on these borders gives you the whole story about how Morocco likes or doesn’t like sharing with its neighbors.
Neighbouring Regions
When you think about Morocco’s neighbors, it’s about the land it shares with Western Sahara and the salty waves that lap its Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts.
Western Sahara Borders
Western Sahara’s a bit like the neighborhood plot that everyone’s arguing over. It’s nestled in Northwest Africa, boasting about 252,120 km² of land. Once upon a time, it was a Spanish hangout until the Madrid Accords came around in 1975, bringing Moroccan and Mauritanian forces to the front porch.
Today, Morocco’s got its hands deep in Western Sahara’s cookie jar, claiming administrative control. But don’t expect the other parties, like the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, to take it sitting down. It’s a tangle of political chess that shapes Morocco’s regional playbook.
| Region | Area (km²) | History Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Western Sahara | 252,120 | Once Spanish, post-1975 got Moroccan and Mauritanian attention |
Coastal Proximity
Morocco’s got some prime ocean property, with 1,835 km of coastline giving the nation a larger-than-life edge. The Atlantic whispers sweet nothings to its western shore, while the Mediterranean serenades up north.
Atlantic Ocean Coastline
The Atlantic’s massive, running wild for over 3,000 km on Morocco’s left side. It rolls out the red carpet for cities like Agadir, Casablanca, and Rabat—hubs for trade, fishing, and tourists snapping selfies.
Mediterranean Sea Coastline
Up north is the Mediterranean, stretching 500 km to tickle Morocco’s fancy. Think calm blue lagoons, sunlit beaches, and the perfect backdrop for water sports and wanderers.
| Coastal Region | Length (km) | Cities to Know | Big Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Ocean Coastline | 3,000 | Agadir, Tiznit, Dakhla, Essaouira, El Jadida, Casablanca, Rabat | Trade, fish, play |
| Mediterranean Sea Coastline | 500 | Tangier, Nador, Al Hoceima | Tranquil waters, sunny shores, happy tourists |
Morocco’s shores fuel its economy, drawing in tourists and investors eager to catch a piece of its sustainable future. Discover more about neighboring nations in our articles on Mauritania, Mali, and Algeria.
Diplomatic Relations
Grasping Morocco’s diplomatic relations is like solving a geopolitical puzzle, placing it within a wider circle of influence and cooperation. Morocco’s role in various global organizations and its significant non-NATO ally status showcases its strategic importance on the world map.
Membership in International Organizations
Morocco isn’t just sitting on the sidelines; it’s an active player in several major international groups, which helps shape its foreign dealings and partnerships. Being part of these organizations shows Morocco’s commitment to working together with other countries. Some big names on this list are:
- African Union (AU)
- Arab League
- Arab Maghreb Union (AMU)
- Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
- Francophonie
- Mediterranean Dialogue Group
- Group of 77 (G77)
Being in these groups lets Morocco join forces with other nations to tackle tough problems and chase common goals. For example, through groups like the AU and Arab League, Morocco is actively involved in chats and projects focusing on boosting economies and creating political calm throughout Africa and the Arab scene (Wikipedia).
Major Non-NATO Ally
Morocco’s tight partnership with the US is spotlighted by its Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) badge. This tie-up highlights Morocco’s key role in US defense chats and plans. As an MNNA, Morocco and the US have a special bond, enhancing military teamwork to ensure things stay secure and steady in their neck of the woods.
What does Morocco gain from its MNNA status? Well, more than a mere pat on the back:
- They get the chance to do joint research and development, which can speed up technological advances.
- They’re first in line for any extra military goodies the US has lying around.
- Access to learn the ropes through US military training programs
Morocco’s close ties with the US also shape its foreign interactions, especially within the ongoing Western Sahara controversy. The US put its weight behind Morocco’s claim to Western Sahara back in 2020, leading to waves in Morocco’s dealings with neighbors like Algeria and Spain (Arab Center Washington DC).
In Morocco’s playbook of international relations, its alliances and MNNA status play major roles. For more on geographic and diplomatic connections, check out our articles on Mauritania neighboring countries and Algeria neighboring countries.
Geographic Features
Morocco flaunts its unique coastal boundaries and mesmerizing mountains, both shaping the country’s vibe and culture.
Coastal Borders
Morocco’s got something special: the only African nation cozying up to both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Hello, strategic and economic brownie points!
| Coastal Body | Stretch of Charm |
|---|---|
| Atlantic Ocean | 1,835 km |
| Mediterranean Sea | About 500 km |
Atlantic Ocean: Running wild for over 3,000 km in the west, this oceanic border plays host to buzzing cities like Agadir, Casablanca, and Rabat. It’s Morocco’s ticket to a flourishing economy, driven by fishing, tourism, and trade. Oh, and it’s a splashy paradise for water sports and lazy beach days too (Visit Morocco).
Mediterranean Sea: Up north, about 500 km of shoreline extends from Tangier to Nador. This stretch is a postcard waiting to happen—it’s pretty and packed with history, with ports linking Morocco to Europe (Wikipedia).
Mountain Ranges
Morocco’s mountains don’t just sit pretty—they play a big part in nature and culture both.
| Mountain Range | Size (km) |
|---|---|
| Atlas Mountains | 1,350 |
| Rif Mountains | 250 |
Atlas Mountains: Clocking in at 1,350 km from the heart of the north to the southwest, these mountains split into the Middle, High, and Anti-Atlas. High Atlas is where it’s at, with Djebel Toubkal towering at a cool 4,167 meters, the top spot in North Africa.
Rif Mountains: Sitting pretty in the north, the Rif Mountains span about 250 km from Tangier to Nador. This rugged locale is rich in biodiversity and culture, especially known for olive and citrus farmland (Wikipedia).
Grasping Morocco’s geography is not just about soaking up its beauty; it’s about seeing the strategic dance of its coasts and mountains. Curious about nearby spots? Check out our pieces on Mauritania’s Neighbors and Algeria’s Neighbors.
Conflict and Control
Western Sahara Dispute
The Western Sahara conflict drags on as a riddle without a solution since 1975, when Spain packed its bags. This left Morocco, Mauritania, and the Polisario Front – speaking for the Sahrawi folk – tussling over the desert land. Morocco put up a gigantic barricade dubbed the Moroccan Wall, snaking across the sands for 2,700 km. It separates turf held by Morocco and the Polisario Front like a massive sandy line in the sand. And watch your step—folks reckon there are around 5-10 million landmines buried out there, which makes it one of the most dangerous patches on Earth for unsuspecting feet.
By 1979, Mauritania threw in the towel, struck a deal and signed peace with the Polisario Front, even giving a tip of the hat to the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). It slid out of Western Sahara nice and quiet-like, leaving Morocco to scoop up the spoils without global approval (Arab Center DC). This unrecognized move hasn’t won any popularity contests and keeps stirring drama.
The ongoing battle hasn’t spared innocent bystanders, with severe breaches of human rights all around. The Sahrawi camps faced bombing runs from the skies, and all sides have stained their hands by ignoring the Geneva Conventions (Wikipedia).
Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic
The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), waved into existence by the Polisario Front in ’76, claims to be the voice of the Sahrawi and pushes for Western Sahara’s independence. Once Spain hit the road and chaos ensued, the SADR set up their government-in-exile over in Tindouf, Algeria.
Mauritania gave the nod to the SADR way back but Morocco isn’t having any of it. The area remains torn by politics and the odd scrap, with Morocco grabbing a firm hold on major chunks while the Polisario Front manages free territories.
Human rights? Let’s just say they’re hanging on by a thread. Activists shouting for independence, like Sultana Khaya, live under the watchful eye and sometimes under house arrest, shackled by Moroccan authorities. This paints a grim picture of the ever-present friction and the rights challenges the folks face over there (Arab Center DC).
For a look into how such conflicts ripple through neighbors, check out more of our thoughts on Saint Kitts and Nevis near pals, Luxembourg’s neighbors, and Lithuania’s border buddies.
Economic Impact and Relations
Foreign Direct Investments
Morocco’s rolling in the big leagues now! By pulling in some hefty foreign direct investments (FDIs), it’s turned into a major player on the global stage, especially in industries that look outward, like cars and planes.
Automotive Industry:
When it comes to making and shipping cars out of Africa, Morocco is wearing the crown, even overtaking South Africa. The Tanger Med port, started back in 2007 and beefed up since then, played a big part in this success, becoming a go-to for moving containers in the Mediterranean. Big-name car companies like Renault and PSA Group, along with suppliers like Valeo, Yazaki, and Sumitomo, have poured cash into Morocco like kids into candy stores.
Economic Contribution:
All this investing is keeping Morocco’s economy humming, with manufacturing bringing in about 15% of the GDP year after year.
EU Relations:
Morocco’s clearly been networking and shaking hands all the right ways by lining up trade deals left and right. The European Union (EU) is Morocco’s number one business buddy — half of Morocco’s trade is with the EU. In 2022, business between the EU and Morocco hit a whopping $56.1 billion, with the EU also leading the way in foreign direct investments in the country.
Shift Towards Sustainability
Morocco’s not just about money; it’s looking to the future by going green and keeping an eye on making sure there’s enough water around.
Renewable Energy Goals:
Back in 2015, Morocco threw down the gauntlet, aiming to have more than half of its energy come from renewable sources by 2030. Standing out is the Noor solar power plant, shining bright as the biggest in the world for concentrated solar power (CSP). And that sort of vision doesn’t come cheap — the project ran a tab of $3 billion.
Current Status:
But hey, they’ve still got some road to travel — right now, renewables are less than a fifth of all their electricity. The full green makeover is expected to need about $78 billion by the time 2050 rolls around.
Social and Economic Reforms:
Morocco’s shaking things up socially and economically too, trying to even out differences between regions and tackle issues folks face every day. They’ve got a new plan, big plans for getting more women into the workforce by 2035 and slashing informal jobs from 60% down to 20%. Since October 2020, new social protection measures, like health insurance and cash help for the hard-up homes, are there too (Carnegie Endowment).
Sub-Saharan Africa Engagement:
Africa can’t get enough of Morocco either — it’s the continent’s runner-up for direct investments, especially along the Atlantic coast, Sahel, and the Congo River area. All these moves are upping Morocco’s ante across Africa, with students and immigrants from Sub-Saharan countries especially seeing Morocco as a friendly face (Carnegie Endowment).
Want to know how Morocco’s neighbors rub along with it or more about the area? Check out pieces like Lithuania neighboring countries and Mauritania neighboring countries. For more, dig into our in-depth guide that touches on diplomacy and land disagreements, like the Western Sahara Dispute.
