The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs and The Republic of Yemen Cosponsored by The United Nations Development Programme and The Government of Japan In Partnership with the Governments of: The Netherlands The United Kingdom The United States And the: Canadian International Development Agency Friedrich Ebert Stiftung International Labour Organization Irish Aid National Endowment for Democracy United States Agency for International Development Westminster Foundation for Democracy World Bank		Morocco Country Summary english - french - spanish Morocco is a monarchy with a constitution and elected legislature. In the past several years, the country has undergone modest political reforms that characterize a trend towards democratic development. In 1996, constitutional reform enacted by referendum led to the creation of a directly elected lower house of parliament and to reasonably open multiparty local and parliamentary elections the following year. King Hassan's appointment of a Prime Minister from a traditionally oppositionist party in 1998 suggests a further commitment to pluralism in Morocco. There has been substantial progress made on the country's human rights record during the last year, including the release of political prisoners, greater freedom of expression in the press, and a more responsive and open dialogue between civic activists and the government. According to political observers, political parties in Morocco are working to bolster their appeal to the urban and youthful population, improve internal organization and strengthen direct communications links with the public. Economic and Social Indicators Population: GNP: Per Capita GNP: Growth Rate: Illiteracy Rate: : Life Expectancy: 28 million $34.4 billion $1250 - 4.4% 43%-males 69%-females 64-males 68-females The World Bank. World Development Report. Oxford Union Press,1999 Although, the King remains a powerful figure in Moroccan politics and government, parties and politicians must increasingly jockey for position and favor among a disaffected electorate. A major challenge is for political parties to increase their ability to communicate coherent, independent positions and policies, particularly in addressing Morocco's chronically high youth unemployment. High public expectations of democracy coupled with underdeveloped representative institutions are a potentially volatile combination. Since 1980, Morocco has undertaken a series of economic reforms with the support of the IMF, including reductions of taxes, tariffs and subsidies. A major privatization program was initiated in the late 1980s. Foreign investments began to increase markedly in 1992. Morocco has significant economic potential but is plagued by rapid population growth, vulnerability to drought and a high unemployment rate among the expanding labor market. Morocco's economic problems have led to interest in building stronger economic ties with Europe, an interest which in turn has provided greater impetus for political liberalization. [ Introduction ] [ Worldwide Activities ] [ What We Do ] [ Feedback ] [ Jobs/Links/Archives ] [ NDI Home ]