› MOROCCO Property | Highlights

Situated in the north-west corner of Africa, with an area of 446,550 square kilometres, Morocco has both a Mediterranean and an Atlantic coastline. The dominant feature of the country is the Atlas Mountain range. The population is estimated at almost 29 million, and is growing at about 3.3% per annum. The economy is dependent on agriculture and employs 50% of the population. During the summer months (June to September) temperatures inland can reach around 38ºC and the towns situated on the coast usually average around 22ºC to 27ºC. The average temperature during the winter months (November to May) is 15ºC.

Morocco has many attractions, from the chaotic city of Marrakech to the quiet Berber villages of the Atlas Mountains. The climate is excellent and it is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination. Marrakech is home to many attractions including the nation's best golf courses and hotels, and has the Atlas Mountains on its doorstep. Casablanca is the biggest freight port, followed by Tangier.

Morocco’s close association with France (it was ruled by the French from 1912 to 1956) means that it has long been popular with French buyers. As yet though, worldwide buyers are still to discover Morocco's charms in any great numbers. However, this is changing as increasingly professional practices are beginning to appear and instil a greater confidence in the buying process. Morocco's popularity as the most exotic short-haul destination available to Western Europeans is starting to have an impact on property prices as well as the tourist industry.

Morocco enjoys financial stability and economic reform is firmly on the Government's agenda. The Moroccan Government is keen to attract foreign investment and has provided a number of incentives to encourage foreigners to invest. Foreigners may invest in any sector available to Moroccans. The Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement and Double Taxation Agreement allow for the protection of existing and future investments.

Casablanca: population 5,000,000, industrial and trading centre and main seaport. Rabat: population 634,000, capital and seat of the Moroccan Government; its twin, Sale: population 677,000, lies just across the river. Marrakech: population 750,000, is the market town of the south, noted for its carpets. Tangier: population 562,000, commercial centre, and seaport for the northern region. Fez: population 775,000, religious, university and commercial centre, noted for its handicrafts. Meknes: population 623,000 important agricultural market town. Oujda: population 680,000, administrative and commercial centre in the north-eastern region, on the border with Algeria. Agadir: population 603,000, winter tourist centre in the south and important fishing port.

For more information please visit http://www.morocco-uk.com/embassy.html