Country Profile

Largely spared the unrest that spread through the region as part of the Arab Spring, Morocco’s stability was in part thanks to subtle shifts in power brought about through constitutional changes in 2011 that further empowered parliament and devolved some responsibilities to regional authorities. A member of several regional and international bodies, Morocco has strong relations with a range of partners, especially the US and the EU, which is its largest trading partner. This chapter includes a viewpoint from His Majesty King Mohammed VI, and interviews with Abdel-Ilah Benkiran, Head of Government; and Alistair Burt, UK Minister for the Middle East and North Africa.