International Studies in Business: Morocco - Research Paper Example

International Studies in Business Table of Contents Introduction 3 Discussion 3 History 3 Cultural Issues (Language, Religion, Food) 4 Economic Structure and Issues 5 Formal and Informal Education Systems 5 Demographics 6 Political and Legal Structures and Issues 6 Global and Regional Agreements 6 Conclusion 7 References 8 Introduction Morocco is also officially known as Kingdom of Morocco. It is the country of North Africa’s Maghreb region. Geographically, the country is characterized by deserts and mountains. Rabat is the capital of Morocco and Casablanca is the largest city of Morocco. Nador, Tangier, Marrakesh, Agadir and Oujda are the other major cities of Morocco. Morocco is a constitutional kingdom with a single elected parliament. Generally this country holds legislative and executive power. However, this research paper will help the readers to determine several important and interesting facts about the country. In addition to this, the study will try to discuss about the identified issues that are affecting the growth of the country. Based on these facts and issues, finally the study will recommend in favor of a particular business plan that can be run successfully in Morocco. Discussion This part of the report will discuss about several demographic, political, cultural, legal and economic facts about Morocco. History Present Morocco’s area has been occupied since the Paleolithic times. The Maghreb was fertile than comparing to today during the Upper Paleolithic times. However, the Aterian was highly succeeded by the popular Iberomaurusian culture. This specific cultured had the similarity with the Iberian cultures. In fact the Iberomaurusian culture was highly succeeded by the popular Beaker culture in the Kingdom of Morocco. Slowly and gradually, Morocco and North Africa were drawn into the emerging Mediterranean world. It happened due to the initiatives and activities of Phoenicians. He actually made settlements between the established trading colonies during the classical period. Since then, Morocco passed several eras, such as early Islamic era, era of Berber dynasties, era of Sharifian dynasties, era of Spanish and French protectorates during the First World War, King Hassan II’s reign and King Mohammed VI’s Reign. Despite the understanding and deep reforms made by King Mohammed VI which answered maximum concerns created by international community, the demonstrators continued to raise their voice for greater reforms (Murphy, 2010). Finally, the government failed to deliver all the reforms that were promised in the year 2012. Cultural Issues (Language, Religion, Food) Berber and Arabic are the official languages of Morocco. Moroccan Arabic Dialects’ distinctive group is generally referred as Darija. Near about 90 percent of total population in Morocco speaks in Moroccan Arabic. On the other hand, Berber language is generally spoken in three different dialects, such as Central Atlas Tamazight, Tashelhit and Traffit. French and English are other languages that have been practiced in Morocco (Njoku, 2006). Last but not the least; small population in the northern part of the country speak in Spanish. There, in terms of language it is clear that Morocco is multicultural country. Morocco can be identified as an Islamic country in terms of religion as near about 99 percent of total population in Morocco follow Islamic ideology. People of two types of Islamic ideology live in Morocco. 67 percent are the Sunni Muslims. On the other hand, 30 percent people of total population are non-denominational or Shia Muslims. Small percentage of entire population used to follow Christianity and Judaism religious ideology. Morocco is popular due to several diversified cuisine. Long and strong interaction with outside world has resulted Morocco’s diversified cuisines. Berber-Moorish cuisine is the popular cuisine in Morocco. Spanish Reconquista and Moriscos’ Sephardic Cuisine are other popular cuisines of Morocco. Spices are extensively used in the Moroccan food items. Pastilla, Harira, Couscous and Tajine are some famous Moroccan dishes (Medina, 2005). Chicken and red meat including lamb and beef are preferred by Moroccans as major non-veg food items. Atai is the most popular drink item among the Moroccans. Atai is green tea with the flavor of mint. Economic Structure and Issues The country used to follow liberal economic structure. The economy of Morocco is governed by the supply and demands law. However, the country follows open economy policy since 1993 by introducing privatization. Several leading multinational firms were influenced by government to enter in the country and take part in business operation activities. Tourism, energy, transport and agriculture sectors are the major economic growth drivers. The country has ensured positive and impressive growth rate for several years. In addition to this, the disposable income and purchasing power of people have improved in Morocco due to significant economic growth rate. Formal and Informal Education Systems Education for Moroccans is free. The government has initiated free compulsory education through primary schools. The country has almost 50 universities. The government is mainly focusing on improving the structure and system of formal or public education process. In addition to this, the government has allowed several private bodies or group of companies to develop private universities and institutions affiliated under government educational board. The literacy rate of Morocco is 73 percent which is quite impressive. Demographics In terms of demographics, majority of the Moroccans are of Berber, Arab and Mixed Arab-Berber descent. There is a noteworthy minority of European and Sub-Saharan Africa. A large segment of the population is identified as Gnawa, Haratin, and slaves’ clack or mixed ancestry. Berbers are considered as indigenous inhabitants, but succeed to make up the majority of the population. Jewish, French, Spanish and other European groups are considered as minority groups in Morocco (Park, 2006). Political and Legal Structures and Issues Morocco can be considered as a parliamentary constitutional kingdom in which prime minister is the head of the government. Executive power of the country has been controlled by the government. On the other hand, legislative power of the country has been governed by both chambers of parliament, such as assembly of councilors, and Morocco’s Assembly of Representatives and government. In terms of legal structure, the bicameral legislature is made of two different chambers. It happened since the constitutional reform in the year 1996. Morocco’s Assembly of Representatives has 325 members. They are elected for a five year term. Assembly of Councilors has 270 members. They are elected for a nine-year terms. Earlier, the parliamentary power was limited. However, somehow it was expended during the 1996 reformation. Global and Regional Agreements It was one of the developing African nations. It is not a member of the African union as Morocco withdrew its name from unilateral list. The country included itself in the ENP of European union in order to bring European Union and Neighborhood closer. In addition to this, the federal government of the United States of America gave Morocco the Non-NATO ally status. However, a critical and serious dispute with Spain in the year 2002 revived the issue of sovereignty of Ceuta and Melilla. Conclusion It is clear from the above discussed facts and aspects the Morocco can be considered as one of the developing countries in terms of economic growth, social growth and political stability. In addition to this, literacy rate and foreign relation activities have been increasing since last 10-15 years. Demand for diversified, differentiated, advanced and high quality products is signifi9cantly increasing among the Moroccans. Therefore, it would be effective to open a large retail chain across Morocco. First of all, it will help to fulfill the social demand of people. In addition to this, people of different cultural backgrounds used to stay in Morocco. Diversified and differentiated products and services for people of multicultural background will help an organization to secure effective market share. Moreover, the effective economic environment of country ensured high purchasing power and high disposable income of people. Therefore, it will be effective if the organization implements cost leadership started in business operation process. It will help to develop a potential target customer base. References Medina, F. (2005). Food Culture in Spain. New York: Greenwood. Murphy, L. (2010). Readings for a History of Anthropological Theory. New York: Springer. Njoku, R. (2006). Culture and Customs of Morocco. Stamford: Cengage Learning. Park, T. (2006). Historical Dictionary of Morocco. New York: Scarecrow. Read More