Area: 446,300 sq km (land), 250 sq km (water), 446,550 sq km (total)

Population: 34,343,219 (July 2008 est.)

Government: constitutional monarchy

Capital City: Rabat

People: Arab-Berber 99.1%, other 0.7%, Jewish 0.2%

Languages: Arabic (official), Berber dialects, French often the language of business, government, and diplomacy

Religions: Muslim 98.7%, Christian 1.1%, Jewish 0.2%

Currency: Moroccan dirham (MAD)

The past few years has seen Morocco evolve from a humble North African country to a frontrunner in the global property and tourism markets. All year sunshine, exquisite natural beauty, fascinating culture and exciting business opportunities have all ensured Morocco is emerging as a real boom success story.

Unlike many African and Middle Eastern countries, the newly established Moroccan government is committed and progressive. It is composed of 39 ministerial posts including three assumed by women and has prioritised the need to create employment, economic development, improve housing and the optimal reformation of the education system, putting the emphasis on qualitative aspects of training and on the elimination of illiteracy.

Policies and attitudes such as these are only good news for any investor, as they provide comfort, stability and the necessary growth foundations that emerging markets need in order to prosper. In countries such as Morocco the government's attitude to the population is key.