About the High Atlas Mountains:
- The High Atlas Mountains are a prominent mountain range in North Africa, primarily located in Morocco.
- Location:
- The High Atlas Mountains are part of the Atlas Mountain Range, which stretches across Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.
- It extends northeastward for 1000 km from the Atlantic Coast to the Moroccan-Algerian border.
- Geography:
- They are characterised by their rugged and steep terrain.
- They are known for their high peaks, deep valleys, and extensive plateaus.
- The range includes several peaks over 4,000 metres (13,000 feet) in elevation, with Mount Toubkal being the highest at approximately 4,167 metres (13,671 feet).
- Cultural Significance: They have cultural significance in Morocco. The region is inhabited by Berber communities, and traditional Berber villages can be found throughout the mountains.
- Climate Divide: Its saw-toothed Jurassic peaks act as a weather barrier between the mild Mediterranean climate to the north and the encroaching Sahara to the south.
Key Facts about Morocco:
- It is located in the northwest corner of Africa and is bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
- Land Borders: It shares land borders with Algeria to the east and southeast and Western Sahara to the south.
- The High Atlas Mountains separate the mild coastline from the harsh Sahara.
- Sahara Desert: A significant part of Morocco is covered by the Sahara Desert.
- Climate: Morocco has a diverse climate, ranging from the Mediterranean along the coast to desert in the interior. The country experiences hot summers and mild winters in most regions.
- It was a French protectorate between 1912 and 1956.
- Capital: Rabat, which is located on the Atlantic coast.
- Largest City: Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and serves as its economic and business hub.
- Official Languages: Arabic and Amazigh (Berber) are the official languages of Morocco. French is also widely spoken and used in business and government.
- Government:
- Morocco is a constitutional monarchy with an elected parliament.
- King Mohammed VI has been the reigning monarch since 1999.
