The first inhabitants of Morocco were the Berbers.

In 7th century before JC, Phoenicians established estates along the Mediterranean Coast; these were then occupied by the Carthaginians up until their conquering by the Romans in the 2^nd century before JC. But, in the course of the following centuries, the strength of the Roman Empire decreased, and the region passed under the influence of the Byzantine Empire.

In the 7^th century after JC, the Arabs conquered the region and brought with them Islam; a succession of Muslim dynasties followed. The best known of these was the Saadien dynasty (at the end of the 16^th century after JC. During this time Morocco expanded rapidly.

In the middle of the 17th century after JC, the dynasty of “chérifs alaouites” gained power and it is they who still govern Morocco today.

In 19th century after JC, Morocco lived under the influence of the European countries, in particular France and Spain who occupied the Mediterranean Coast. In 1912, Morocco became a French protectorate in spite of the presence of the Spaniards in the North.

French controlled the Moroccan economy and built roads, railways and ports (e.g. Casablanca). The opposition to the French by the Moroccans was intense, however. In 1956 France recognized the desire for the independence of Morocco. On May 8th, 1958 Morocco declared itself constitutional monarchy.