ABSTRACT
Morocco is well over 99% Muslim, with an estimated Jewish population of about 4,000 and a Christian population of 1,000. Politically, Morocco has been closely linked to the European Unionwhere millions of Moroccans work and live-and friendly to the United States. Since about 2000, the increasing readiness to address human rights concerns and the abuses of the previous regime, plus the 2004 liberalization of Muslim family law, are major positive signs. However, very high unemployment, even among educated youth, is considered a major problem. Islamist critiques of the regime are outspoken, but most Moroccans appear optimistic that increased participation in a globalized economy and a strong identity as a Muslim nation are compatible.
