Morocco

The original inhabitants of Morocco are the Berbers, who have lived there for more than 3000 years. Today, approximately three-quarters of the citizens of Morocco are ethnically Berber. Islam came to the country at the end of the seventh century and is the state religion. In 1904 the country was partitioned into Spanish and French areas with the French controlling most of today's kingdom. During the Second World War Morocco was occupied by the US to replace administration from Vichy, after which it returned to French rule. The country's long struggle from France ended in 1956. More than half the population of Morocco is illiterate, and approximately 20 percent live in dire poverty. Roman Catholicism came with the French and Spanish colonizers and continues to be practiced by their descendents. The largest Protestant domination in Morocco is the Evangelical Church of Morocco, which is related to the Reformed Church in France. There are no WCC member churches based in this country.