Morocco has 27 million inhabitants, according to offical numbers. Unofficial estimates put the real figures between 30 and 40 millions. The surface area is 710,850 kmē, of which 264,300 kmē is internationally considered as the territory of the Republic of Western Sahara, but which has been effectively occupied by Morocco since 1975. Moroccans are sensitive about this question, and you should be careful about entering discussions on the status of Western Sahara. 98,7% are Sunni Muslims. Arabic is the official language, but several Berber languages are used in large areas of Morocco, principally in the mountain regions and in more remote zones. The second language is French in most of Morocco, while Spanish is the second language in some areas of northern Morocco, especially in the areas near Ceuta and Melilla. The king of Morocco is Hassan II, who is the acting leader of the country. Morocco has developed some democratic functions, and there is relatively good freedom of speech, but Islamism is hard struck upon. Unions can in some cases act with some independence, and has been directing riots against the economical politics of Morocco.
