THE WORLD OF WORK
Morocco’s economy relies heavily on agriculture. Large, mechanized farms make up most of the agricultural production. Crops include corn, potatoes, barley, sugar beets, tomatoes and wheat. Citrus fruits and grapes are leading export crops. There are also small farms where families grow crops and raise livestock on small plots of land for the household or community, or for sale in the markets. Forests cover 12% of the land. Cork is the chief forestry product. There is also a growing fishing industry along the coast. Fish make up nearly 15% of all exports from Morocco. 
About 25% of the labour force works in industry. Morocco has one of the largest reserves of phosphates in the world and they are the country’s major export. Phosphates are used to make fertilizers. There is also an abundance of other mineral resources, including manganese, lead, copper, zinc and iron ore. Manufacturing is another important sector of the economy. Moroccans make fertilizers, textiles, processed foods and refined petroleum products. The country is also known for leather goods, glassware and pottery.
  Did you know?
Casablanca is the chief port and main industrial centre of Morocco. It has a population of more than 3 million people. Agadir in southern Morocco is an important centre for the sardine fishing industry.
Because of the country’s many historical sites and its rich heritage, tourism is a major service industry and an important source of revenue.

 In urban areas, many women work in the industrial, service or education sectors. Women in rural areas help with farming. Children who live on farms also do chores, such as taking care of the livestock and fetching water from public wells or fountains.

 At least 20% of the workforce is unemployed or underemployed. Many people are forced to look for work outside Morocco. More than 1.7 million Moroccans have moved to Europe and North America. Many send money home to their families in Morocco.
  Did you know?
Morocco’s souks or markets are a maze of narrow walkways and tunnels. People go to the market not only to buy and sell goods, but to socialize. The souks have many tiny shops crammed with all kinds of goods, from spices to clothing. Because of the narrow walkways, donkeys and bicycles are often the only way to transport goods within the souks.