Morocco is located strategically at the entry to the Mediterranean Sea. As a result, its coastal lands became prized areas for the empires that ruled the Mediterranean. Starting with the Phoenicians, many empires established settlements in Morocco including the Romans, the Visigoths, the Vandals, and the Byzantine Empire. In the 7th century, the Arabs conquered Morocco and brought with them the Islam religion as well as the Arab culture. In the 15th century, Portugal tried to control Morocco's Atlantic coast. Later in 1830 France began to show interest in Morocco. In 1912 the Treaty of Fez made Morocco a protectorate of France.
After World War II, the people of Morocco began to desire independence. When France exiled popular leader Sultan Mohammed V and replaced him with Mohammed Ben Aarafa, the people began to rebel. In 1955 France allow Mohammed V to return and granted Morocco independence in 1956.
Morocco has been internally ruled by the Alaouite dynasty since 1649. Hassan II was king from 1961 to 1999. When he died he was replaced by his son Mohammed VI.
