The Kingdom of Morocco is a land of legend, a melting pot of many different civilizations, and a place of endless mystery. It is home to a blend of cultures, many of whose traditions have survived both the positive and the negative changes wrought by the twentieth century, and the country is a cornucopia for travelers who come to experience its beauty for themselves. More so than in other countries, a complex geographical and geological makeup has resulted in a great variety of landscapes, and Morocco's enigmatic complexity is reflected in the culture of its people. From the golden beaches of the Atlantic to the steeply rising coasts of the Mediterranean, from arid ranges of snow-capped mountains over 4,000 meters (13,000 ft) high to forests of cedars and vast sandy plains, the landscapes of Morocco are a source of endless wonder for visitors. But perhaps even more importantly, the qualities on which this nation most prides itself are qualities of the heart and the mind. The most fascinating feature of this land is its people, a mixture of Arabs, Berbers, and Saharan nomads who, for all the upheavals they have undergone in recent decades, still seem close to nature, and are still renowned for their generous hospitality. Islam has guided every aspect of their lives for nearly twelve centuries, and Morocco has proved fertile territory for the growth of this religion.

Many visible traces remain of Morocco's history since the first Islamic kingdom was founded here in the eighth century by Idris I. These give some insight into the turbulent events and the artistic creativity that have shaped this country over the span of six dynasties. But the best way of understanding the soul of modern-day Morocco is through contact with the passion and humility displayed by its people.

Muslim geographers from the east called Morocco Maghreb elAqsa, the country of the far west. They found a place of striking contrasts; of jagged mountain landscapes and plains stretching as far as the eye could see. The country is dominated by the imposing peaks of the High and Middle Atlas mountains; the highest point is Jebel (Mount) Toubkal, 4,167 meters (13,750 ft) above sea level, where skiers can indulge their passion near the village of Oukaimeden. To the northeast, Jebel Ayachi reaches a height of 3,737 meters (12,332 if). In the north of Morocco, overlooking the Mediterranean, is the legendary Rif, a crescent-shaped mountain chain with Jebel Tidirhine the highest peak at 2,456 meters (8,104 if). In the south, the harsh plateau of the Anti-Atlas gazes out across the Sahara. Rain and melted snow from these mountains fill the many seasonal watercourses known as wadis, providing irrigation for a 2,500-kilometre (1,600-mile) strip of land along the Atlantic coast, for 500 kilometers (300 miles) beside the Mediterranean, and to a lesser extent for the slopes facing the Sahara.

The soil is surprisingly generous to the people of Morocco. There are woodlands and forests of cedar and oak, as well as oil-bearing argan trees, olives, palms, and orange and almond trees; while the many crops include grapes, maize, barley, wheat, henna, and any number of different vegetables. All are dependent on the Atlas Mountains, whose central position helps to give Morocco it's feeling of coherence and unity.

In its time, Morocco has been peopled by many races. The first in this long succession were the Berbers, who were later followed by the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Vandals, and the Byzantines. The year 682 marked a crucial milestone in the history of the Moroccan nation, for it was in this year that Oqba Ben Nafi and his army of Muslim Arabs arrived bearing the message of Islam as revealed by the prophet Mohammed. A century later, Idris Ben Abdallah - a descendant of Ali, the prophet's son-in-law - found refuge here and became the first sultan of the Islamic kingdom of Maghreb el-Aqsa.

He helped to spread Islam, which rapidly became the cornerstone of Moroccan unity. Idris was followed by other nobles descended from the prophet Mohammed who founded the Idrisid, Saadian, and Alawi dynasties, as well as the powerful Berber aristocracies represented by the Almoravid, Almohad, and Marinid dynasties. Over the centuries, they developed a unique culture in which art, architecture, crafts, and life itself were all devoted to the greater glory of G-d.

Throughout its history, Islam has welded together the different components that make up the Moroccan people, and it is a profoundly tolerant, open, and generous religion. Simplicity, hospitality, and human warmth are the hallmarks of its people: the architect from Casablanca, the goldsmith from Chefchaouen, the fisherman from Essaouira, the Berber shepherd from the High Atlas, the hotel manager from Marrakesh, the Touareg woman from the Sahara. As King Hassan II points out in his book, The Challenge: "Morocco is like a tree whose nourishing roots plunge deep into the soil of Africa, and which breathes through its leaves, which rustle in the winds blowing from Europe.

There is much to be gained by understanding and fostering European influences in Morocco. At the end of his book, published in 1976, King Hassan II recalls the words of an Italian expert on Morocco who was a vice-president of the European Commission at the time. "Over and above the many historical, geographical, and trading links between Europe and Morocco, the Mediterranean represents a vitally important region for the European Community. The development of good relations between these coastal nations is essential for the stability and security of all the European Community countries." This comment is just as true now as it was twenty years ago.