Why Do People in the United States Think Morocco Isn't Part of Europe?
Often, individuals, even those with a slight understanding of geography, can be surprised to learn that Morocco isn't considered part of Europe. This confusion isn't limited to the United States; it's a common misconception globally. There are several compelling reasons behind this perception, all of which revolve around key geographical and cultural factors.
Geographical and Cultural Distinctions
The most obvious reason for this misconception is the geographical location of Morocco. Morocco is, indeed, part of the African continent, specifically in the Maghreb region. This geographical reality forms the basis of the claim that Morocco is an African country, not part of Europe. However, there are deeper layers to this issue.
Furthermore, the cultural landscape of Morocco is vastly different from that of Europe. Despite its proximity to the Iberian Peninsula (e.g., Tangier is very close to Spain), the cultural experience in Morocco feels like a world apart. This cultural divergence, evident in the way of life, cuisine, architecture, and traditions, reinforces the idea that Morocco is an African nation.
European Union Application and Rejection
Another critical factor is the historical context of Morocco's application to join the European Union. In 1987, Morocco submitted an application to become part of the European Communities, the forerunner of the current European Union. This application was rejected on the grounds that Morocco was not considered a European country. The grounds for rejection were not based solely on geographical considerations but also on the cultural and historical affiliations that make it distinct from Europe.
The rejection of Morocco's application underscores the official stance on the continent's boundaries. The European Union is a tightly defined entity based on geographical, cultural, and political boundaries. Morocco, due to its African nature, does not meet these criteria for membership.
Additional Context and Examples
Many people recognize that countries like Kazakhstan and Turkey have a partial claim to being considered European due to their geographical proximity to Europe. However, Morocco doesn't have this claim. Completely landlocked on the African continent, and with a distinct cultural identity influenced by Arab and African heritage rather than European, Morocco is firmly anchored in Africa.
It's worth noting that the situation is parallel to that of Portugal, which is unequivocally considered an European country due to its geographical location. Similarly, Morocco is in no doubt about its African identity, despite its cultural richness and historical ties.
Conclusion
The perception that Morocco is not part of Europe stems from a combination of geographical reality and cultural distinctiveness. Morocco's location in the African continent and its unique cultural identity set it apart from the European countries. Understanding these factors can help clarify why many people, including those in the United States, consider Morocco to be an African country, not part of Europe.