Morocco’s Economy

Project STEP 2 - 50 points
To complete this step, your essay and research should, at the very least, include answers, rationales, and insights into the following questions regarding your country:
1. Major Economic Features
Current demographic and economic features:
What is the population of your country? (Break this down into age, gender, rural and urban population.)
What are the major natural resources and the major features of the economy? Is the economy driven by the export of minerals and raw materials, agriculture, significant industries, or a mixture of these? What are the main exports and imports?
Which countries are its largest trading partners? Is the country a member of regional or continental African trading blocs?
How do different groups of people in your country make a living? Explore this in relation to both formal (i.e., salaried jobs) and informal work (casual, cash-in-hand work), look at both rural and urban settings, and consider the young, old, men, and women. Are there gendered differences in how men and women make a living in your country?
Basic economic indicators and economic policies:
Since independence, how has domestic economic policy shaped the country?
How have international economic forces shaped your country’s economy? For example, has your country been impacted by economic structural adjustment programs initiated by the World Bank or the International Monetary Fund? Do international trade agreements impact your country?
What is the current Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Gross National Product (GNP) of your country? What is the significance of these figures?
What is the unemployment rate?
What is the poverty rate?
What is the foreign debt figure?
What do all these different economic indicators show about the state of the economy in your country?
Information technology and economic development
How has this country integrated information and technology communication (ICT) into its strategy for economic development/advancement?
To what extent are the internet and mobile phones, including mobile banking used in your country? Do these affect economic potential?
Economic impacts of Covid-19:
What impact has COVID-19 had on the economy of the country? Which industries/areas have been heavily impacted by COVID-19?
To what extent can the economic impact of COVID-19 be attributed to the country’s response to the pandemic? Give specific examples of pandemic responses and the ripple effects of them.
Economic impacts of the Russia-Ukraine war on African regional economic communities:
What are the possible economic impacts of the Russia-Ukraine war on the regional economic communities of the country? Focus on: (1) Food security and related policies and (2) Energy security and related policies and the resultant inflationary pressures the country is likely to face.
2. Conclusion:
Using all the data gathered and analysis you have conducted in relation to the above questions, write a conclusion addressing the economic health of your country and analyze the main factors contributing to its current strengths and challenges. What advice would you give to the leader of the country regarding turning these challenges into opportunities?
3. Other Requirements:
Referencing: Evidential Proof of sources used: Paper should be supported by evidence and quotations from sources. At least three sources with APA citation at the bottom of the report, Variation in selection of sources. (You can access APA citation style information at http://guides(dot)libraries(dot)psu(dot)edu/apaquickguide)
Organization of text: Well organized, detailed and logical/cohesive arguments addressing relevant issues.
Your work will be graded according to the Step 2 Grading Rubric.