The Kingdom of Morocco achieved its independence in 1956 after over 40 years as a French protectorate. Since its independence, it has further expanded its area of control by reclaiming the formerly international city of Tangier as well as annexing Western Sahara from Spain in the 1970s. In 1777, Morocco became the first nation to recognize the United States, and the Moroccan-American Treaty of Friendship of 1783 is the oldest unbroken friendship treaty with the U.S. Morocco of the past and present are covered in this second edition of the Historical Dictionary of Morocco. A comprehensive introduction, focusing on its history, provides a helpful synopsis of the kingdom, and is supplemented with a useful chronology of major events. Hundreds of cross-referenced dictionary entries on former rulers, current leaders, ancient capitals, significant locations, influential institutions, and crucial aspects of the economy, society, culture and religion form the core of the book. A bibliography of sources is included to promote further more specialized study.