Morocco's history began with the Berbers, the aboriginal people who have inhabited the country since the end of the second millennium BC. Subsequently, Rome extended its rule over the area after defeating Carthage in 146 BC, and testimony to its presence still exists in the fine Roman ruins at Volubilis. As Rome fell into decline Morocco was invaded first by the Vandals and then, in the 7th century, by the Arabs. Although external Arab rule lasted little more than a century, the arrival of Islam proved to be a permanent addition to Moroccan culture. In the ensuing centuries, a series of ruling dynasties came to power, including the Idrissids, the Almoravids, and the Almohads, but none seemed capable of maintaining the critical support of the Berber leaders.

During the 15th century, Spain and Portugal began to move into Morocco, after having expelled the Moors from their own lands. Although Morocco successfully repulsed these invasions, the tide of European imperialism eventually proved too powerful. By the middle of the 19th century, Morocco's strategic importance had become evident to all of the European powers, and they engaged in a protracted struggle for possession of the country. Finally, in 1911, France was formally acknowledged as protector of the greater part of the country, with Spain receiving a number of isolated locales. French rule came to an end in 1953, although its cultural influence on Morocco remains strongly evidenced. Today the country is ruled by King Mohamed VI.