Morocco is situated on the extreme northwestern corner of Africa and is bordered by Mauritania and Algeria, both to the south and east. Morocco's varied geography includes no less than four separate mountain ranges, in addition to lush river valleys, beautiful sandy coasts, and wide expanses of desert. Morocco, about one-tenth larger than California, lies across the Strait of Gibraltar on the Mediterranean and looks out on the Atlantic from the northwest shoulder of Africa. Morocco's history began with the Berbers, the aboriginal people who have inhabited the country since the end of the 2nd millennium BC 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. Morocco is also home to a 300-500-person Bahaýi community which, in recent years, has been able to worship free from government interference. Morocco's location and resources led to early competition among European powers in Africa, beginning with successful Portuguese efforts to control the Atlantic coast in the 15th century. Morocco is a politically stable, moderate Muslim country, positioning itself as a regional hub for business, at the crossroads of North Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Morocco also has liberalized rules for oil and gas exploration and has granted concessions for many public services in major cities. Morocco was the first Arab state to condemn Iraqýs invasion of Kuwait in 1990, and sent troops to help defend Saudi Arabia. Morocco maintains close relations with Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf states, which have provided Morocco with substantial amounts of financial assistance. Morocco's varied geography includes no less than four separate mountain ranges, in addition to lush river valleys, beautiful sandy coasts, and wide expanses of desert. Morocco has supported efforts to stabilize Iraq following the downfall of Saddam Hussein. Morocco was among the first Arab and Islamic states to denounce the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States and declare solidarity with the American people in the war against terror. Morocco's claim to sovereignty over the Western Sahara is based largely on a historical argument of traditional loyalty of the Sahrawi tribal leaders to the Moroccan sultan as spiritual leader and ruler. Morocco annexed the territory in 1975 and a guerrilla war with Algerian-backed pro-independence forces ended in 1991. Morocco subsequently built a fortified berm around three-fourths of Western Sahara and has de facto administrative control over 80% of the territory. Morocco has recently expressed willingness to lay out its plan for autonomy for the Western Sahara, and the U. Morocco is bidding for membership of the European Union, its main trade partner, but there appears to be little enthusiasm for this within the bloc. Morocco has been given the status of non-Nato ally by Washington, which has praised its support for the US-led war on terror. Morocco has seen its own terrorism at home as well. Morocco has been a WTO member since 1 January 1995. Morocco developed integrated strategy to promote children's rights. Morocco is unique in many ways; firstly, it is an African country closest to Europe in geographical and cultural terms. Morocco is one of the luckiest countries in the African continent, with a unique weather pattern and resourceful plains and lowlands abound on colorful Mediterranean plants, and support many varieties of fruit, vegetables and grains. Morocco is famous for the wide range of delicious foods sold by its many street vendors. Morocco, a place where magical colours blend in an irresistible pageant of light and shade.