Why is Morocco French?
Sarah Scott
Updated on April 17, 2026
The use of French is a colonial legacy of the French protectorate (1912–1956). French has no officially recognized status in Morocco, but is considered a prestige language, and is often used for business, diplomacy, and government, serving as a lingua franca with non-Moroccans and non-Arabs.
Is Morocco a French colony?
1912 - Morocco becomes a French protectorate under the Treaty of Fez, administered by a French Resident-General. Spain continues to operate its coastal protectorate. The sultan has a largely figurehead role.How is Morocco related to France?
Morocco is the main recipient of French investment on the African continent, and France remains Morocco's primary foreign investor, primary trade partner, and primary creditor—by far.Is Morocco French or Spanish?
French is Morocco's unofficial second languageFrance and Spain controlled Morocco in the early 1900s, and though Morocco gained independence in 1956, French remains widely spoken by Moroccans of all ages throughout much of the country. It functions as the language of government, diplomacy and business.