The bulk of the country has been ruled by a monarchist dynasty since the 17th century, with King Mohammed VI holding power since 1999.

CNN: February 7, 2012 -- Updated 1243 GMT (2043 HKT)

Before his death in 1999, Hassan II, Mohammed VI's father, dabbled with reform, even appointing as prime minister a leftist he had once sentenced to death.

ECONOMIST: Morocco��s reforms

Morocco's king, Mohammed VI, announced several reforms, including new parliamentary elections, civic and social equality for women, and recognition of the indigenous Berber language as an official state language along with Arabic.

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