This volume investigates the complex socio-political, historical, and economic structures that define the nation of Morocco. Edited by Harold D. Nelson, the work synthesizes extensive research from regional specialists to provide a comprehensive baseline for understanding the country's institutional development and cultural identity.

Experts and researchers frequently cite this volume as a foundational reference for academic study regarding North African statecraft. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which prioritizes objective data collection over narrative storytelling.