Why Morocco is Not Considered a Tropical Country Despite Producing Bananas
Morocco's Climate: Subtropical vs. Tropical
Morocco is often thought of as a tropical country due to its production of bananas and other tropical fruits. However, its climate is actually subtropical rather than tropical. While some regions of Morocco do have a more tropical climate, the majority of the country experiences warm and dry summers and mild winters.
Exactly why is Morocco not on the list of tropical countries? Firstly, it is important to understand the difference between a subtropical and a tropical climate. Subtropical regions, such as Morocco, are characterized by warm temperatures with a significant seasonal variation. Tropical regions, on the other hand, experience consistently warm temperatures throughout the year.
Morocco is located north of the Tropic of Cancer, which means it falls outside the tropical zone. The Tropics, or the lands between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, experience warm and humid conditions due to their proximity to the equator. Morocco, therefore, does not meet the geographic criteria to be classified as a tropical country.
Moroccan Banana Production and Climate
Despite not being classified as a tropical country, Morocco does produce bananas and other tropical fruits. In fact, the country has a famous banana village called Aourir, located near Agadir. This village is entirely devoted to banana production, and the bananas from Aourir are highly regarded for their quality.
One of the misconceptions is that the presence of tropical crops implies a tropical climate. While Morocco does have regions with a more tropical climate, the overall climate and geographical location of the country place it in the subtropical category. Banana trees and other tropical plants can thrive in subtropical regions, especially in the southern parts of Morocco which are closer to the equator.
Subtropical vs. Tropical Climate Characteristics
The climate of Morocco is influenced by its location. Most of the territory is in the subtropical zone, characterized by warm and dry summers and mild winters. In contrast, tropical climates are consistently warm and humid, with little to no seasonal variation. This can be observed as early as the northern regions of Morocco, where the climate changes significantly during winter.
For instance, visiting northern Morocco in January can be quite chilly and rainy. The capital, Marrakech, can experience periods of rain and cold in the winter months. Even though it does not snow in this region, the unheated buildings and brick structures can make it quite cold.
Understanding the Tropics
Another common misconception is that tropical refers to a distance from the equator. However, being tropical is more about the climate rather than distance. The tropics are defined by their warm and humid weather, and not by their proximity to the equator. This disqualifies Morocco from being classified as a tropical country.
It is also important to note that while Morocco does not have a tropical climate, it is capable of producing tropical fruits due to its favorable conditions in certain regions. For example, the author mentions growing banana trees and other tropical fruits in their property in southwestern France, which is not a tropical region. This further reinforces the idea that the ability to produce tropical crops is not exclusive to tropical regions.
In conclusion, while Morocco does produce tropical fruits like bananas and has regions with a more tropical climate, the overall climate and geographical location of the country place it in the subtropical category. This does not diminish the importance or value of Morocco's agricultural output but provides clarity on its climatic classification.
Keywords: Morocco, tropical country, subtropical climate, banana production