The country is divided into three topographical regions. An open area in the northwest which is enclosed by a complex and rugged area of mountains known as the Rif. The mountains and plateaux in the eastern and southern areas which include the Atlas Mountains as well as the Sarho Mountains while the plateaux are characterized by the arid rolling Dhara Plateau. The coastal plains of the west which include the fertile Gharb, Chaouia, Doukkala, Meseta, Abda, Djebilet and Rehmana Plains. The principal rivers are the Moulouya, Oumer Rebia, Sobou, Bou Regreg, Tensift, Draa and Sous.
Morocco has two climatic zones.
A semiarid climate which is predominant in the pre-Sahara region. During summer the intensely hot winds of the Sahara Desert known as the Sirocco or Chergui prevails. Mohammed changed his title from Sultan to King and established a constitutional monarchy. In 1960 King Mohammed took full control of the government and named himself Prime Minister. During the 1960's radical groups opposing the monarchy became active and in 1965 a State of Emergency was declared which lasted until 1970.