The Almoravids originated from the Mauritanian desert and were staunch defenders of their faith. They quickly gained control of much of the region and founded Marrakech as their capital. They were soon replaced by the Almohads who ruled until mid way through the 13th century. A number of dynasties came and went in a short period of time, and it wasn't until the Alawite family arrived on the scene that things settled down. Their dynasty was probably the most successful in the country's history, and their heirs still rule today. During the French rule, Rabat was made the new capital and new towns were built along the northern coast. Sultan Mohammed V led an independence party that ended French rule in 1956. He also made sure that his dynasty would continue and promoted himself to king in 1957. After his death in 1962, he was succeeded by his son, Hassan II, who made economic development a priority. Despite this, the country still suffers from high unemployment and poverty, and many survive on basic agriculture. The King has recently been credited with helping to develop and protect women's rights by introducing legislation regarding inequality. | 
