King Hassan II was the ruler of Morocco from 1961 until his death in 1999. He was known for his strong leadership and efforts to modernize the country. His reign was marked by political stability, but also by periods of repression and human rights abuses. Hassan II played a significant role in Arab and African politics, often mediating conflicts in the region. He was instrumental in promoting economic development and infrastructure projects in Morocco, which helped improve the living standards of many citizens during his rule.