Morocco

Overview

Morocco is located in western North Africa. The capital city is Rabat. It has maintained landmarks that relate to its colonial days like Kasbah of the Udayas surrounded by formal French-designed gardens overlooking the ocean. One of the tallest objects is the iconic Hassan Tower. The largest city is Casablanca where the famous Hassan II mosque is located. The countries Medinas is where traditional handicrafts like jewellery, leather products and teapots are kept.

It is a mountainous country that lies directly across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain.

The country became a French protectorate on 30th March 1912 under the treaty of Fes signed by Sultan Abd al-Hafid under duress by Eugene Regnault. This ended in 2nd March 1956 when the two countries formed a joint declaration. Spain remained with two coastal exclaves and in 1957 Sultan Mohammed became the king. The king died in 1961 and was succeed by King Hassan II. King Hassan II was also succeeded by his son Mohammed VI in 1999.

The mouth of the Wadi Bou Regreg and the medina (old city) of Rabat, Morocco

The country is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy with a multi-party system. The Prime Minister is the head of government.

As of 2020, the country had a population of 36.91 million with an area of 710,850km2.

The two official languages are Standard Arabic and Tamazight.

The predominant religion is Islam.

Camel caravan in the Sahara desert.

The education system comprises of pre-primary, primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

The climate at the region is moderate and subtropical; it is cooled by breezes from the Sea and Ocean. The interiors experience extreme winters and summers. It has four seasons; spring and autumn are optimal weathers for visiting. The major crops planted are cereals and fruits like olives, citrus and grapes. Fishing is also popular.

Morocco is bordered by Algeria to the east and southeast, Western Sahara to the south, the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.

History

Berber dynasties such as the Almoravids and Almohads ruled empires from Morocco. It was a French and Spanish protectorate from 1912 and became independent in 1956.

Food & culture

Tagine, couscous, pastilla and harira soup are classics, served with mint tea.

Wildlife

Barbary macaques live in the Middle Atlas cedar forests, and the dunes of Erg Chebbi are home to desert foxes.

Festivals & events

The Fes Festival of World Sacred Music, the Gnaoua festival in Essaouira and the Rose Festival in the Dades Valley are highlights.

Things to see

The medinas of Marrakech and Fes, Chefchaouen, the Sahara at Merzouga, Aït Benhaddou and the Atlas Mountains.

Interesting facts

The University of al-Qarawiyyin in Fes is often cited as the oldest continuously operating university in the world.

City guides

• RabatCapital city
• CasablancaMorocco's modern Atlantic metropolis
• MarrakeshThe Red City of souks and palaces

Cities & towns I’ve visited

• Agadir
• Ain Chkef
• Casablanca
• Chefchaouen
• El Maader El Kabir
• Essaouira
• Fez
• Guerguerat
• Laayoune
• Marrakesh
• Mohammedia
• Ouahat Sidi Brahim
• Rabat
• Shoul
• Sidi Ifni
• Tan-Tan
• Tarfaya

Famous hikes in Morocco

Run a marathon in Morocco

Marrakech Marathon

Marrakech · usually January

Flat and fast through the palm groves, with the snowy Atlas Mountains in the background.

Dates move from year to year, so check the race website before you book.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Morocco

4 of 9 visited. See every site I've been to.

• Medina of Essaouira 2001
• Medina of Fez 1981
• Medina of Marrakesh 1985
• Rabat 2012
• Aït Benhaddou 1987
• Mazagan 2004
• Medina of Meknes 1996
• Medina of Tétouan 1997
• Volubilis 1997

My videos from Morocco

• Chouara Tannery, Fez
  Chouara Tannery, Fez, Morocco

My photos from Morocco

From 3 trips, newest first, so you can see which places each set of photos came from.

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Plan your trip to Morocco

• HotelsBooking.com
• Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
• FlightsKiwi.com
• Attraction ticketsTiqets
• Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
• Car hireAuto Europe
• Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
• GuidebooksAmazon
• Small-group adventuresMuch Better AdventuresActive small-group trips run by local experts.

Some of these are affiliate links: if you book through them I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. More about this.

Neighbours

• Algeria
• Spain