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.

Morocco

At a glance

Before you go