Morocco is an African country located in the northwestern part of the continent. It borders on Mauritania, Algeria and Spain and is washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean on both sides.
1. Morocco became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup with a surprise 1-0 victory over Portugal.
2. Morocco belongs to the Maghreb, which is an international political and economic organization. The other Maghreb countries are Tunisia, Algeria, Libya and Mauritania.
3. The Moroccan flag is a red rectangle with a green five-pointed star on it. The star symbolizes health, life and wisdom, while the green itself represents Islam, which is the dominant religion of Morocco.
5. The highest peak in Morocco is Mount Jebel Toubkal 4167 meters above sea level, which is located in the Atlas Mountains. It is also the highest peak in all of North Africa!
6. Morocco is a constitutional monarchy with a king (now King Mohammed IV) as head of state. The title of king is hereditary, and in addition to performing representative functions, he elects the head of the council of ministers.
7. Morocco has a specific climate, which is due to the subtropical location of this country. Winters here are mild and quite warm, and the temperature in January and February reaches several degrees above zero. Summer, however, is dry and very hot. Average summer temperatures range from 35 to even 50 degrees Celsius.
9. Marrakech has one of the largest markets in the world. Jemaa el Fna Square is the main attraction of the city and one of the most visited places in the country. The market has stalls with handicrafts and local products, souvenirs, spices and products. It is also a place that attracts lovers of good food – the stalls offer grilled, baked and fried meat and seafood, nutritious soups and stews, freshly squeezed fruit juices and various types of snacks.
10. The most popular resort town in Morocco is Agadir. This city is located in the southern part of the country and attracts tourists primarily with its beautiful sandy beaches with a gentle slope to the Atlantic Ocean, a developed hotel and gastronomic base and numerous entertainments for the whole family.
11. Once upon a time, lions, elephants, buffaloes and crocodiles lived in Morocco, but the great activity of poachers completely exterminated these species in the country.
12. The currency in Morocco is the Moroccan dirham.
13. Partially located in Morocco is the Sahara, the largest dry desert in the world, with an area of more than 9 million square kilometers. The steppe regions of the Sahara are often visited by tourists, and local carriers organize safari rallies, during which you can admire the numerous animals that inhabit these areas.
15. Moroccan law officially prohibits residents from drinking alcohol. However, this does not mean that tourists will not be allowed to drink local alcoholic beverages. You will be able to order alcohol in hotel bars and even in some restaurants, but you must consider the need to show your passport. Thus, sellers check the nationality of a person who buys strong alcoholic beverages.
16. One of the most important tourist cities in Morocco is Fes. Here is an important archaeological site where you can see the remains of the tombs of the sultans of the fourteenth century. Fes also has mosques (including the Al-Karaoujin Mosque and the Andalusian Mosque), as well as museums, Qur’anic school buildings, and the city’s former fortification system.
17. Although Morocco has a rather restrictive anti-alcohol law, the country is one of the most important wine producers in Africa. Local grape varieties are highly valued by connoisseurs of delicious, aromatic wines. The best liqueurs are produced in the Meknes region, which is located in the northern part of the country.
18. Morocco has 10 national parks. The most picturesque are Tubkal National Park, Tazakka National Park and Western High Atlas National Park.
20. Moroccan cuisine is considered one of the most popular and delicious in the world. The secret of the Moroccans lies in the use of a large number of herbs and spices, which are seasoned with meat, soups, grilled dishes and stews. Traditional Moroccan dishes are harira (a fragrant soup of lentils and lamb) and tajine (stew – lamb or beef, and vegetables).
21. Animal rights activists point out that services flourish in Marrakech, including, among other things, taking pictures with exotic animals (monkeys, snakes, lizards). Although not so long ago many tourists used this service, today more and more people are talking about the tragic conditions in which animals are kept.
23. The Almohad dynasty ruled Morocco for nearly 120 years. During this time, the dynasty built numerous settlements and cities and left a legacy of Muslim temples, palaces, baths and defensive fortifications.
24. As in many African countries, in Morocco you will encounter the need to bargain at almost every turn. When shopping in markets, bazaars, street stalls and even in small shops, one must be prepared for the need to “bring down the price”. It is worth remembering that bargaining is not only an opportunity to pay less for goods and services, but also an important Moroccan custom.
25. Although Morocco is a hot, dry and semi-arid country, it has a significant amount of fresh drinking water. Moroccans get it mainly from the rich river network that originates in the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. There are many large permanent rivers in the north of the country, and seasonal rivers flow through the southern regions of Morocco, which are filled with water when the snow melts in spring.
26. Tourists traveling to Morocco are advised not to rent a car and travel on their own. Keep in mind that while traffic is governed by local regulations, most people living in large cities do not follow traffic laws. Harmless blows, scratches on the body and car breakdowns are not uncommon.
28. It is worth remembering that the Muslim holy month of Ramadan is strictly observed in Morocco. During this period, some shops, tourist attractions and restaurants may be closed, and out of respect for the Moroccans, fasting and a ban on drinking alcohol should be observed.
29. Many public spaces are divided into women’s and men’s areas. Although Moroccans are a tolerant country and usually understand that tourists may not understand their culture and prohibitions, it is worth following the Moroccan cultural rules to avoid conflicts with older members of society.
30. Morocco is located directly on the Strait of Gibraltar, which is a narrow channel connecting the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean. Europe is only 13 kilometers from Morocco’s northernmost point!
