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Morocco

At A glance

Capital City: Rabat

Land size: 716,300 sq km

Population: 36,738,229 (2022 est.)

Official languages: Arabic and Berber

Currency: Moroccan Dirham (د.م / MAD)

UNESCO properties and sites:

Archaeological Site of Volubilis
Historic City of Meknes
Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou
Medina of Essaouira (formerly Mogador)
Medina of Fez
Medina of Marrakesh
Medina of Tétouan (formerly known as Titawin)
Portuguese City of Mazagan (El Jadida)
Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City: a Shared Heritage

Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/morocco/

Morocco seamlessly blends rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. Discover the cultural melting pot of Fes, where narrow winding streets lead to hidden courtyards and intricate tiled mosques. Journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Sahara Desert, where golden dunes stretch as far as the eye can see and camel caravans traverse the sand.
Immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of the Moroccan people, experiencing their vibrant traditions, savoring flavorful cuisine like tagines and couscous.

Morocco's diverse landscapes, cultural treasures, and vibrant equestrian culture offer endless opportunities for unforgettable horseback riding experiences. Discover the beauty of the Atlas Mountains, cantering along picturesque trails that wind through valleys, Berber villages, and lush oases. Explore the serene beaches of Agadir, riding along the shorelines, feeling the gentle sea breeze on your face.

Brief History

In 788, about a century after the Arab conquest of North Africa, a series of Moroccan Muslim dynasties began to rule in Morocco. In the 16th century, the Sa'adi monarchy, particularly under Ahmad al-MANSUR (1578-1603), repelled foreign invaders and inaugurated a golden age. The Alaouite Dynasty, to which the current Moroccan royal family belongs, dates from the 17th century. In 1860, Spain occupied northern Morocco and ushered in a half-century of trade rivalry among European powers that saw Morocco's sovereignty steadily erode.

In 1912, the French imposed a protectorate over the country. A protracted independence struggle with France ended successfully in 1956. The internationalized city of Tangier and most Spanish possessions were turned over to the new country that same year. Sultan MOHAMMED V, the current monarch's grandfather, organized the new state as a constitutional monarchy and in 1957 assumed the title of king. Since Spain's 1976 withdrawal from Western Sahara, Morocco has extended its de facto administrative control to roughly 75% of this territory; however, the UN does not recognize Morocco as the administering power for Western Sahara. The UN since 1991 has monitored a cease-fire between Morocco and the Polisario Front - an organization advocating the territory’s independence - and restarted negotiations over the status of the territory in December 2018. On 10 December 2020, the US recognized Morocco's sovereignty over all of Western Sahara.

King MOHAMMED VI in early 2011 responded to the spread of pro-democracy protests in the North Africa region by implementing a reform program that included a new constitution, passed by popular referendum in July 2011, under which some new powers were extended to parliament and the prime minister, but ultimate authority remains in the hands of the monarch.

Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/morocco/

Cultural Insights

Two of the most basic foods in Moroccan daily life are couscous and harira soup. Couscous, a dish made with granulated seminola grains, is usually topped with mutton, veal, or beef and a variety of vegetables such as tomatoes, turnips, and pimentos. It is eaten by all sectors of society, and may be referred to as the national dish. The national soup, harira, is a thick paste that comes in many varieties, although it is classically made from water, bouillon, beef or mutton, onions, saffron, walnuts, and salt.

Moroccans are famous for their hospitality and proudly serve their guests as much food as they can afford. It is considered disgraceful to allow guests to leave a meal unsatisfied.

When greeting one another, Moroccans usually shake hands and touch their heart to show personal warmth.

Segregation of the sexes is very important in almost every social situation outside the home. Only very modern, Westernized women are active in public life. In the Berber countryside, the appearance of women in public may be slightly more common than in major cities. Traditionally, elders are respected and honored by the entire community.

Moroccans have a very lax concept of punctuality. Dates, appointments, business meetings, and people tend to run behind schedule without concern.

Saving face, especially in public, is of the utmost importance and may lead to white lies being told to cover any potentially embarrassing or shameful situation.

When tensions do occur, yelling, expressing frustration, and generally creating a public scene is acceptable and quite ordinary.

Source: https://www.everyculture.com/Ma-Ni/The-United-Kingdom-of-Morocco.html

Transportation

By Air
With 25 airports scattered all across Morocco, there are several airports in Morocco that are able to serve your needs.

The country’s busiest airport is Casablanca Mohammed V, which is also the main port of entry into the country.

If you are flying in from Europe, there are several options including Agadir Airport (main gateway into Southern Morocco) and Marrakech Menara Aiport.

Source: https://www.visitmorocco.com/en/travel-info/getting-to-morocco
https://www.frommers.com/destinations/morocco/planning-a-trip/getting-there
https://www.iexplore.com/articles/travel-guides/africa/morocco/airports

Money

Most major credit cards are accepted in the larger towns.

ATMs are widely available in cities and most of the main towns.

There is no limit on the amount of foreign cash you can bring in to the country.

The best places to change your currency are the exchange offices that are located in the tourist squares of each city in Morocco. You can change your currency at the airport or in hotels as well.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco
https://www.visitmorocco.com/en/useful-information?id=modaldollar481

Health

Adequate medical care is available in Morocco’s largest cities, particularly in Rabat and Casablanca, although not all facilities meet Western standards.
Most medical staff will have limited or no English-speaking ability.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 150 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Emergency and specialized care outside the major cities is far below U.S. standards and may not be available at all.
In the event of vehicle accidents involving injuries, immediate ambulance service is usually not available. The police emergency services telephone number is “190”.

Most ordinary prescription and over-the-counter medicines are widely available. Specialized prescriptions may be difficult to fill and availability of all medicines in rural areas is unreliable.
If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Government of Morocco Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure the medication is legal in Morocco. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Morocco.html

Electricity

Morocco operates on a 127 / 220V supply voltage and uses type C and E plugs.

The Type C electrical plug (or Europlug) is a two-wire plug that has two round pins. It fits into any socket that accepts 4.0 – 4.8 mm round contacts on 19 mm centres. They are being replaced by E, F, J, K or N sockets which work perfectly with Type C plugs.

The Type E electrical plug has two 4.8 mm round pins spaced 19 mm apart and a hole for the socket's male earthing pin. The Type E plug has a rounded shape and the Type E socket has a round recess. Type E plugs are rated 16 amps.

Note: The CEE 7/7 plug was developed to work with Type E and Type F sockets with a female contact (to accept the earthing pin of the Type E socket) and has earthing clips on both sides (to work with Type F sockets).

Source: https://www.iec.ch/world-plugs

Communication

Time zone in Morocco: Western European Time (GMT+1)

International country code – 212

Despite Morocco's economic progress, the country suffers from high unemployment and illiteracy affecting telecom market, particularly in rural areas.
Service providers have all successfully completed 5G proofs of concept and are currently lining up 5G equipment providers for both radio and core technology. Regulatory agency expects to conduct the 5G spectrum auction in 2023.

Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/morocco/

Phrasebook

English	Arabic
Hello!	Salam
Goodbye	Beslama
Good morning	Sbah lkḥīr
Good evening	Msa Lkheir
Good night	lla yemsek 'la khir
Please	Afak
Thank you	Chokran
Yes	Ah
No	La

Source: https://www.visitmorocco.com/en/useful-information?id=modalvocabulaire483

Entry Requirements

The need for a visa depends on your nationality. For all nationalities, the maximum duration of the tourist trip is 90 days.

For foreign nationals arriving in Morocco as part of an organized trip, a valid passport must cover at least the duration of the stay in Morocco.

You can find more information at the following link: https://www.consulat.ma/en/ordinary-visas

Source: https://www.visitmorocco.com/en/useful-information?id=modalformalites1096

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy in Rabat
Km 5.7, Avenue Mohamed VI
Rabat-Souissi
Phone: (212) 0537 637 200

U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca
8, Bd Moulay Youssef
Casablanca
Phone: (212) 522-64-20-00

Embassy of Canada in Rabat
66 Mehdi Ben Barka Avenue
Rabat-Souissi
Phone: (212) 537 54 49 49

Source: for USA https://www.usembassy.gov/
For Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/embassies-consulates

UNESCO Sites

Archaeological Site of Volubilis
The Mauritanian capital, founded in the 3rd century B.C., became an important outpost of the Roman Empire and was graced with many fine buildings. Extensive remains of these survive in the archaeological site, located in a fertile agricultural area. Volubilis was later briefly to become the capital of Idris I, founder of the Idrisid dynasty, who is buried at nearby Moulay Idris.

Historic City of Meknes
Founded in the 11th century by the Almoravids as a military settlement, Meknes became a capital under Sultan Moulay Ismaïl (1672–1727), the founder of the Alawite dynasty. The sultan turned it into a impressive city in Spanish-Moorish style, surrounded by high walls with great doors, where the harmonious blending of the Islamic and European styles of the 17th century Maghreb are still evident today.

Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou
The ksar, a group of earthen buildings surrounded by high walls, is a traditional pre-Saharan habitat. The houses crowd together within the defensive walls, which are reinforced by corner towers. Ait-Ben-Haddou, in Ouarzazate province, is a striking example of the architecture of southern Morocco.

Medina of Essaouira (formerly Mogador)
Essaouira is an exceptional example of a late-18th-century fortified town, built according to the principles of contemporary European military architecture in a North African context. Since its foundation, it has been a major international trading seaport, linking Morocco and its Saharan hinterland with Europe and the rest of the world.

Medina of Fez
Founded in the 9th century, Fez reached its height in the 13th–14th centuries under the Marinids, when it replaced Marrakesh as the capital of the kingdom. The urban fabric and the principal monuments in the medina – madrasas, fondouks, palaces, residences, mosques and fountains - date from this period. Although the political capital of Morocco was transferred to Rabat in 1912, Fez has retained its status as the country's cultural and spiritual centre.

Medina of Marrakesh
Founded in 1070–72 by the Almoravids, Marrakesh remained a political, economic and cultural centre for a long period. Its influence was felt throughout the western Muslim world, from North Africa to Andalusia. It has several impressive monuments dating from that period: the Koutoubiya Mosque, the Kasbah, the battlements, monumental doors, gardens, etc. Later architectural jewels include the Bandiâ Palace, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, the Saadian Tombs, several great residences and Place Jamaâ El Fna, a veritable open-air theatre.

Medina of Tétouan (formerly known as Titawin)
Tétouan was of particular importance in the Islamic period, from the 8th century onwards, since it served as the main point of contact between Morocco and Andalusia. After the Reconquest, the town was rebuilt by Andalusian refugees who had been expelled by the Spanish. This is well illustrated by its art and architecture, which reveal clear Andalusian influence. Although one of the smallest of the Moroccan medinas, Tétouan is unquestionably the most complete and it has been largely untouched by subsequent outside influences.

Portuguese City of Mazagan (El Jadida)
The Portuguese fortification of Mazagan, now part of the city of El Jadida, 90-km southwest of Casablanca, was built as a fortified colony on the Atlantic coast in the early 16th century. It was taken over by the Moroccans in 1769. The fortification with its bastions and ramparts is an early example of Renaissance military design. The surviving Portuguese buildings include the cistern and the Church of the Assumption, built in the Manueline style of late Gothic architecture. The Portuguese City of Mazagan - one of the early settlements of the Portuguese explorers in West Africa on the route to India - is an outstanding example of the interchange of influences between European and Moroccan cultures, well reflected in architecture, technology, and town planning.

Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City: a Shared Heritage
Located on the Atlantic coast in the north-west of Morocco, the site is the product of a fertile exchange between the Arabo-Muslim past and Western modernism. The inscribed city encompasses the new town conceived and built under the French Protectorate from 1912 to the 1930s, including royal and administrative areas, residential and commercial developments and the Jardins d’Essais botanical and pleasure gardens. It also encompasses older parts of the city dating back to the 12thcentury. The new town is one of the largest and most ambitious modern urban projects built in Africa in the 20th century and probably the most complete. The older parts include Hassan Mosque (begun in 1184) and the Almohad ramparts and gates, the only surviving parts of the project for a great capital city of the Almohad caliphate as well as remains from the Moorish, or Andalusian, principality of the 17thcentury.

Source: https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/ma