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Introduction
Facts & Information
Morocco History
Morocco Hotels
Morocco Attractions
Morocco Tours
Transportation
Picture Gallery
Resources

Morocco.

Morocco Facts & Information

 Location Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Western Sahara
 Climate Mediterranean, becoming more extreme in the interior
 Terrain Northern coast and interior are mountainous with large areas of bordering plateaus, intermontane valleys, and rich coastal plains
 Population 32,725,847
 Nationality Moroccan
 Ethnic groups Arab-Berber 99.1%, other 0.7%, Jewish 0.2%
 Religions Muslim 98.7%, Christian 1.1%, Jewish 0.2%
 Languages Arabic
 Government Type Constitutional monarchy
 Capital Rabat
 Currency Moroccan dirham (MAD)
 Description of Flag Red with a green pentacle known as Sulayman's seal in the center of the flag; red and green are traditional colors in Arab flags, although the use of red is more commonly associated with the Arab states of the Persian gulf; design dates to 1912.
 Morocco Flag Morocco Flag

More Information
 www.cia.gov

 

Morocco Culture

The people of Morocco are well-known for their warmth, hospitality and inhibition. It is very common to be showered with invitations for coffee or tea throughout one’s stay. In fact, it is not unheard of for someone to invite you to their house or offer you some mint tea while you’re shopping in their boutique. It is not unusual for these invitations to be extended after having just met someone (a taxi driver or a tour guide) or after minutes of brief conversation. Such invitations

are part of the culture and should not be frowned upon or looked at with suspicion or shock. A genuine and polite decline is all it takes if you’re uninterested. Etiquette and manners are highly regarded in Morocco and Westerners and foreigners should take every effort to adhere to such customs.

The status of women in Morocco is not nearly the same as in those of Western nations. If you are a woman traveling alone or with other women, it is advisable you follow certain practices to avoid any uncomfortable or uneasy situations. It is not common for women to be seen alone or unaccompanied after dark or in bars or nightclubs. Additionally, women should take extra precaution in their dress, being especially careful not to wear anything revealing or offensive. Women traveling alone will often be asked if they are married, and if not, how come (sometimes even followed by marriage proposals!). Use the same sense in dealing with these situations here as you would at home. Often, women traveling alone will wear a fake, cheap ring on their wedding finger to avoid any unwelcome advances or questions.

Many of these unspoken rules or practices are not widespread across the entire country, especially in bigger cities such as Casablanca. Because Morocco has many etiquette rules and practices, it is recommended you read up on the culture as much as you can before you go. Never let the fear or angst of not fitting in or sticking out keep you from enjoying such a magical place. When in doubt, look around and follow local custom and behavior - even the smallest attempt at understanding their culture is a welcome gesture to Moroccans.

More Information
 www.cia.gov

 

Morocco Shopping

The most exciting shopping one will do while in Morocco is in the souks or bazaars. Most likely, the type of merchandise you will leave with are crafts, rugs or jewelry. When shopping in markets, be prepared to be pressured by vendors into buying anything and everything you’re simply eyeing. Shop around and don’t be intimidated by them, as it is highly likely you’ll find better deals the more you look around. Practice your haggling before you go! In most places, vendors expect you to bargain with them,

and it is one of the more exciting aspects of shopping. This holds true for shops as well. Shopkeepers will often give you a deal if you’re persistent enough and your offer isn’t so low that it is deemed offensive.

If you want to leave Morocco with a rug or carpet (and you probably will) do your research before you go. Virtually all big cities in the country are crawling with carpet shops, and quality varies from place to place. As with other merchandise, don’t settle with the first shop you visit. Wander around and you will be more likely to leave with a better choice and deal.

 

Morocco Restaurants

We’ve provided listings for some of the top restaurants in Morocco including Casablanca, Agadir, Ifrane, Meknes, and more. You’ll find lavish gourmet restaurants, affordable restaurants serving up good food, and everything in between. Sample traditional Moroccan cuisine or other specialty cuisines that are sure to make your taste buds happy.

Read reviews entered by other patrons and be sure to return to our site to submit your own restaurant review.

  Choose a Morocco Restaurant Location  
  Agadir Casablanca El Jadida  
  Essaouira Fes Fez  
  Ifrane Marrakech Meknes  
  Oujda Rabat Tetouan  

 


Morocco Travel Guides
 Frommer's Morocco
 Lonely Planet Morocco
 Let's Go Morocco
 Fodors Morocco