About Morocco — Travel Guide

About Morocco

• Morocco is in Northwest Africa, bordering Spain (via the Strait of Gibraltar), Mauritania to the south, Algeria to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.
• Population of Morocco: Around 37 million people (2025)
• Capital city: Rabat
• Other major cities in Morocco: Casablanca, Marrakech, Fes, Tangier
• Time zone in Morocco: GMT+1
• Government: Morocco is a kingdom in North Africa, ruled by King Mohammed VI since 1999, from the Alaouite dynasty

Geography of Morocco — Natural Beauty & Landscapes

• Morocco has coastlines on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, totaling around 3,500 km
• Diverse geography includes:
• • Atlas Mountains (High Atlas, Middle Atlas, Anti-Atlas)
• • Rif Mountains in the north
• • The Sahara Desert in the south and southeast
• Highest mountain in Morocco: Mount Toubkal (4,167 meters)

Climate in Morocco:

• Mediterranean climate in the north (mild winters, hot summers)
• Oceanic climate along the Atlantic coast (cool and breezy)
• Snow in Morocco's mountains
• Hot desert climate in the south

Currency in Morocco — Moroccan Dirham (MAD)

• The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
• Exchange rates (approximate):
• • 1 Euro = about 11 MAD
• • 1 US Dollar = about 10 MAD
• Cash in Morocco is preferred in markets and taxis
• Credit cards in Morocco are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and shops
• ATMs in Morocco are widely available in cities and tourist areas
• Bargaining in Moroccan markets is common and expected

Languages Spoken in Morocco — Communication Tips

• The main language is Moroccan Arabic (Darija)
• French in Morocco is widely spoken
• Berber (Tamazight) is spoken by many communities
• English in Morocco is increasingly used in tourism
• Spanish is spoken in the northern regions of Morocco

The Kingdom of Morocco — Royal Family & History

• Morocco has been ruled by the Alaouite dynasty since 1666
• Gained independence in 1956, transitioning into a modern monarchy
• Today's monarch is King Mohammed VI, ruling since 1999

Moroccan Culture — Traditions & Identity

Morocco has a vibrant, multicultural identity shaped by Arab, Berber, African, Andalusian, and French influences.

• This cultural blend is visible in Moroccan architecture, music, traditions, and daily life

Traditional Moroccan Clothing

• Djellaba — traditional robe worn by men and women
• Caftan — ornate dress worn by women for special occasions
• Traditional clothing reflects Moroccan heritage and cultural pride

Moroccan Hospitality

• Guests are welcomed with kindness, mint tea, and a smile
• Morocco blends tradition and modernity, making it a unique cultural destination

Top Historical & UNESCO Sites in Morocco

• Fes el-Bali — ancient medina of Fes, car-free with markets and madrasas
• Ait Ben Haddou — clay village featured in Hollywood movies
• Marrakech Medina — historic center with souks, palaces, and mosques
• Volubilis — well-preserved Roman ruins with mosaics
• Essaouira — coastal town with fortifications and art culture

What to Eat in Morocco — Traditional Moroccan Cuisine

• Tagine — slow-cooked stew with meat, chicken, or vegetables
• Couscous Morocco — served with vegetables and meat, a Friday favorite
• Pastilla — layered pastry with chicken or seafood, sweet and savory
• Harira soup — made with lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes, and herbs
• Mint tea — national drink and sign of hospitality

Moroccan sweets:

• Shebakia — fried pastry dipped in honey
• Briwat — sweet or savory stuffed pastries

Useful Moroccan Phrases for Tourists

English - Moroccan Arabic (Darija)