
Flag of Morocco
- Officially » المملكة المغربية (Arabic)
- ⵜⴰⴳⵍⴷⵉⵜ ⵏ ⵍⵎⵖⵔⵉⴱ (Standard Moroccan Tamazight)
- Royaume du Maroc (French)
- Kingdom of Morocco (English)
- Capital: Rabat
Facts
- Population » 35 million
- Languages » Arabic and Berber (official), French, Spanish
- Religion » Islam
- Life expectancy » 74 years (men), 77 years (women)
- Currency » Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
- 1 Dirham (MAD) = 100 Centimes
- Electricity » 220 Volt / 50 Hertz AC
Geography
- Area » 710,850 sq km (274,461 sq miles) (including W Sahara)
- Overlooks the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and has land borders with Algeria to the east and the disputed territory of Western Sahara to the south.
Maps
Tourism
- Wikivoyage
- List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Morocco
- Morocco is the most popular tourist destination in Africa.
- Tourism is one of the key sectors of the Moroccan economy.
- Many Europeans winter in Morocco.
- Tourism accounts for about 10 percent of the Moroccan economy and is the kingdom’s second-largest employer, after agriculture.
- The sandy beaches and vibrant towns make Morocco a popular destination with visitors from all over the world, who flock to Morocco to experience the warm climate and rich culture that the country offers.
- Tourist visa are not required for many foreign nationals (including Canadians) for stays of less than 90 days.
Adventures
- From beaches to sand dunes to mountains and lakes, Morocco is considered to be one of the best countries in the world for overland. (Sahara Overland)
- The land border between Algeria and Morocco has been closed since the early 1990s for security reasons.
- 5 of the best road trips in Morocco (Lonely Planet)
- This highest road pass in Morocco is Col du Tizi-N-Tichka, dubbed the “Pass of the pastures”, is 2 260 metres above sea level.
- Between December and April, the Col du Tizi-N-Tichka can be blocked by snow.
- The Tizi n’Test is one of the most beautiful – and the most dangerous – drives in Morocco. An impressive feat of French engineering, this High Atlas pass reaches a vertigo-inducing 2100m (6890ft). It’s not for the fainthearted – only one-car wide in places, there are precipitous drops aplenty, and local drivers often barrel around blind bends at speed. But take your eyes off the road for an instant – preferably at a roadside cafe – and the views will take your breath away. (Lonely Planet)
- This highest road pass in Morocco is Col du Tizi-N-Tichka, dubbed the “Pass of the pastures”, is 2 260 metres above sea level.
- Dakhla is famous for kit surfing.
- Dakhla lies just north of the Tropic of Cancer on a sandy peninsula stretching 40km from the main coastline.
Adventure Posts
Ports
- On ferry crossing from Spain to Tanger Med port
- There is always a Moroccan Immigration officer onboard. Immigration clearance is done on the boat. Customs is done in Morocco.
- Shipping from North America to Casablanca – insurance/temp import process will take a couple of days (Chris Scott – Sahara Overland)
Safety and Security
- Clashes have broken out in Western Sahara, ending a 30-year ceasefire between Morocco and the pro-independence Polisario Front. (March 2021 – International Crisis Group)
- Morocco is generally considered safer than other North African countries, however there are times of unrest.
- The region along southern border with Western Sahara should be considered dangerous.
- Hustlers can be a problem throughout Morocco, especially in Tangier.
- Tourists often report of corruption, thefts, and break-ins.
- Tourists are often obliged to pay an “anti-terrorist” tax of €90, although it is not known if this is an official charge.
Government Travel Advice
Notes
- Morocco has banned plastic bags
Media
Links
Resources
- Horizons Unlimited
- Sahara Overland
- Wheels of Morocco
- World Nomads
- Wikipedia
- Lonely Planet
- Numbeo – Cost of Living in Morocco
- International Crisis Group
- ReliefWeb
- US CIA World Factbook
Last Updated on March 27, 2023