Across the country, despite years of French and Spanish colonial rule and the presence of modern, cosmopolitan cities like Rabat and Casablanca, a more distant past constantly makes itself felt. Fez, perhaps the most beautiful of all Arab cities, has retained a life that goes back to the Middle Ages, when the Moroccan kingdom stretched from Senegal to northern Spain, and the Atlas and Rif Mountains still have maps of the Berber tribes. Against all this, the country’s appearance is extraordinary: from the Mediterranean coast, through four mountain ranges, to the empty sand and scrub of the Sahara. Read our Morocco travel guide to find out everything you need to know before you go.
Morocco Travel Facts
Size and location: Morocco is located on the northwest coast of Africa, slightly smaller than France and Spain and slightly larger than the US state of California, at 446 square kilometres (550 square kilometres including Western Sahara).
Population: 37 million people.
Religion: Almost 99 percent of Moroccans are Muslim, 1 percent are Christian and a small minority (about 6000 people) are Jewish.
Languages: Arabic, Berber (Tarfit, Tamazight and Tashelhaït) and French are officially recognised languages. Spanish is still widely spoken in the north, and young people increasingly speak English, especially in tourist areas.
Politics: Morocco gained independence from French and Spanish rule on 2 March 1956. The head of state is King Mohammed VI, who succeeded his father Hassan II on 30 July 1999. The government is elected by an elected legislature and is currently led by Prime Minister Saadeddine Othmani of the moderate Islamist PJD (Justice and Development Party). The main opposition parties are the Istiqlal (Independence) Party, Morocco's oldest political group, and the RNI (National Assembly of Independents).
Education: The literacy rate is 68,5 percent (78,6 percent for males, 58,8 percent for females).
Where to go in Morocco
With relaxing beach resorts on the coast, beautiful ancient cities inland, stunning scenery of the Rif and Atlas Mountains and the eerie solitude of the Sahara Desert, a visit to Morocco will not leave you disappointed.
To experience the best of Morocco's coastline and beaches in the north, head to the cities of Tangier, Asilah and Larache. For the best coastal areas in the south, the main contenders are El Jadida, Essauria and Sidi Ifni. Agadir is a prime destination for package tours, and while there's nothing special, it's a good base for exploration.
The inner, famous and still somewhat medieval cities of Fez and Marrakech do not disappoint. The former is richer in monuments, but the latter remains more popular with tourists. Rabat and Casablanca are also major cities of interest, although much more modern than Fez and Marrakech.
The Rif and Atlas mountain ranges provide stunning scenery and are surprisingly accessible for trekking and exploring. Trekking is most popular around Jebel Toubkal, North Africa's highest mountain. Tucked away in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is perhaps Morocco's most beautiful city and best-kept secret. The oases around Skoura, Tinghir, Zagora, Erfoud and Tata create a stunning contrast of palm trees and desert horizons.
