Official name: Kingdom of Morocco
Capital: Rabat
Area: 710,000 km2
Population: 33,01 Millions
Official Language: Arabic
Currency: Dirham
Head of State: King Mohammed VI
Morocco belongs to the Arab and Muslim world but is located at its western end, very close geographically to Europe (mainly France and Spain), which has weighed on its history and from which it hopes to come closer economically.
The Moroccan population is composed of Berbers and especially Arabs.
Among the countries of the Maghreb, Morocco is distinguished by the high altitude of its mountains and the extent of its plains. The High Atlas bears the highest point of North Africa. The mountains occupy two thirds of Morocco (Toubkal culminate point at 4167 m). The cultivable flat surfaces are much more extensive than in Algeria or Tunisia.
Some features of the territory:
Ceuta, the Spanish enclave in Morocco
The Rif Mountains
Imperial cities: Meknes, Fez, Marrakesh, Rabat
The plateau and mountains of the Middle Atlas
The High Atlas mountains
The South, the Anti-Atlas: the desert of Morocco
The Atlantic coast: the West
History of Morocco:
Ancient Morocco: 9th century BC, The Moors, Berber inhabit the region.
Year 700-710: The Arabs conquer the country. They bring Islam to Morocco.
Between 800 and 1800, governments succeeded each other: the idriside dynasty, the Almoravids, the Marinids, the Saadians …
1666: The Alawite dynasty is founded. Morocco is now governed by this dynasty
The French and Spanish Protectorate
In 1912, the Treaty of Fez established the French protectorate. Spain gets an area to the north (Rif) and a southern zone (Ifni).
In 1956, the end of the Protectorate. The independence of Morocco is declared.
1957: Morocco is erected in the Kingdom.
Prepare your trip to Morocco
Visa and formalities:
Visa is not required for nationals of the European Community. In this case, the tourist stay is limited to 3 months. It is necessary to have a valid passport at least until the scheduled return date. Non-resident tourists can export locally purchased products without formalities and without limitation of value (it is better to keep the invoice to justify the local purchase) and a dozen fossil or semi-precious rocks.
Insurance:
We do not cover repatriation insurance. Consider subscribing before your arrival in Morocco if your usual insurance and / or credit card does not take care of it.
Dialogue in Morocco:
Arabic is the official language of the kingdom of Morocco (> learn a few basic words). Most of the Moroccans speak Berber (rural), and numbers of dialects are also spoken throughout the country.
French and English is spoken in all major cities, and you will have no trouble communicating.
Health:
Vaccination is not required for travelers from Europe or United States.
Exchange & banks:
The Moroccan national currency is the dirham. It is not convertible outside the borders of the Kingdom.
Exchange: There are exchange offices in airports, in some hotels and in most banks. Think about changing the dirhams you have left before your departure.
Bank Card: Most large city banks are equipped with ATMs. The vast majority of purchases are settled in cash, after strict negotiation…
Communications:
Phone: Mobile phone and telephone booths work well in Morocco. Even in smaller towns. Once entered the desert plains of the Sahara, only 3G can be captured at the highest point of some dunes.
Internet: 2 cybercafés are open every day of the week.
Security:
The issue of the safety of tourists in Morocco is the main concern of holidaymakers. Morocco is a safe destination. The tourists (and the many European residents) are perfectly safe there. Find all the up-to-date information on French diplomacy. See the link of the French Diplomacy.
As in any tourist place and frequented, thieves and pickpockets can operate (airport, souk, tourist place). No risk however south and the desert.