Morocco is just a step away from Europe, across the narrow straits of Gibraltar, but it is a world away in culture and experience, brimming over with contrasts, colour and mystery. This is due partly to its geographical position, sited at the crossroads where the East meets the West, Africa shakes hands with Europe, and the Mediterranean merges with the Atlantic.
Morocco Travel Guide
Full Name
Kingdom of Morocco
Former Name
NA
Capital City
Rabat
Government Type
constitutional monarchy
Area Size
At 172,402 sq.mi (446,550 sq.km), Morocco is the fifty-seventh largest country in the world.
Time Zone
No UTC/GMT offset
Climate
The climate is Mediterranean, which becomes more extreme towards the interior regions where it is mountainous. The terrain is such that the coastal plains are rich and accordingly, they comprise the backbone for agriculture. Forests cover about 12% of the land while arable land accounts for 18%. 5% is irrigated.
Geography
Algeria borders Morocco to the east and southeast though the border between the two countries has been closed since 1994. There are also four Spanish enclaves on the Mediterranean coast: Ceuta, Melilla, Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera, Peñón de Alhucemas, and the Chafarinas islands, as well as the disputed islet Perejil. Off the Atlantic coast the Canary Islands belong to Spain, whereas Madeira to the north is Portuguese. To the north, Morocco is bordered by and controls part of the Strait of Gibraltar, giving it power over the waterways in and out of the Mediterranean sea. The Rif mountains occupy the region bordering the Mediterranean from the north-west to the north-east. The Atlas Mountains run down the backbone of the country, from the south west to the north east. Most of the south east portion of the country is in the Sahara Desert and as such is generally sparsely populated and unproductive economically. Most of the population lives to the north of these mountains, while to the south is the desert. To the south, lies the Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony that was annexed by Morocco in 1975 (see Green March). Morocco claims that the Western Sahara is part of its territory and refers to that as its Southern Provinces.
Languages
Arabic (official), Berber dialects, French often the language of business, government, and diplomacy
Culture
Morocco is an ethnically diverse country with a rich culture and civilization. Through Moroccan history, Morocco hosted many people coming from both East, South and North. All those civilizations have had an impact on the social structure of Morocco. It conceived various forms of beliefs, from paganism, Judaism, and Christianity to Islam. Culturally speaking, Morocco has always been struggling to stick to the Arabic cultural heritage against any external influence, and that is what makes the Moroccan culture so faithful to the Arabic lifestyle and patrimony. Their cuisine has long been considered as one of the most diversified cuisines in the world. The reason is because of the interaction of Morocco with the outside world for centuries. Music in Morocco is predominantly Arab, Andalusian and other imported influences have had a major effect on the country's musical character. Rock-influenced chaabi bands are widespread, as is trance music with historical origins in Muslim music.
History
In 788, about a century after the Arab conquest of North Africa, successive Moorish dynasties began to rule in Morocco. In the 16th century, the Sa'adi monarchy, particularly under Ahmad AL-MANSUR (1578-1603), repelled foreign invaders and inaugurated a golden age. In 1860, Spain occupied northern Morocco and ushered in a half century of trade rivalry among European powers that saw Morocco's sovereignty steadily eroded; in 1912, the French imposed a protectorate over the country. A protracted independence struggle with France ended successfully in 1956. The internationalized city of Tangier and most Spanish possessions were turned over to the new country that same year. Morocco virtually annexed Western Sahara during the late 1970s, but final resolution on the status of the territory remains unresolved. Gradual political reforms in the 1990s resulted in the establishment of a bicameral legislature in 1997. Parliamentary elections were held for the second time in September 2002 and municipal elections were held in September 2003.
Travel Information
The national airline is Royal Air Maroc (AT) Casablanca (CMN) (Mohammed V)Airport is 30km south of the city (journey time – 35 minutes). There are taxi services into Casablanca and train services available to Rabat. Airport facilities consists of Outgoing duty-free shop, post office, banking and bureau de change, restaurant, bar, tourist help desk and car hire. Tangier (TNG) (Boukhalef Souahel)Airport is 11km from the city (journey time – 20 minutes). Bus and taxi services are available into Tangier. Airport facilities consists of Outgoing duty-free shop, banking and bureau de change, restaurant, bar, tourist help desk and car hire. Other international airports include Fez (FEZ), Marrakech (RAK) and Rabat-Salé (RBA). Main ports are Tangier, Casablanca and Ceuta. Several lines from Europe serve these ports. Trains can be caught from London Victoria to Gare du Nord in Paris, and then Gare d'Austerlitz to Algerciras. From here ferries can be caught to Morocco. The best road link is from southern Spain or France via passenger/car ferries. The road link on the north Algerian border is currently closed. Eurolines, departing from London, serves destinations in Morocco.
Accommodation
A genuine land of hospitality, Morocco has a high quality hotel infrastructure offering all the possibilities of enjoying your stay in very pleasant conditions, regardless of the type of hotel you choose. In the main towns in the country, the major western hotel names are long established. Several establishments in all categories form a very varied offer. In any case, comfort and quality will always be provided. Not counting the riads converted into hotels, where you will discover the best of what the Moroccan way of life has to offer. Everywhere, you will receive an attentive and warm welcome. In this land of traditions, hospitality remains a very real value.
Visa Requirements
Visa is not requited for citizens of The EU, Australia, Canada and USA for stays of up to three months, except nationals of Hungary who can stay for up to 30 days. Passport valid for at least six months from date of entry required by all nationals of countries referred to above.
Getting Around
Royal Air Maroc, or Royal Air Inter, provide regular, inexpensive domestic flights to all the major towns within the country. Discount are available for students under the age of 31. The railway system is mostly concentrated in the north of the country, linking all the main towns. The service is modern, comfortable and fast. CTM LN is the main bus company and links all the main cities, offering a range of services, delux, 1st class and 2nd class buses. Smaller companies operate regionally. Buses travel throughout the country is inexpensive and generally efficient. In the towns the "Petit taxi" is a popular form of transport, maximum passengers 3. Shared Taxis ("Grands taxis) carry up to six people and cover outer areas, linking towns together. They do not leave till full and make sure you agree a price in advance. Coming from the African Continent you can choose to come either to Algeciras or Tarifa. There are every day many ferries coming and leaving to and from Algeciras/Tarifa to Ceuta/Tangier on the African side of the Strait. The fast Ferry takes about 35 min.
Health & Safety
No vaccinations are required to enter Morocco, but most travellers to Morocco will need vaccinations for hepatitis A and typhoid fever, as well as medications for travellers' diarrhoea. It is advisable to drink bottled water outside the main cities and towns, and avoid street food. Medical facilities are good in all main towns. Health insurance is essential. Following recent suicide bombings in Casablanca in April 2007, fears that there is an increased threat from international terrorism have been raised, and visitors to Morocco are advised to be vigilant in places like hotels and restaurants. Security has been increased in Casablanca and police continue to search for suspected terrorists. Violent crime is not a major problem, but there have been some incidents of theft at knifepoint in major cities and on beaches. Sensible precautions such as avoiding badly lit streets at night should be adhered to. Guides offering their services should display an official badge from the local tourist authorities. Visitors are advised to familiarise themselves with general safety procedures in the event of an earthquake as the country is prone to tremors, although usually minor ones.
National Holidays
1 Jan - New Year's Day 11 Jan - Independence manifesto 3 Mar - Throne Day 1 May - May Day 23 May - National Day 9 July - Youth Day 14 Aug - Allegiance of Wadi-Eddahab 20 Aug - Anniversary of the King's and People's Revolution 6 Nov - Anniversary of the Green March 18 Nov - Independence Day plus variable Islamic holidays
Currency
Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
Electricity
127/220V AC
Working Hours
Banking: Monday to Friday: 0930-1300
Emergency Numbers
15 (Fire)) 19 (Police/city) 177(Royal military police/country)
