Morocco, located in the Northwestern corner of Africa, borders the Atlantic Ocean to the West, the Mediterranean Sea to the North (separated from Spain by the Strait of Gibraltar), Algeria to the East and Western Sahara to the South.
North Africa is very topographically diverse, and thus replete with stunning natural wonders. In Morocco alone, travelers can visit the towering red river canyons of Todgha Gorges and the charming Berber villages of the fertile Ourika River Valley with its panoramic views, apple orchards and walnut groves — as well as the snowy summit of Jbel Toubkal in the high Atlas Mountains, the majestic Ouzoud Waterfalls and the slopes of the Sahara.
Morocco is a friendly Muslim kingdom, exceptional in the Arab world for its open mindedness towards both the Jewish people and Westerners. Even the traditional Berber artisans living remotely in the Atlas Mountains are known to share tea with foreign travelers. A testament to Morocco’s relative liberalism is the fact that women are not required to cover from head to toe as in other Muslim countries.
The official language is Arabic, with Berber dialects widely spoken in rural areas. French, Spanish and English are also widely spoken. Most of Morocco, particularly along the coast, has a typical Mediterranean climate, with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
Morocco is a constitutional monarchy. The current king, Mohammed VI, is head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces. He ascended to the throne in 1999 upon the death of his father, King Hassan II.
Agriculture forms the basis of the Moroccan economy as well as other industries, including cork, timber, fishing, mining and manufacturing. Its main trading partners are France, Spain, Italy, Germany, the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
Rabat is the capital city and is one of the most traditional places in the entire country. Many visitors pass by the coastal city of Rabat and head to other cities such as Marrakech and Fez. While those cities are wonderful and are certainly worth visiting, Rabat offers visitors an entirely different perspective in Morocco that shouldn’t be missed.
Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and the country’s economic and business center.
Fez is the second largest city. This 13th-century city is an imperial city of long-lasting multi-cultural history that reserves unexpected surprises for its visitors.
Marrakesh or Marrakech is the fourth-largest city. It is a major tourist destination, known for its vibrant culture, architecture and cuisine.
Two of the distinct experiences in Morocco are those of the intricate cities and the expansive desert. In the old cities (medinas) of the imperial capitals like Fez and Marrakesh daily life pushes through narrow streets and cool palaces hide behind mysterious portals. The Sahara Desert is endless sand and sky, uncomplicated but powerful.
The lively, sprawling markets characteristic of North Africa and the Middle East, called souks, are full of bustling and bargaining. They can be difficult for tourists to navigate without a local guide. However, the crowds and mazes of the souks do not deter tourists in Morocco; some people travel to Marrakesh or Fez with an empty suitcase just so they can “shop until they drop” at the souks!
Among other goods, one can buy jeweled glassware, ornate teapots, incense, and aromatic spices, traditional woven Moroccan carpets and handmade Berber rugs, dazzling Arabic lamps and lanterns, fine hand painted ceramics and leather goods from local Moroccan tanneries.
Top off a visit to the souks with some famed Moroccan street food — perhaps freshly baked, fluffy bread called khobz or brochette, the Moroccan version of a kebab — and wash it down with some refreshing Moroccan mint tea.
Morocco is one of America’s oldest friends in the Middle East and North Africa and is recognized today as a major non-NATO ally. Since 1957, the U.S. government and the Moroccan government have worked together to make substantial improvements in the lives of Moroccan citizens.
With so much contrast, a week or two in Morocco can feel like a trip around the world and back, in a good way. My visit was a fascinating destination.
Contact a travel advisor to guide and assist you with your travel arrangements, from the beginning to the end of your journey.
