 |
Facts about Morocco
Morocco's
compelling natural landscape, rich architectural tradition and fascinating
cultural heritage will inspire and delight you. Morocco's Arabic name
of "al-Maghreb" means the "farthest land of the setting sun." Morocco
has often been described as an oasis of the senses, offering up the
beauty of the Sahara Desert, the rugged, yet lush Atlas Mountains,
and the warm hospitality of its people. It is an ancient country,
molded by three thousand years of history with a population of Berber
and Arabic people.
Country Name:
Kingdom of Morocco (al-Mamlaka lMaghribia) or Morocco (al-Maghreb).
Geography:
Located in the northwestern corner of Africa, Morocco is bordered to the north by the Strait of Gibraltar
and the Mediterranean, to the west by the Atlantic coast, to the east and southeast by Algeria and to
the south by Mauritania.
The country is cut diagonally by two mountain ranges: the Rif Mountains
(which run along the north coast) and the Atlas Mountains (which lie in the central and southern part
of Morocco). Fertile plains and valleys are comprised between these mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.
Climate:
The North coast and interior mountains have a Mediterranean climate,
although the Atlantic coast is slightly cooler than the Mediterranean
coast in winter. Inland in the High Atlas Mountains, the climate
is influenced by altitude; and winter snowfall can be heavy. Inland
at lower levels, summer is very hot, although winter and spring
days can be chilly. The Saharan region has typically hot summer
and mild winter.
Area:
274,459 sq miles. 710,850 sq kilometres.
Capital:
Rabat.
Head of State:
King Mohammed VI.
Political System:
The Moroccan Constitution provides for a monarchy with
a Parliament and an independent judiciary. Ultimate authority rests with the King.
Population: (2003 est.)
31,689,265 (Growth Rate: 1.8%)
Languages:
Arabic is Morocco's official language. The country's distinctive Arabic dialect is the most widely spoken
language in Morocco. Followed by Berber which exists in 3 different dialects (Tarifit, Tashlehit, and Tamazight);
French is often the language of business, government and diplomacy.
Spanish and English are also widely used in Morocco.
Literacy Rate:
50% (1990).
Ethnic Groups:
Arab and Berber 99.1%, Jewish 0.2%, Other 0.7%.
Time Zone:
Morocco follows GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) all year round.
Weights & Measures:
Morocco uses the Metric system.
Electricity:
220V AC 50Hz (110V on some older places).
Telephone/Country Code:
If calling from abroad, the code is (212).
Currency:
Moroccan Dirham (DH) (1 DH = 100 centimes).
 |
|
Notes: |
| 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 dirham. |
|
| Coins: |
| 0.05, 0.10, 0.50, 1, 5,
10, 20 dirham. |
|
· Tip: Convert any foreign currency to Dirham using our Conversion Tool
Major Cities:
Casablanca, Marrakech, Tangier, Agadir, Meknes, Fez, Rabat.
International Airports:
Agadir Al Massira, Casablanca Mohammed V, Tangier, Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Fez, Tetouan,
Essaouira, Rabat.
|
|
|
Hassan II Grand Mosque
Casablanca
|
Mosque Architecture
Casablanca
|
Vue on Beach
Tangier
|
Architecture
Tangier
|
Menara
Marrakech
|
Old Square at night
Marrakech
|
Bazar Souk
Marrakech
|
|
