Welcome to the Wonders of Morocco
Land of legends, crossing of civilisations, the kingdom of Morocco has many mysteries to discover and a wide rang of landscapes to enjoy. Morocco’s reputation for hospitality has made it a much sought-after tourist and business destination.
Area: 710,850 sq km, 3500
km of cost lines
Population: 30 Millions (2000 estimate)
Capital: Rabat
Imperial Cities: Fez, Meknes, Marrakech
Politic: Constitutional Monarchy
Tourism: 7 Millions tourist per year
HISTORY
Morocco has been inhabited since very early prehistoric times, as many
prehistoric remains show. Then came the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Berbers,
Byzantine, Romans and Vandals before the Arab invasion which took place
in the 8th century. From this rich history, imperial cities flourished
and prospered from trade and craftsmanship.
A strategic location
The kingdom of Morocco is located in the far Northwest tip of Africa and
is the nearest african country to Europe, separated from Spain by only
9 miles by Gibraltar strait. Morocco offers a wide variety of landscapes;
during a short stay you can swim in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic
Ocean, climb the tallest mountain of North Africa (Toubkal 4165 meters),
enjoy a safari in the desert, and visit the fertile plains of the Haouz.
You can go from the snow of the Atlas to the Saharan desert in one single
day!
CLIMATE
The climate is exceptional all the year round.
- On average there are 300 sunny days, and often more, per year.
- Annual sunshine average per day is more than 8 hours.
- The average temperature is 21 Celsius, or 69 Fahrenheit.
Regional specifications:
- On the coast regions, the winter is cool with some rain, while the summer
is sunny and mild. From 12°/19° in winter to 26°/30° in
summer.
- Inland, the winter is warmer. The summer is hotter as you go further
south. From 10°/22° in winter to 28°/38° in summer.
- In the mountain, cold in the winter, and dry summer. At the mountains,
it snows departing from 1600m height and temperatures are lower.
CULTURE
AND TRADITION
A rich and enriching culture that has been cultivated for centuries. Traditions
are being perpetuated from generation to generation. Morocco has opened
up to the modern world, but preserved its tradition, cuisine, costumes
… and monuments.
Craftsmanship
Craftsmen have passed their craftsmanship from generation to generation.
Various skills are present in the Souks; which are commercial markets
and places of meetings and excitements of the five senses.
Prices are negotiated, its an art and a game, it’s an occasion to
share a cup of tea!
The
art of Tapestry
Moroccan tapestry is various. Each region has it own style and patterns.
Each piece has a history, and each piece is unique
Embroidery
Used for confection in table clothes, pillow sheets, caftans. There are
many styles and patterns depending on the region and the type of clothes.
Pottery
Pottery dates back since 3000 years ago. The most famous are from the
city of Fes and known as « Bleu of Fes ». Other designs with
vivid colours are used for decoration and appliances.
Wood sculpture
Beautiful sculpture from Essaouira made from a rare wood the Arganier.
The Arganier tree is unique to this region and does not grow in any other
part of the world.
Gastronomy
Moroccan cuisine is considered one of the best cuisines in the world.
It is a pleasure for your eyes and your noose before it is a pleasure
for your mouth.
Many dishes are savour like couscous, pastille, tajines in many variants,
harira, and much more dishes that make lick your fingers.
Pastries with honey, almonds, cinnamon are to be savoured with a Moroccan
mint tea.
Moroccan wine offers a wide variety of choice, red, white, rosé
are often of excellent quality.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Passport /Visa
A Valid passport is required for European Union citizens and North American
citizen. No Visa is required.
Money
1 dirham = 0,09 Euro; 1 Euro = 11 dirhams
Bills of 200 DH ; 100 DH ; 50 DH ; 20 DH
Coins of 10 DH ; 5 DH ; 1 DH ; 0,50 DH ; 0,20 DH.
The dirham can not be imported nor exported.
Change and
Credit Cards
You can change foreign currency in banks, hotels, and Bazars.
Major credit cards are accepted in most of the cities. You can also withdraw
cash from ATM’s.
Health
No vaccination is required. Nevertheless, universal rules of hygiene when
travelling are to be respected.
Moroccan pharmacies carry all the necessary medicines.
What to bring
with you?
- Euro or other valid currencies, and major credit cards.
- Warm clothes in the winter for cool evenings, and light clothes for
sunny days.
- Being a hat and a bathing suit. Descent clothing is preferable in public
spaces.
Useful links
Moroccan embassies and consulates: www.maec.gov.ma/fr/decoupage/pays.asp
Moroccan National Office of tourism: www.tourisme-marocain.com
Moroccan Information: www.mincom.gov.ma