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Overview
Morocco is an
initiation into the exotic magic of the Islamic, Arabic, African world -
the world of medinas and minarets, desert and mountain; yet it almost touches western Europe and, for all the
differences, retains a European patina, the legacy of the French Protectorate.
To imbibe the spirit of Morocco, wander the streets of the great cities. Fès - the ancient capital - has a stunning array of medieval buildings,
while Marrakech compels attention, its world-famous souk selling a
bewildering array of goods; both hark back to the Arab dynasties that ruled the
country from the Muslim conquest. Casablanca, a thriving commercial
centre, and Rabat, the capital, reflect their modern French origins; Tangier is mildly seedy, slightly melancholy. All Moroccan cities are
crowded, the hustlers a fact of life.
Morocco’s charm lies in its diversity. For sun-worshippers, there are miles of beaches, while
inland lies Berber country where, among the snow-capped Atlas Mountains,
the energetic can walk or trek. Beyond the Atlas are the fringes of the Sahara, where the caravans once stopped on their way south to trade in
spice and ivory.
Whether scaling distant ridges, idling by the sea,
haggling for exotic artefacts, gazing at ancient wonders or marvelling at the
pink and indigo of a desert dawn, you will be mesmerised.
The original
inhabitants of Morocco, the Berbers, have experienced a series of
invaders over the centuries. The first Arabs arrived from the west in AD682 and
established a series of dynasties which have ruled Morocco ever since. As in
much of North Africa, the conflict between Arabs and Berbers has been a central
feature of the country’s history.
Morocco achieved independence from the French in 1956 and despite some progress, today two territorial
disputes remain: in the Sahrawi region (previously known as Spanish Sahara),
claimed by indigenous guerrilla movement, the Polisario Front and in the
Spanish-occupied enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast.
General Information
Area
710,850 sq km (274,461 sq
miles).
Population
31.6 million (UN estimate
2005).
Population Density
44.4 per sq km.
Capital
Rabat. Population: 1.2 million (2005 estimate).
Government
Constitutional monarchy since 1956. Gained independence from France in 1956.
Language
The official language is Arabic, but Berber is spoken by a large
minority. French is widely spoken throughout the country, except in the
northern regions where Spanish is more predominant. English is also
understood, particularly in the north and the main tourist areas.
Religion
Predominantly Muslim with Jewish and Christian minorities. Morocco’s population and culture stems from a cross-section of
origins including Berbers, Arabs, Moors and Jews.
Time
GMT.
Climate
The climate varies from area to area. The coast has a warm,
Mediterranean climate tempered on the eastern coast by southwest trade
winds. Inland areas have a hotter, drier, continental climate. In the
south of the country, the weather is very hot and dry throughout most
of the year, with the nights coolest in the months of December and
January. Rain falls from November to March in coastal areas. Mostly dry
with high temperatures in summer. Cooler climate in the mountains.
Marrakech and Agadir enjoy an average temperature of 21°C (70ºF) in the
winter.
Required Clothing: Lightweight cottons and linens are worn during summer, with warm
mediumweights for the evenings during winter and in the mountains.
Waterproofing is advisable in the wet season, particularly on the coast
and in the mountains.
Social Conventions
Handshaking is the customary form of greeting. Many of the manners and
social customs emulate French manners, particularly amongst the middle
class. The visitor may find, in some social situations, that patience
and firmness will pay dividends. Often visitors may find themselves the
centre of unsolicited attention. In towns, young boys after money will
be eager to point out the way, sell goods or simply charge for a
photograph, while unofficial guides will always be offering advice or
services. The visitor should be courteous but wary of the latter.
Normal social courtesies should be observed in someone’s home. Casual
wear is widely acceptable, although swimsuits and shorts should be
confined to the beach or poolside. Women travelling alone, and/or
wearing clothes regarded as provocative (eg strappy tops, short skirts,
etc) may attract unwanted attention. Sexual relations outside marriage,
and homosexual conduct, are punishable by law. Smoking is widespread
and it is customary to offer cigarettes.
Electricity
127/220 volts AC, 50Hz, depending on age and location of building.
Head of Government
Prime Minister Driss Jettou since 2002.
Head of State
King Mohammed VI since 1999.
Passport/Visa's
Passports
Passport valid for at least six months from date of entry required by all nationals of countries referred to in the chart
above.
Visas
Not required by nationals of countries shown in the chart above for stays of up to three months, except nationals of Hungary
who can stay for up to 30 days.
Visa Note: (a) Visa extensions of up to six months are possible upon request at the main police station in town. (b) Nationals not referred
to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Money
Currency
Moroccan Dirham (MAD) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of MAD200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations
of MAD10, 5 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 centimes.
Currency Exchange
Moroccan Dirhams can only be obtained in Morocco. National currencies
should be exchanged at official bureaux de change only (identified by a
golden sign); changing money in the street is illegal. There is no
commission charge and visitors will be issued with a receipt which they
must keep in order to exchange Moroccan currency back into the original
national currency upon departure. Money can be withdrawn in banks with
a credit card and a cheque book in some larger towns.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
Some credit cards are accepted. Cash can be withdrawn from ATMs in some larger towns.
Traveller's Cheques
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.
Banking Hours
Mon-Thurs 0815-1215 and 1415-1715; Fri 0815-1115 and 1430-1730; Sat 0900-1300.
Entertainment
Food and Drink
Morocco’s traditional haute cuisine dishes are excellent and good value
for money. They are often exceedingly elaborate, based on a diet of
meat and sweet pastries. Hotel restaurants usually serve French
cuisine. Restaurants offer a good selection of food, including typical
Moroccan dishes, French, Italian or Spanish meals. The three-course
fixed menus are not expensive. Many of the souks have stalls selling
kebabs (brochettes)
often served with a spicy sauce. Most restaurants have waiter service.
Bars can have either waiter or counter service. Laws on alcohol are
fairly liberal (for non-Muslim visitors) and bars in most tourist areas
stay open late. Wines, beers and spirits are widely available. Locally
produced wines, beers and mineral waters are excellent and good value,
but imported drinks tend to be expensive.
National specialties:
• Harira (a rich soup).
• Pastilla (a pigeon-meat pastry made from dozens of different layers of thick flaky dough).
• Couscous (a dish based on savoury semolina that can be combined with egg, chicken, lamb or vegetables).
• Tajine (a stew, often rich and fragrant, using marinated lamb or chicken).
• Hout (a fish version of the same stew).
National drinks:
• Mint tea made with green tea, fresh mint and sugar. It is very refreshing and its consumption is an integral part of Moroccan
social courtesy.
• Coffee is made very strong, except at breakfast.
Tipping: Service charges are usually included in hotel bills; it is customary to tip waiters MAD1-2.
Nightlife
Morocco offers a variety of entertainment from casinos, bars, discos, restaurants and nightclubs, often with belly dancing. There are modern nightclubs in all the cities and resorts around the country. There are casinos in Marrakech, Mohammedia, Tangier and Agadir. Traditional
Moroccan entertainment, such as folk dancing, can be seen in every town.
Shopping
The co-operative shops of Moroccan craftspeople, coopartim, operate under state control selling local handicrafts at fixed prices and issue an authenticity receipt or a certificate of origin for customs when exporting. Souks are also worthwhile places to visit for local products. Special buys are leather,
tanned and dyed in Fès; copperware; silver; silk or cotton garments;
and wool rugs, carpets and blankets. Bargaining is essential, and good
buys generally work out at around a third of the asking price. In the
south, there are Berber carpet auctions, especially in Marrakech, Taroudannt and Tiznit. Visitors will need a guide to make the best of these occasions.
Shopping hours: Mon-Thurs 0830-1200 and 1430-1830, and Fri 0830-1100 and 1500-1830; large stores are open Mon-Sat 0900-1300 and 1500-1900;
souks (traditional markets) are open Mon-Sun 0830-1300 and 1430-1800.
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