Morocco

Quick Facts

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Capital

Rabat

Population

31,690,000

Government

Constitutional Monarchy

Religions

Islam

Languages

Arabic, Tachelhit, Tamazight

Calling Code

+212

Nationality

Local name

Al Maghrib

Introduction

Erg Chebbi, Merzouga

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Morocco is separated from Spain and Europe by nothing more than the needle-thin Strait of Gibraltar, but its position on the African continent has led to a more common association with the African world. Berber culture has been long-standing and remarkably robust in the face of foreign invaders, including the Romans, the Arabs and France during colonial days. Since power was handed back to Morocco in 1956, the country has developed into a devoutly Muslim nation that is being drawn into the waves of modernity. Western fascination with the country has been prime ever since Hollywood produced a series of Morocco-glorifying films in the middle of the century. Its stunning Atlas Mountains, outstanding trekking opportunities, invigorating cities and cultural exoticism have continued to make it a deserved favourite amongst travellers.

Regions

Morocco has 16 administrative regions, from north to south being:

• Tangier-Tétouan
• Gharb - Chrarda - Béni Hssen
• Taza - Al Hoceima - Taounate
• Oriental
• Fès - Boulemane
• Rabat-Salé - Zemmour - Zaer
• Meknès - Tafilalet
• Grand Casablanca
• Chaouia - Ouardigha
• Doukkala - Abda
• Tadla - Azilal
• Marrakech - Tensift - El Haouz
• Souss - Massa - Draâ
• Guelmim - Es Semara
• Laâyoune - Boujdour - Sakia El Hamra
• Oued Ed - Dahab - Lagouira

Of these last 3 southern regions, only the last one lays entirely in the Western Sahara, which is a twisted area, considerd by Morocco part of its surface. The other 2 (Guelmim and Laâyoune) are partly located in Morocco and partly in the Western Sahara.

Cities

• Casablanca
• Rabat-Sale
• Marrakech
• Fez
• Meknes
• Tanger
• Ouarzazate
• Essaouira
• Tetouan
• Chefchaouene

Getting there

Plane

Royal Air Maroc is the national airline of the country with its base at Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) near Casablanca. International destinations to and from there include dozens of cities in Africa, Europe, Asia and North America, among which are Bangkok, New York, Amsterdam, London, Paris, Frankfurt and a number of cities in the west and north of the continent. Tens of other airlines fly there as well.
Other airports with flights to mainly European destinations are located in Agadir and Menara International Airport (RAK) near Marrakech. From the latter, there is a growing number of flights from southern and western Europe.

Getting around

Plane

Agadir, Casablanca, Errachidia, Essaouira, Fez, Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Oujda are served by Royal Air Maroc, among other cities. Regional Air Lines flies between Agadir, Al Hoceima, Errachidia, Essaouira, Goulimime, Marrakech, Nador and Oujda.