Morocco Basics
| Capital | Rabat |
| Population | 31.9 million |
| Area | 172 414 sq miles |
| Language | Arabic / French |
| Distance from London | |
| Climate | Mediterranean but with more extremes in the Atlas mountains where there is permanent snow. Very wet in winter in the north very dry and cold towards the Sahara. Temperatures up to 38 C in Marrakech. |
| Currency | Moroccan dirham MAD |
| Visa | |
| Health/Vaccinations | |
| Governmment | Constitutional Monarchy |
| Links | Wikipedia Morocco World Travel Guide Morocco |
Morocco s proximity to Europe make it a convienient but exotic change from European culture. The Atlas mountains provide excellent hiking and trekking opportunities and the souks of Marrakesh are a popular shopping and cultural experience- don' forget to barter. European looking women will get extra attention from the male population not all of it welcome!
History and Culture
Morocco lies at a crossroads of cuLtures lieing on the Atlantic coast near the Staits of Gibralter and on the North west coast of Africa. The main ethnic group are the Berbers but there is significant influence from Arab,Iberian,Phoenicians,jewish and sub-saharan Africans. In 670AD Islamic expansion reached Morocco. Morocco has along standing treaty with the USA to protect american ships along the coastline. European infuence and control came from Portugal,France and Spain. Morocco became indepedent from France in 1955.
Morocco has produced some superb middle and long distance runners but football is the national sport.
Couscous and Tajine( slow cooked meat and fruit stew) are famous and popular dishes.
Top Adventure Activities
Morocco Camel Trek
Trek across giant dunes (150m high) across the Sahara on a camel. Experience Berber and Tuareg cultures.
Trekking in the High Atlas
A short flight from Europe you can trek in the exotic and uncrowded Atlas Mountains. There are 4 ranges Anti,High,Mid and Rif mountains. The High Atlas has dramatic snowy peaks. Try a five day trek from Marrakech and climb Jehel Toubkal the highest mountainin North Africa 4167m.
Islamic and Moridh Cities:
Fez,Marrakech,Casablanca,Benhaddou
Crowded alleys,exotic aromas,medieval streets,carpets,ceramic,spices and snake charmers.