Morocco - Travel Guide
Description
Morocco has mild winters, moderate rainfall and hot, dry summers. This wonderful climate and its location in northern Africa help tourists who come here to enjoy the delights of this exotic country. The northern coast and the interior of Morocco are mountainous, with large areas of bordering plateaus and fertile valleys leading to rich coastal plains.
Morocco has many interesting cities; Rabat, the capital, Casablanca, the largest city and epitome of Moroccan culture and Marrakech which is referred to as ‘Rose City' because of its coloured buildings, particularly as the sun rises or sets. Tangiers and Casablanca are full of French Colonial architecture. Marrakech and the smaller city of Fes have labyrinthine streets offering endless possibilities for exploration and amusement.
Morocco is the most westerly of the North African countries and has a rugged, largely mountainous interior. In many ways, it is a country in itself as it is separated from the rest of the African continent by the majestic Atlas Mountains and also by the almost inhospitable Sahara Desert. The climate, history of this fascinating country and its geography are all related more closely to the Mediterranean continent than to the African.
The official language of Morocco is Arabic but visitors will find that French is widely used as it is the language of business throughout the country.
Fishing, the other mainstay of Morocco's economy besides tourism, is popular all along the 1,800km of Mediterranean coastline, as are the usual mix of water sports and beachfront activities. If you like adventure coupled with spectacular views, there is no better experience than trekking in the High Atlas Mountains. The scenery (and possibly the altitude) will take your breath away.
Driving Guide
Morocco - Key Facts
Timezone: Same as UK.Languages spoken: Arabic, Berber, French, Spanish, English.
Capital City: Rabat.
Major Cities: Casablanca, Marrakech, Tangier, Agadir, Meknes, Fez, Rabat.
Mojor Airports: Agadir, Casablanca, Tangier, Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Fez, Tetouan, Essaouira, Rabat.
Population: 31 million
Area: 710,850 sq km - 274,459 sq miles.
Climate Guide: The N 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 summers are very hot, although winter and spring days can be chilly. The Saharan region has typically hot summers and mild winters.
Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD 1 = 100 centimes).
Notes: MAD: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200.
Coins: MAD: 1, 5, 10. Centimes: 5, 10, 20, 50.
Telephone Code: 212
Electricity: 110/220V AC 50Hz.
UK Tourist Information: Moroccan National Tourist Office
205 Regent Street, London W1B 4HB
Tel: 020 7437 0073; 020 7439 9855
Fax: 020 7734 8172
E-mail: mnto@morocco-tourism.org.uk
Website: www.tourism-in-morocco.com
Hotel Class: Most (but not all) hotels in Morocco are graded by the usual 1- to 5-star system with the added refinement of a top grade of 5-star de luxe, shown here as *****L. Holiday Villages, aparthotels and apartments (residences) are graded as 1st, 2nd or 3rd class. Properties classified as guesthouses (maisons d'hotes) are not graded.