Morocco: location, description of the country, travel tips. Morocco: country and its description State area of ​​morocco

Telephone code:

Direct flight:

Official language:

Arabic, French

Time difference from Minsk:

minus 3 hours

visa required

Currency unit:

Moroccan dirham/MAD (1 dirham = 100 centimes)

Description

Oriental fairy tale with palaces, parks, gardens and magnificent beaches - all this is about Morocco! An Arab country with a pronounced national flavor and European service every year attracts millions of tourists from all over the world!

Morocco's sights, distinctive culture and magnificent beach holidays attract millions of tourists from all over the world every year to this fabulous country, bordered by the Sahara Desert in the south, the Mediterranean Sea in the north and the Atlantic Ocean in the west.

Tours in Morocco suitable for those who dream of spending time in a country with their own character, distinctive from others.

Holidays in Morocco cannot leave indifferent even the most sophisticated traveler. The tourism business is developing very intensively, so the level of service and comfort, despite the "African" location, is at a fairly high level.

Diverse - for every taste and financial possibilities, work according to the European "star" system of hotel classification. On the first coastline there are 4 and 5 * hotels, the rest are at a distance of 500-600 meters from the coast. In general, hotels correspond to the specified “star rating”, however, some may undeservedly assign themselves an extra star, which usually does not greatly affect the service as a whole. Meals in hotels are most often half board, but there are also all-inclusive ones. In Morocco, you can rent both an expensive room in one hotel and find a cheaper option. By the way, regardless of your solvency and choice of number, you will be treated in this country as a dear guest with respect and deference. Service in Moroccan hotels is slow but good enough. Not all hotels speak English. Most of the hotels in Morocco are stylized in Arabic design. Before booking a hotel room in the summer, it is better to ask if it has air conditioning, not all hotels install them. The cheapest hotel options can be disappointing with the lack of hot facilities and amenities on the floor.

You can also stay in riad hotels - these are small hotels located in old Moroccan houses right in the city. Also popular are villa hotels, which are no larger than riads, but are located outside the city. Such options are suitable for those travelers for whom it is important to feel the national spirit of Morocco, to feel the way and rhythm of life of the locals. Most often, such small hotels belong to Moroccan families who try to maintain a cozy and homely atmosphere inside the house.

Hostels in Morocco no less popular than good hotels - a great alternative for those who want to save a little on housing and plunge into a real oriental fairy tale. They are clean, tidy, often their interior decoration reflects the national culture of the country. In addition, some hostels are located in places overlooking the ocean, have a pool, a bar and other attributes for a great holiday. In hostels, you can often pay for an additional breakfast, which will be served in the form of a buffet. The only disadvantage of hostels in Morocco is that there are not many of them and they are not available in all resort cities.

Rental property in Morocco possible in private houses and apartments of local residents. Some experienced tourists call the Moroccan nation one of the most hospitable and are happy to use the services of renting rooms from local residents. However, there is a completely opposite opinion in this approach, so when using the option of renting private housing from locals, it is better to immediately prepare for the fact that local residents will not name any fixed amount for a room. Most likely, they will offer to discuss the financial issue "somehow later." However, as a fait accompli, the amount named by the owner of the room can be a real surprise for travelers and a reason for mutual insults. In addition, additional services (a warm blanket, an extra pillow, etc.) may require an additional payment. It is better to stay in places that have some reputation and focus on reviews of hotels, private hotels and hostels.

National cuisine

Moroccan cuisine makes extensive use of fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood and, of course, spices. The national dish is "tagine": lamb, lamb, chicken or fish stewed with vegetables and spices (prepared differently in different regions of the country). It is better to eat in hotels, decent cafes or restaurants: clean, tasty and safe for the gastrointestinal tract.
The traditional Moroccan drink, mint tea and coffee, is usually very strong and hot, often with cardamom. Coffee with milk is much less common and is called "kahu kasse".
The country produces the best wines in North Africa: red Buluan, Ostala, Cabernet President, Taleb, Pierre Antoine, Cardinal Amazir, as well as white Schud-Sotel and Valpierre.

The country produces the best wines in North Africa: red Buluan, Ostala, Cabernet President, Taleb, Pierre Antoine, Cardinal Amazir, as well as white Schud-Sotel and Valpierre.

dangers

Dangers in Morocco lie in wait for tourists, mainly in tourist and sightseeing cities. True Moroccans, not spoiled by tourist attention, are very friendly and always ready to help foreigners.

There is a high rate of pickpocketing in Morocco, so standard precautions must be followed.

Unfortunately, in recent years, the number of robberies in relation to tourists has increased significantly. Moreover, they attack almost openly, not being afraid of the reaction of passersby passing by. This occurs most often in Marrakesh, Casablanca and Fez at night in remote poor areas.

Almost every tourist who has gone outside the hotel, during his trip to Morocco, will at least once encounter the harassment of beggars. This is a real problem in the country, with which the authorities have been fighting for several decades. If you are surrounded by a crowd of beggars, it is better to firmly pass by, not paying attention and not uttering a single word. If the harassment continues, threaten with the tourist police.

The most "popular" places among beggars and scammers: the tourist areas of Agadir, the cities of Marrakesh, Fes, Tangier, the Draa Valley (in the Ouarzazate region). In the Draa Valley, the situation with such actions of the local population is simply depressing. There are beggars, and beggars, and swindlers, and even false guides and false taxi drivers. It will be especially difficult for tourists who are going to visit local kazabs, in which children from birth live by begging for money from tourists. They impudently demand dirhams, grab your hands, and in case of refusal or a small amount, they rudely send curses to you and your family, throw stones after you and even try to get into your car. And unaccompanied single women are generally not recommended to visit such places.

You should be very careful when leaving the port of Tangier, where ferries with Tourists from Spain arrive. The “divorce” begins already at the pier, when someone approaches you and starts a friendly conversation in which he allegedly casually says that he knows the best guide in these places, knows the cheapest hotel and can offer the best exchange rate. In the best case, all these services will be much more expensive than in travel agencies, and in the worst case, you may lose all your savings and things. It is better not to listen to the advice of such people at all and not to literally believe anything they say.

A rather unpleasant situation is with trains from Tangier to Fes, where real groups of professional scammers and thieves work. However, the situation is completely opposite when traveling through the cities of the coast from Rabat to Essaouira, there are practically no dangers along this route.

In any case, if you feel that you are becoming a victim of a scammer's deal, then threaten him with the tourist police - they are very strict towards the local population and loyal to foreigners.

In large coastal resorts in Morocco, it is almost safe and you can walk even at night.

Do not exchange large amounts of currency, since the dirham is not subject to reverse conversion and export from the country. When exchanging currency, ask for small bills, as merchants are unlikely to give you change - it is more profitable for them to simulate its absence.

In desert areas beware of poisonous spiders and scorpions.

It is forbidden to take pictures of the police and the military, as well as military installations.

It is advisable to use only bottled water for food, and not from the tap and offered on the streets by water carriers. In most hotels (especially 4 * and 5 *) tap water is quite drinkable, but simply contains trace elements that are unusual for us, which can cause indigestion.

When buying drinks in a store (does not apply to supermarkets), carefully check that the factory packaging is not damaged, as street vendors are very fond of diluting juices with water and replacing bottled water with tap water. The cost of the bottle is not included in the price of the juice, so they must be given back to the merchants after drinking the contents. If you want to take drinks with you, you will also have to pay the cost of bottles.

Weather forecast

Climate in Morocco varies depending on the location. In the north - the Mediterranean continental zone, in the central part of the country - continental, in the south and east of the country - the Atlantic and desert along the ocean coast.

Weather in Morocco summer is hot and dry throughout the country. The hottest place is in Marrakech, in summer the temperature can reach +40 C. On the coast, the average temperature in summer is +27 .. +29 C. Thanks to the cold Canary current along the coast, there is no sweltering heat here. In the southeastern regions of the country, the influence of the Sahara desert is felt with a hot dry wind.

The average temperature in winter is +19.. +21 C. The weather in Morocco in winter is warm and humid. In the north of the country it can be cool in winter, and at an altitude of 2000-2500 meters in the mountains snow falls, which lasts for two months. In the most "snowy" country in Africa - Morocco - even skiing is developed. The ski season runs from December to March.

The best time to visit Morocco is October-April. Hiking enthusiasts choose the time from June to September to visit the country.

Sea and sun

Beaches in Morocco sandy with yellow fine sand. Often municipal, where you have to pay for sunbeds and umbrellas. The beaches are wide, quite comfortable, but the fact that they are state-owned does not always have a good effect on their cleanliness. There are beaches in the property of hotels. They are clean, tidy and well maintained.

In some parts of the coast of Morocco, the ebbs and flows are quite noticeable. In some places there are rock ledges, but these places are not resorts.

Weather in Morocco throughout the year contributes to a good beach holiday on the coast. During the summer months, the air temperature can be too high, but in general the heat is not difficult to endure. The average water temperature during the year is +18.. +21 C.

Active holidays in Morocco on the coast is represented by surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and diving. Water sports enthusiasts will appreciate the good conditions for an active pastime in Morocco. Surfing in Morocco quite popular. The long sandy beaches of Oualidia, Dar Bouazza, Taghazout, Agadir and Essaouira host many international competitions. And just north of Safi is Sidi Bouzid, a world-class surfing point break. His wave is in the top ten in the world.

Kitesurfing in Morocco, according to experienced surfers, is second only to Hawaii. For excellent kitesurfing go to Dakhla Bay.

Diving in Morocco attracts so far only experienced lovers of the underwater world. Dakhla in the south of the country and Tamuda Bay in the north are the most popular diving spots.

Diving and surfing equipment can be rented on some beaches, but the equipment is not always new and meets all the necessary requirements, and it is also better to ask in advance whether equipment insurance is included in the rental amount. Also on the beaches you can ride a jet ski or go fishing.

Beach holidays in Morocco does not require special planning, unlike, for example, excursions, so last-minute tours in Morocco are very popular among tourists.

car rental

Car rental in Morocco available with an international driver's license and a credit card. Offices of international companies are widespread in the country; they are located at airports and on city streets. Taxes, mileage, insurance, roadside assistance policy, depending on the type of car, are paid separately. You can also rent a car in Morocco through local companies. Often, car rental is offered right on the streets, but such an offer often does not guarantee the tenant's good faith. In any case, before signing the contract, you should carefully study and clarify all the conditions and familiarize yourself with the technical condition of the car - some of them may have hidden defects, which, upon returning the car, will have to be paid separately. Unscrupulous tenants try to quickly sign the contract, avoiding a thorough inspection of the car.

Rent a car in Morocco can be "complete" with the driver. For the price, this option is not much different from the "independent".

In popular resort areas, it is better to use the “early car booking in Morocco” service. However, if you book a car early, local companies have the opportunity to miss the booked car upon arrival, you may be offered a replacement for it, and payment terms may also be changed.

Local drivers observe traffic rules in a peculiar way. In large cities, the rules are often neglected, remembering them only in the immediate vicinity of a policeman. In small towns and settlements, drivers, on the contrary, even show excessive “politeness” on the road. At some mountain fork, you can see two drivers persuading each other to go first, endlessly giving way to each other. In general, traffic in Morocco looks completely disordered - pedestrians constantly cross the road in unmarked places, there are few traffic lights, carts move along the road in a common track.

At night, peripheral roads are poorly lit, and not all cars have position signals. In older urban areas, it is not always possible to find room to maneuver. The markings are internationally marked, signs are usually written in French and Arabic.

Seat belts are required.

For tourists who do not have special driving skills in the country, it is better to rent a car in Morocco "complete" with a driver.

Money

Money in Morocco can be exchanged at airports, some hotels and most banks. Some exchange offices may ask for a passport. The working hours of banks and exchange offices are 8:30-11:15 and 14:15-16:00. During Ramadan, banks are open from 8:30-14:00. Counting money here should be without departing refusals, there are examples of foreign tourists being short-changed. Currency exchange is forbidden on the streets, besides this is a vast field for fraud.

The export of the national currency from the country is prohibited, in addition, the Moroccan dirham is not convertible in other countries, so it is recommended to change money as needed. In addition, the reverse moment is possible only 50% of the amount exchanged during the period of stay in Morocco.

ATMs are ubiquitous in Morocco, credit cards can be used for payment in many hotels, restaurants and large stores. In some resort areas, euros and dollars are accepted for payment.

In Morocco, you can and should bargain!

shopping

Shopping in Morocco will not leave anyone indifferent! There is everything that the soul of a tourist desires: leather goods, wood, clothes, dishes, shoes, jewelry and many souvenirs. Everything, of course, is seasoned with the national flavor of the country.

The most popular place for tourists to carry out “oriental” shopping is the ancient oriental bazaars of Marrakech, Fes, Tangier and Rabat, which are open throughout the daylight hours. The main rule is bargain! Many and ruthlessly! The same applies to small shops, of which there are a great many. By the way, the owners set their work schedule at their own discretion.

Morocco has a huge selection of carpets. Their selection is simply huge! Striped, with complex patterns, made of wool or light silk, made in different techniques - in general, connoisseurs and just lovers will appreciate the variety of Moroccan carpets at their true worth. When choosing a woolen carpet, you need to be extremely vigilant - acrylic fiber can also be given out for real wool. A proven way to distinguish wool from its fake is to set fire to a piece of carpet - if it smells like burnt feathers, the carpet is real, woolen. One of the largest carpet markets is located in the central part of the market quarter of Marrakech.

Morocco has great leather goods! Moroccan leather is considered the softest in the world. Fes is the largest tanning center in the country, where artisans pass on their leather tanning skills from generation to generation, and the prices are quite reasonable. As a souvenir, you can buy wallets, bags, suitcases, interior items and leather clothes. All products are handmade and look quite original. By the way, dyes for leather are used mainly natural.

Morocco is famous for its wooden products. Moroccan craftsmen make probably everything from wood: from small caskets and chess to large interior items. The price of wooden products depends on the craftsmanship and quality of the products.

Souvenirs in Morocco- these are also beautiful forged products made of copper and bronze. This craft has glorified Moroccan masters all over the world. The best shopping is done at blacksmith markets, where you can find unique interior items, artfully crafted kitchen utensils, chandeliers, picture and mirror frames and much more.

An excellent souvenir for friends can be a ceramic product. Pottery is developed in Fes, Safi and Maknes. The most popular souvenir among tourists is the tagine, a clay plate with a conical lid.
Jewelry in Morocco is a special item of expenditure for visiting travelers. Especially those who are looking for national color and originality in the design of jewelry are not indifferent to it. Indeed, many jewelry is made in ethnic style, and the look of gold jewelry is very original. You can buy jewelry at the jewelers' market in Marrakech, but as for jewelry made of precious metals, it is better to buy them in stores where a certificate is attached to the products - the risk of buying a fake is much lower with this option.

And, finally, the most popular purchase is, of course, the traditional grandmother's shoes - soft comfortable slippers with sharp and turned-in backs or turned-up toes, as in a fairy tale about little Muck. There are many of them in all the markets of Morocco - they come in all possible combinations of colors of the rainbow and embroidered with gold and silver threads. They are made from genuine leather.

Markets in Morocco also abound with local body and hair care products. They also make an excellent souvenir - these products often have a persistent coloring effect.

And also, those who are especially interested in “magic” will surely be attracted by the shops of Moroccan pharmacists, who would be more logical to call sorcerers or healers (by the way, in Morocco, especially in villages, the use of witchcraft in everyday life is common). Here everyone will find for themselves a “magic potion” to their taste, from dried paws of unknown animals that save from all known ailments to quite “adequate” body and face skin care products prepared on the basis of ancient recipes.

A little about the art of bargaining in Morocco. For Moroccan culture, bargaining is something natural, without which it is impossible to make a purchase. If you ignore the bargain, the seller may even be offended. Bargaining is a form of communication that should never be neglected. When the initial price of the goods is named, you should mentally divide it by two (in some cases even by four) and name the resulting figure, and then haggle until you come to an agreement with the seller.

Fixed prices are set only in large stores and in some craft centers.

Alcoholic drinks are sold everywhere, but their sale in stores stops at 20:00 (in hotels, exceptions are often made to this rule).

Tips

Tipping in Morocco is customary to leave almost everywhere, except for taxi drivers. It is customary to leave 0.5-2$ for maids, bartenders, waiters. Tipping is given in person.

Features of the country and nation

In many tourist areas, locals smile insincerely, but solely because of their own benefit. The truth of the character of the Moroccans is hospitality and cordiality, which can be found where the tourist's foot practically never sets foot.

During a conversation, it is customary to ask a lot of questions about personal life and fully answer them, short answers are considered a sign of disrespect for the interlocutor.

If you enter the house, be sure to take off your shoes, despite the dirty floors, which are not uncommon in a Moroccan home. If you are invited to the main room of the house, it is a great honor and respect for the guest. Before entering, wash your hands in the basin in front of her. As a sign of a special relationship, the owner himself can pour water on your hands from a jug. Before you step over the threshold or start eating, you should say "bismillah".

Refusing an invitation to visit or drink a cup of coffee in a cafe can serve as a reason for resentment.

Most of the mosques in Morocco are for Muslims only. Foreigners are not allowed to enter there.

Moroccans eat with their hands, more precisely, with three fingers of their right hand. The left hand should not touch food, it is considered "unclean". In addition to many dishes, there is also a bowl of hot water on the table, in which it is customary to wash hands before eating.

Bread is a symbol of prosperity, it is treated with respect and no half-eaten pieces are left. And tea drinking has its own special ritual: a glass is filled with tea by 2/3, hot tea is not blown, but only inhaled its aroma. After the first and second glass of tea, it is not customary to refuse the next one - this is a bad tone, and after the third glass one can quite say “thank you, but I have had enough”.

Unlike Turkey and Egypt, you rarely see pushy salespeople in Moroccan stores. In Morocco, it is not customary to impose your product, and even more so, to invite them to the store by force or follow on the heels of a potential buyer.

During Ramadan (between December and February), alcohol is strictly prohibited (it is not served even in hotels). Shops are currently operating on a reduced schedule. Muslims cannot eat before sunset, but foreigners are exempt from this prohibition, so they can eat at any time. However, it is not recommended to appear on the streets and in public places with food during Ramadan as a sign of respect for the religion and traditions of the Moroccan people.

The standard weekend in Morocco is Saturday and Sunday. However, many private small shops may be closed on Fridays (day of prayer). Markets are open daily, but prices rise significantly on weekends, as locals do not visit the market on these days.

Kingdom of Morocco.

The name of the country comes from the name of the city of Marrakech, which means “decorated” in Berber.

Capital of Morocco. Rabat.

Morocco square. 446550 km2.

Population of Morocco. 30600 thousand people

Location of Morocco. Morocco is a state in the North. In the north it is washed by waters, in the east and southeast it borders on, in the south - on Western, in the west it is washed by.

Administrative divisions of Morocco. The state is divided into 35 provinces and 8 prefectures.

Moroccan form of government. .

Head of State of Morocco. King.

Supreme legislature of Morocco. bicameral parliament.

Supreme executive body of Morocco. Government.

Major cities in Morocco. Casablanca, Marrakech, Fes.

Official language of Morocco. Arab.

Religion in Morocco. 98% are Sunnis, 1% are Christians.

Ethnic composition of Morocco. 97% Berbers and Arabs.

Currency of Morocco. Dirham = 100 centimes.

Useful information for tourists

The importunity of street vendors and "guides" should be answered with a polite but firm refusal.
Harassment is a major problem for foreign tourists in Morocco.

At a party, do not refuse the second and third glass of mint tea - this is considered impolite.
Answer all questions, even if they seem immodest to you (what is your salary, how much does a video camera cost, what is the name of your wife) - these are courtesy and friendliness in Morocco.
Do not appear on the street in too bold clothes. This is especially true for women.

It is customary to give small tips, but often. In restaurants and hotels, even if the tip is included in the bill, it is customary to pay extra 10% of its amount. Tipping is given personally to the person who served you.

You can not drink water offered by water carriers on the streets, as well as from the tap (including in hotels). Best used in bottles. We recommend that you bring all the necessary medicines with you, as you may have difficulty obtaining them in Morocco.

Morocco is a country of natural, cultural and linguistic diversity. What language is spoken in Morocco?

Until recently official state language of Morocco, according to the Constitution, was Arab. In each of the Arab countries, Arabic exists in 2 forms: in the form of standard classical Arabic, used in official cases and in writing, and in the form of a colloquial dialect used for everyday informal communication. The latter has a simpler grammar, differs in vocabulary and does not have strict norms. There are 3 large groups of Arabic spoken dialects:

1) dialects of the Arabian Peninsula (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain...)

2) Levantine dialects (Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan ..)

3) Egyptian dialect

4) dialects of the Maghreb (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya ..)

Speakers of these dialects understand each other with varying degrees of confidence. So, for example, the Egyptian dialect is understandable to all Arabs, thanks to the great popularity of Egyptian films and songs. Dialects of the Maghreb are the least understood by representatives of other groups, because they are heavily mixed with French, Berber and other languages, differing in pronunciation and vocabulary. The Moroccan dialect of Arabic is called darija.

Standard Classical Arabic(aka the language of the Quran) is very complex and requires special study at school. Not all educated Moroccans are fluent in it. However, his knowledge is necessary for work in administration, teaching, understanding the media.

In 2011, as a result of amendments to the Constitution, Morocco appeared second official language - Berber. No one knows the exact ratio of the Arab and Berber population of the country. Many Moroccans were born into mixed Arab-Berber families, and the Berbers who move from the countryside to the city gradually forget their language. In this regard, the Berber language is used for everyday communication mainly in rural areas. According to rough estimates, about a third of Moroccans communicate on it daily. In Morocco, the Berber language exists in the form of 3 main dialects, the speakers of which hardly understand each other. The Berber language is considered incredibly difficult to learn, but knowing just 2-3 Berber words will help you easily win over the merchants in the Marrakech market and get better prices! Berber words are widely found in the names of cities and places in Morocco, among them there are many words beginning with Ta-: Tafraout, Tiznit, Taghazout, Tamegrut, Tazzarin...

The third important language in Morocco is French.. It is not the official language of Morocco, but without knowing it, it is almost impossible to get any qualified job in Morocco. French is the language of business communication and correspondence, to a large extent the language of culture and education. Almost every urban resident of Morocco (with the exception of the north and Western Sahara, where Spanish is more common) knows French at least at a basic level.

North Morocco (Tangier, Tetouan, Chefchaouen...) is a special region. Once under Spanish influence, it still retains Spanish in geographical names, on signs and in everyday communication. It is unlikely that you will be understood here if you order food in a restaurant in French!

English language in Morocco it is quite common and is gaining more and more popularity among young people. Knowing it is considered prestigious and helps to get a good job. Almost all employees of the tourism and service sector can speak English at least at a primitive level, so tourists in Morocco never have problems with communication!

How does the average Moroccan survive in all this linguistic diversity? In the morning at breakfast, he watches the news in standard Arabic. On his way to work, he listens to a radio broadcast where the host addresses a studio guest in French, who answers him in Moroccan darije. At work, he sends emails, signs contracts and makes phone calls in French. In between, he talks to his colleagues, starting a phrase in Darije and ending in French. For greater persuasiveness, he can insert a couple of phrases in English. He orders food in a restaurant from a menu in French. Going to a notary, he certifies documents on the registration of an inheritance or the sale of an apartment in standard classical Arabic. In the evening, he goes to the cinema to watch a film in French or to the theater, where the entertainer makes the opening speech in French and classical Arabic alternately. He writes text messages to his wife in Moroccan Dariji in Latin, replacing many letters with numbers (like this: Sba7 l5ir! labas 3lik?) Several of his Moroccan friends do not speak Arabic at all, because they studied in French schools. However, life in Morocco is not easy for them. fellow citizens mistake them for wealthy immigrants and double their prices for all goods and services. Having gone to the mountains to relax for the weekend, this Moroccan does not understand a damn thing what the local Berbers are talking about. Fortunately, they understand it, but they do not understand the Berber alphabet at all, which the state began to use on the signs of all government institutions, along with Arabic and French (yes, every sign is in 3 languages!), because to teach Berber writing in Morocco began only a few years ago, and even then only in some schools ...

If you suddenly decide to discuss aloud some Moroccans in a public place, keep in mind that there is a high probability that someone will understand you ... According to statistics, almost every Moroccan family has someone who studied in Russia , which means he speaks Russian fluently!

Useful data for tourists about Morocco, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, the currency of Morocco, the cuisine, the features of visa and customs restrictions in Morocco.

Geography of Morocco

It is washed in the north by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea and in the west by the Atlantic Ocean. The Strait of Gibraltar separates Morocco from mainland Europe. It borders with Algiers. The southeastern border in the Sahara desert is not exactly defined. On the northern coast of Morocco are the Spanish exclaves of Ceuta and Melilla.

In the center of Morocco there is a group of mountains: the Middle Atlas and the High Atlas. The highest point is the snow-capped Jebel Tub-Kal Peak (4165 m). The main rivers of the country are the Muluya, which flows into the Mediterranean Sea, and the Cebu, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

State

State structure

A constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the king. Legislative power in the country is exercised by the king and a bicameral parliament (the House of Representatives and the House of Councils). The King also appoints all ministers and presides over the Council of Ministers.

Language

Official language: Arabic

In mountainous regions, local dialects are used. French is the most commonly used second language. Followed by Spanish and English. Spanish is especially spoken in the Fes area.

Religion

Islam is the state religion. Sunni Muslims - 99%, Christians - 0.8%, Jews - 0.2%.

Currency

International name: M.A.D.

The Moroccan dirham is equal to 100 centimes. In circulation are banknotes of 200, 100, 50 and 20 dirhams, as well as coins of 5, 1 dirham and 5, 10, 20 and 50 centimes. In the southern regions and in some places in the highland villages of the Atlas, the currency unit rial (1/20 dirham) is still in use.

The dirham is not convertible, the export of currency is prohibited, so it is not recommended to exchange large amounts at once. You can exchange currency at banks, large hotels and some large restaurants, as well as at specialized exchange offices at airports. Currency exchange on the street and in unlicensed exchange offices is prohibited. The exchange rate is quite stable, it is the same throughout the country and is set by the state. ATMs are quite common and are located mainly near large retail outlets and banks.

Credit cards are accepted in most restaurants, in almost all hotels and in most large stores, private merchants are extremely reluctant to work with them. Traveler's checks "American Express" are accepted almost everywhere, checks of other systems are cashed less willingly.

History of Morocco

The history of the region is built mainly on the relationship between the Berbers, who inhabited it since ancient times, and various conquerors. The first foreign conquerors were the Phoenicians, who founded in the XII century BC. several colonies on the Mediterranean coast. Later, these colonies passed to the Carthaginians, and from the II century BC, after the conquest of Carthage by the Romans, Roman rule began in North Africa.

In 429, the territory of modern Morocco (the Roman province of Mauritania Tingitana) was captured by the Vandals, and a hundred years later, by the Byzantines.

In 682, the Arab conquest of North Africa began. The Arab state reached its greatest prosperity during the Almoravid and Almohad dynasties in the 11th-13th centuries.

Under the Almohads, Morocco was the center of a vast empire that occupied the territories of modern Algeria, Libya, Tunisia and the vast territories of Spain and Portugal. However, with the fall of the Almohad dynasty, the empire also collapsed.

The revival of Morocco - in the XVI-XVII centuries, especially under Sultan Ahmed al-Mansur al-Dhahabi, whose rule is called the "golden age" of the country. From the beginning of the 15th century, several port cities were under the control of the Portuguese and Spaniards, but by the 17th century most of the cities were again under the control of the Moroccan sultan.

In the XVIII-XIX centuries, Morocco was considered a pirate state, since in many cities the actual power was in the hands of sea pirates.

In 1859-1860, Spain captured Morocco, but France also claimed the country, which in 1904 received part of the country's territory, and in 1912 France received most of the territory of Morocco.

In March 1956, France recognized the independence of Morocco, and in April, Spanish Morocco also gained independence, although several cities remained with the Spaniards.

Morocco is a member of the UN, ILO, IMF, WHO, Organization of African Unity, Arab League.

The history of the region is built mainly on the relationship between the Berbers, who inhabited it since ancient times, and various conquerors. The first foreign conquerors were the Phoenicians, who founded in the XII century BC. several colonies on the Mediterranean coast. Later, these colonies passed to the Carthaginians, and from the II century BC, after the conquest of Carthage by the Romans, Roman rule began in North Africa ....

Popular Attractions

Morocco Tourism

Where to stay

Morocco is a multifaceted country offering tourists a varied holiday: from the sunny beaches of the Atlantic coast to the ski resorts of the Atlas. Morocco hotels are also presented for every taste and budget - from small private hotels to representative offices of international hotel chains.

Classification of hotels - standard European. Most often, hotels are built and decorated in Arabic style and are located on the coast. Two- and three-star hotels are within one kilometer of the coastline. Four- and five-star hotels are most often not far away, or directly in the beach area. Also, these hotels have heated pools with sea water, their own fitness centers and thalassotherapy centers. Most often, hotels offer half board, but sometimes the all-inclusive system works. Business class hotels are located mainly in all major cities of the country - Casablanca, Marrakech, Rabat, Fez. They are distinguished by a high level of service, similar to Western Europe, but significantly lower in price.

Two- and three-star hotels, according to local classification, are divided into riad - a small city guest house, auberge - a small inn, gîtes d'étape - a roadside inn. The former are most often located in cities rich in historical sights, and for the most part they are old beautiful houses converted into a hotel with several rooms, some even have a swimming pool. Auberges are provincial inns, made in the traditional kasbah style, mostly cozy family hotels. Gîtes d'étape - roadside hotels for extreme travelers. In the mountains - these are small hotels with everything you need. In the desert - small tent cities or campsites with showers, electricity and a field kitchen.

Most of the country's hotels, with the exception of the business class, quite often experience problems with hot water supply. Some economy class hotels may not have hot water at all, or they charge an additional fee for it.

Popular hotels

Excursions and attractions in Morocco

Morocco is a beautiful oriental country, which is famous for its ancient traditions and a special unique atmosphere. Unique natural landscapes, magnificent beaches of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, an abundance of interesting sights attract a huge number of tourists to Morocco.

The capital of Morocco, as well as its cultural, political and religious center is Rabat. This picturesque city is literally immersed in greenery, and amazing plants from different parts of the world are collected in its many magnificent parks and gardens. Among the most interesting sights of Rabat are the ancient fortress of Kasbah Udaya, the Royal Palace, the tower of Hasan, the Shella fortress with a necropolis, the Mausoleum of Muhammad V, the Cathedral of St. Peter and the Church of the Resurrection of Christ. The city also has a huge number of excellent museums. You should definitely visit the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Moroccan Art, the Museum of Folk Art, the National Museum of Crafts and the Museum of Antiquities.

Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco, as well as the main port and business capital of the country. The center of modern Casablanca is United Nations Square. Here the largest city arteries intersect, and such secular and night life, uncharacteristic for eastern countries, is seething. Among the sights of the city of particular interest are the Great Mosque of Hassan II, the Cathedral, the Shleh Mosque, the Church of St. John, the Khabu Quarter (Derb Sultan), the Arab League Park and Isesco Park. Not far from Casablanca are the ruins of the ancient city of Anfa and the resort of Ain Diab with magnificent sandy beaches.

It is impossible to fully experience the charm of this beautiful country without visiting its heart - the ancient city of Marrakech, located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. The most popular place in the city is the famous Jema el-Fna square, which is located in the Medina (old city) of Marrakesh and is very popular among both city guests and Moroccans. Near the square is one of the main attractions - the Kutubia Mosque. Also of interest are such places as the Mausoleum of Yusuf ben Tashfin, the gate of Bab Agvenau, the Mosque of the Golden Apples (Kasbah), the Mausoleum of Saadi, the palaces of Bahia and El Badi, the Mosque of Ali ben Yusuf, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Bert Flint Museum, the Museum of Islamic Art and the Museum Dar Si Said. You should definitely visit the magnificent Menara Gardens and the famous markets of Marrakesh.

Of great interest are such magnificent cities of Morocco as Meknes and Fes. And the famous Agadir with its magnificent beaches and excellent climate is rightfully considered one of the best resorts in Morocco. The resorts of Tangier and El Jadida are also popular, and Essaouira is especially famous among windsurfers. For those wishing to admire the endless sand dunes of the Sahara, special camel tours or jeep safari tours are offered. You should definitely make a fascinating excursion to the mountains, where you can enjoy stunningly beautiful landscapes and waterfalls.

Cuisine of Morocco

Only a few kilometers separate African Morocco from European Spain, but despite some similarities in culinary traditions, the contrast between the cuisines of the two continents is still unusually great. The Moors (the modern name for the people of Morocco) have influenced the cuisine of Southern Europe a lot with the use of exotic fruits, culinary techniques and architecture. In turn, the cuisine of Morocco has been influenced by many cultures, including Arabic, Jewish and French.

Morocco cuisine is a balance of simplicity and decadence, depending on the season. Lamb, beef, chicken and camel meat are popular. The main source of carbohydrates is couscous, breads, rice and legumes, as is the consumption of root vegetables, herbs and seasonal fruits.

Dishes in Moroccan cuisine are prepared slowly and carefully, seasoned with spices (often very heavily) and fresh herbs. As far as the country is full of contrasts, so is its national cuisine, therefore, sweet, salty, and spicy are often found in one dish. Meat dishes are often seasoned with dried fruits or fresh fruits, popular national dishes include tagine with meat and quince (tagin - both the saucepan and the method of cooking are called), lamb with dates, dried apricots or prunes, and lamb with pine nuts and raisins.

An amazing abundance of dishes is served on the table, and the custom requires that guests enjoy the meal emphatically. At a traditional dinner, cutlery is not served and everyone should eat with the thumb, forefinger, and middle fingers of the right hand. At the beginning of the meal, a bowl of hot water with a slight scent of rose water is often served to wash hands. Sometimes soup is served first; Moroccan traditional soups are very thick and hearty. Harira (mutton soup with coriander and beans, which is served first at the end of the fast of Ramadan and chorba (chorba) - a slightly spicy chicken broth.

Also, baked meat, often lamb, is served at the beginning of the meal. Pastilla (pastilla) is a traditional dish for big holidays, for example, for a wedding or for meeting an important guest. This complex dish consists of pigeon meat, hard-boiled eggs and almonds sandwiched between layers of the traditional very thin Moroccan pastry, ouarka. The top of the dish is sprinkled with plenty of powdered sugar and, sometimes, cinnamon. It is said that the more layers of meat and dough in the pastilla, the higher the guest is valued.

Often, a traditional seasonal tajine is served at the start of the meal, such as a beef, raisin, and pine nut tajine. Couscous is usually served at the end of a meal, but in an informal setting, it is served as a side dish to a tajine. Couscous is a grain of semolina - one of the main ingredients of Moroccan cuisine. The kernels are dredged in olive oil, then diluted with the tagine liquid and steamed for a crumbly and flavorful couscous. This dish is always served hot - the idea of ​​using couscous cold is only popular abroad.

During lunch, homemade bread, ksra, is passed around with small bowls of salt and cumin.

Rounding out the meal are seasonal fruits and sweet pasties with toppings including honey, nuts, cinnamon, sesame and fennel seeds. Sweet mint tea is served, prepared from green tea with fresh mint and lots of sugar - a great way to improve digestion at the end of a hearty meal. Although Morocco produces wine, Muslim culture forbids alcohol, so it is rarely served at dinner.

Only a few kilometers separate African Morocco from European Spain, but despite some similarities in culinary traditions, the contrast between the cuisines of the two continents is still unusually great. The Moors (the modern name for the people of Morocco) have influenced the cuisine of Southern Europe a lot with the use of exotic fruits, culinary techniques and architecture. In turn, the cuisine of Morocco has been influenced by many cultures, including Arabic, Jewish and French....

Tips

It is customary to give small tips, but often. In restaurants and hotels, even if tips are included in the bill, it is customary to pay extra 10% of the bill. Tipping is given personally to the person who served you.

Visa

Office Hours

Banks are open on weekdays from 8.30 to 11.15 and from 14.15 to 16. Saturday and Sunday are days off. During Ramadan, banks are open from 8.30 am to 2 pm. Opening hours may vary depending on the internal policy of the bank.

The opening hours of shops are changeable, many owners set it at their own discretion. The main trade takes place in the markets, which are usually open all daylight hours.

Purchases

As in other eastern countries, it is customary to bargain in Morocco. Therefore, do not hesitate to go to the oriental bazaar for souvenirs and bargain until you are exhausted. Each city in Morocco has its own favorite crafts that the locals do.

In Essaouira, it is better to buy souvenirs (paintings, leather lamps), national clothes and thuja products. In large salons, the quality is higher, but the price is appropriate. In Medina, everything is 30-50% cheaper in shops, but the quality is lower. In Casablanca, European things from famous fashion houses are sold for half the price. Smuggled watches of famous brands - from 10 to 50 USD. In Fez - souvenirs, gold. In Rabat - souvenirs, carpets, leather. In Marrakech, prices are higher, there are many European goods.

Souvenirs

Tourists often bring traditional oriental shoes with curved toes made of soft leather, as well as leather bags, wallets and belts. You can also buy traditional Moroccan carpets, openwork gold and silver jewelry in the Spanish-Moorish style.

Medicine

You can not drink water from the tap or offered by water carriers on the streets - only bottled. In many modern hotels, tap water is quite safe, but it has an unusual composition of microelements for the European stomach, which can cause indigestion.

Safety

There are a lot of pickpockets in Morocco, so you should take the usual security measures - do not carry your wallet in easily accessible pockets from the outside, cameras and handbags - only on your belt, do not leave anything in the car or park cars only in guarded parking lots specially serviced by security guards (must have uniform tokens).

In no case is it recommended to enter into any negotiations or business relations with persons pursuing tourists. You should not follow the advice, suggestions and "friendly" recommendations of the local population. You should not believe assurances about the absence of a bus, about cheaper souvenirs in a single shop, about running out of tickets, and so on.

Emergency Phones

Ambulance - 15
Police - 19
Fire Department - 15
Gendarmerie and roadside assistance - 177

National features of Morocco. Traditions

During Ramadan (December to February), it is forbidden to drink and eat before sunset, it is strictly forbidden to drink alcohol (even for tourists), shops work with a reduced working day or do not work at all during the day.

It is customary to eat with your hands, with 3 fingers of your right hand, folded into a pinch. One should not touch food with the left hand, which is considered "unclean". At the beginning of the meal, a bowl of hot "rose" water is often served to wash the hands. Bread, as a symbol of prosperity, should be consumed sparingly and with dignity.

Questions and opinions about Morocco

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