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Travel Information on Morocco
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Morocco (MA)
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| Continent: |
Africa |
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| Area: |
445,550 km² |
| Population: |
322,091 |
| Capital city: |
Rabat |
ISO code: |
MA |
| National language: |
Arabic |
International dialling code: |
+212 |
| Currency: |
Dirham |
Licence plate number: |
MA |
| Flight routes from Morocco: |
1242 |
Flight routes to Morocco: |
1764 |
| Popular airports: |
Casablanca (CMN),
Marrakech (RAK),
Tangier (TNG),
Agadir (AGA),
Rabat (RBA),
Laayoune Hassan (EUN),
Casablanca (CAS),
Fez (FEZ),
Nador (NDR),
Oujda (OUD)
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| Large cities: |
Casablanca,
Rabat,
Fez,
Marrakech,
Agadir,
Tangier,
Meknès,
Oujda,
Kenitra,
Tetouan,
Asfi,
Khouribga,
Beni Mellal,
El Jadida,
Taza
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| Airlines based in Morocco: |
Royal Air Maroc,
Regional Air Lines,
Atlas Blue,
Jet4you
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Monarchy in north-western Africa.
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Morocco is the most westerly of the Arabian countries and is separated from Europe by the straits of Gibraltar. The Kingdom of Morocco also borders on Algeria and Western Sahara (not recognised by Morocco and annexed since 1979) and the two Spanish exclaves Ceuta and Melilla, on the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea.
The official language is Arabic, but Berber languages are also spoken. The second language is French, which is used particularly in business negotiations. In the north, Spanish is also spoken and in the cities and tourist centres a little English is also understood.
The main religion in Morocco is Islam, with 99 % believers. There is a small minority of Christians and Jews.
Geography and climate: The countryside in Morocco is very varied. The coastal regions in the north and in the west are rocky in many parts, but there are also sandy beaches and wind still coves. The Atlantic region, including the Moroccan highlands, is characterised by steppe like plateaus with interspersed island type hills. The mountainous regions are the higher and middle Atlas Mountains, which extend through the centre of the country and drop away to form the fertile lowlands and sandy beaches of the Atlantic, and the Riff Mountains. Moroccos highest mountain, Djebel Toubkal (4,167 m; 13,671 ft), is located in the high atlas.
The Anti-Atlas mountain range separates the Atlantic and Mediterranean Morocco from the Saharan part of the country. The climate is warm and temperate in the north and semi-arid and hot in the south. In the mountains the days are warm, nights, in contrast, can be very cold. In the summer the Sirocco and the Chergui winds sweep over the country; both are hot winds from the Sahara. The rainy season between November and April hardly deserves its name, as it only rains a little and only very occasionally.
Attractions in the country include the city of Fès, Meknès, Marrakesch, Rabat and the beach town of Agadir on the Atlantic.
Fès has existed since the 8th century and is the oldest royal city. It consists of the old town El Bali and the new town Jadid. Attractions include Nejjarine square with its fountain and the Andalusian mosque as well as the Royal Palace. The market of Fez is one of the biggest in the world.
Meknès has existed since the 10th century and is surrounded by a city wall that is 16 km long. The most famous gate in Morocco, the Bab El Mansour, is in Meknès .
Marrakech was founded in the 10th Century and is the pearl of the south. It also gave the kingdom its name. Highlights are the red coloured city wall, the exotic palaces, the shopping opportunities, and the “Djemaa el Fna" (place of the beheaded) a 24 hour market with snake charmers, acrobats, dancers, clairvoyants and open air restaurants. The public parks are watered by a subterranean irrigation system that was constructed in the 11th century.
Capital city: Rabat was founded in the 12th century and is the countries capital city and the residence of the royal family. The city is unusually green. Attractions are the Tour Hassan, the grandiose Minarett of an unfinished mosque from the 12th century. Other sights include the Royal Palace, the National Museum and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V Salé. In the summer months, the many beaches on the Atlantic and the nearby Mamora forest are popular for outings.
Also located on the Atlantic coast is the relatively young city Casablanca. It is the fourth largest city in Africa and has one of the largest harbours in the world.
Health and Vaccinations: vaccination against Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Polio, Diphtheria and Tetanus is recommended. Malaria is not a problem in Morocco.
Health care tends to be good in all major cities and tourist resorts. Taking out a comprehensive travel health insurance is also recommended. All fruit and vegetables should be peeled or boiled to avoid infection.
Entry requirements: British citizens do not require a visa to enter Morocco for tourist purposes, but passports should be valid for 6 months from the date of entry. Children require their own passports with a photo, but may also enter the country with an entry in the passport of an accompanying parent. A photo is necessary if the child is older than three years.
Arrival and onward journey: Morocco is only about 3 hours by plane from the UK. After Agadir (AGA), Marrakech (RAK) or Fez (FEZ). Royal Air Maroc (AT) fly from Heathrow (LHR) to Fes (FEZ) and also provide good connections to the international airport at Marrakech. All flights from UK airports involve at least one stopover.
Major Cities and accommodation: The most important cities are Casablanca, Rabat, Fès, Marrakech, Agadir and Tangiers
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Favourite Flights and Cheap Flights from and to Morocco / MA
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