Country: Morocco
Where is it?: Morocco is across from Spain in North Africa
Why do people go here?: Hoards of travelers go to Morocco to experience an Islamic country close to Europe. There are great beach, exotic old-world cities, and a huge desert.
What are the main entry points?: Backpackers tend to visit Morocco from a ferry that starts in Spain. You can also fly into Marrakesh
Currency used: Dirham
Country Code for Phones: 212
Area codes for Major Cities: Marrakech 44, Casablanca 2, Tangiers 99
Other Phone Tips: For Africa, Morocco’s telephone systems is above average
Religion: Muslim 99%, Christian 1%
Population: 32,000,000
Ethnic Breakdown: Arab-Berber 99%, Christian 1%
Government: Constitutional Monarchy
Languages: Arabic, Berber, French
Major Cities: Marrakech, Casablanca, Fes, Rabat
Attractions: Fes, Marrakech, Atlas Mountains
Accommodation: Morocco Hostels, Morocco Hotels
Tourism Office locations and links: Morocco National Marocain de Tourisme 31 angle avenue Al Abtal Zankat Oued Fes Rabat, Morocco +212-7-681 531, 532; /www.tourism-in-morocco.com/
Off-the-Beaten-Path: Volubilis, Todra Gorge
Health Issues: There are occasional malaria reports, but in general, you shouldn’t have any problems – except maybe diarrhea
When to go: Generally you can visit Morocco year-round. However, if you plan to trek in the Atlas Mountains, it is very cold.
Common Phrases: Greetings: Salam Aleikum, Greetings (response): wa aleikum as-salam, Thank You: Shukran, How much?: kem?, Yes: nam, No: nam
Specific Events/Holidays: Independence Manifesto: January 11, Feast of the Throne: March 3, Labour Day: May 1, National Day: May 23, Young People’s Day: July 9, Allegiance of Wadi-Eddahab: August 12, Day of the King’s and People’s Revolution: August 20, Anniversary of Green March: November 6, Independence Day: November 18
Getting Around: Buses and trains are fairly efficient and run throughout the country.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airports to fly into Morocco are the Casablanca Airport, Tangier Airport and Marrakech Menara Airport. To get cheaper flights, choose the airport that is near to your trip destination.
Need more information?: Check out the Morocco travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
