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Morocco

Al Maghrib

Capital:Rabat
Population:37.8M
Currency:Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
Language:Arabic (official), Berber dialects, French
Spice shop in Marrakesh, Morocco.

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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Morocco.

Morocco Factsheet

Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

Moroccans place great value on family and are generous. Amazigh children learn their native language, "Berber", in schools. To resurrect the writing means bringing back an ancient script called Tifinagh, which originated around the same time as Egyptian hieroglyphics. The language and writing of the Amazighs is a sister of ancient Egyptian.

Spice shop in Marrakesh, Morocco.

Land of the Atlas and Ancient Berber Soul

Get More Customs and Culture

5 more cultural topics for members

Social Customs & Etiquette · Diet · Family · Dating Customs · Recreation

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Holidays

  • Throne Day

    7/30

    Other

    accession of King MOHAMED VI to the throne

Dates of Interest

  • November 18th

    This festival is a traditional Berber marriage festival held annually in the High Atlas Mountains. It is known for its unique cultural practices and ceremonies.

How do people greet each other in Morocco?

Shaking hands is the common greeting, and the most common verbal greeting is "Assalam Oualaikoum" (Peace be upon you), meaning "Hello".

Do

  • Shake hands when meeting
  • Touch your heart after shaking hands to show pleasure at seeing someone
  • Use titles for people you don't know well
  • Address friends by their first name

Good to know

  • Children kiss the right hand of their parents to show respect

What are the dining customs in Morocco?

Families eat the main meal together from a large communal dish, using only the right hand, and hosts encourage guests to eat generously.

Do

  • Wash your hands before and after eating (a basin is usually provided)
  • Eat with the fingers of your right hand from the communal dish
  • Join in the mealtime conversation
  • Accept more food when hosts urge you

Don’t

  • Don't finish eating before your hosts, as it implies the food was not good
  • Don't stay silent during the meal, as it embarrasses the hosts
  • Don't expect pork or alcohol, as most Moroccans are Muslim and avoid them

Good to know

  • Barley and wheat foods, rice, couscous, and meats like lamb, beef and chicken are staples
  • Mint tea is the national drink
  • During Ramadan, harira is eaten to break the fast, served with dates, figs and sweets called chabakiya

What etiquette should I follow when visiting Moroccans?

Moroccans are warm, gracious hosts and visiting friends and relatives is important; social visits can last several hours.

Do

  • Accept refreshments offered to you

Don’t

  • Don't refuse offered refreshments, as it is impolite

Good to know

  • Men and women do not always socialize together
  • Cafes, the busy marketplace, and the weekly rural souk are popular gathering places

What should I wear in Morocco?

Dress varies by location and occasion: traditional garments like the djellaba and kaftan are common, while Western-style clothing is widespread in cities and business settings.

Good to know

  • The djellaba is a hooded robe worn by men and women; the jellaba is similar but hoodless for everyday wear
  • Kaftans are formal robes women wear for weddings and religious festivals
  • Some women wear modest Islamic attire such as hijabs or abayas, especially in conservative regions
  • Coastal cities like Casablanca and Essaouira favor casual, lightweight clothing; rural and mountain areas favor traditional dress

What gestures should I be aware of in Morocco?

Use the right hand (or both hands) for passing items, and avoid gestures considered rude such as pointing or showing the sole of your foot.

Do

  • Pass items with the right hand or both hands
  • Raise a hand to hail a taxi
  • Snap fingers to call a waiter in coffee houses and restaurants

Don’t

  • Don't pass items with the left hand
  • Don't point at people
  • Don't let the bottom of your foot face a person
  • Don't cross your legs

How important is family in Morocco?

The extended family is the most important element of social life, with adult children expecting to care for aging parents.

Good to know

  • A traditional household includes parents, unmarried children, married sons and their families
  • Polygamy is legal but not frequently practiced; a man may have up to four wives with permission and equal provision
  • Traditionally brides and grooms may not meet until marriage, and a woman is expected to be a virgin before marriage

What do people do for recreation in Morocco?

Recreation includes exploring historic cities and souks, outdoor adventures in the mountains and desert, sports, and relaxation in traditional bathhouses.

Good to know

  • Explore cities like Marrakech, Fes and Casablanca and haggle in souks
  • Trek in the Atlas Mountains or Toubkal National Park, or camel trek in the Sahara
  • Football is the favorite sport; water sports like surfing and windsurfing are popular in Essaouira and Agadir
  • Visit a hammam for steam baths, scrubs and massages

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Morocco

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Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Currency
Moroccan dirham (MAD)
Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Climate
The High Atlas are snow-capped and collect moisture from the Atlantic Ocean which climate patterns distribute over the western part of Morocco. Because this region lies between the Atlantic and the mountains, it enjoys a temperate climate. The Atlas range cannot, however, shut out an occasional shergui, the hot easterly wind from the desert. The eastern slopes of the High Atlas have a semi-desert aspect and a rigorous pre-Saharan climate. In the north, and separate from the Atlas ranges, the Rif Mountains loom up sharply along the Mediterranean coast. Here, also, a mild climate prevails, which permits agriculture typical of the Mediterranean region.
Airports
64
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Recipes

Featured Dish

Mint Tea

Beverage

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History

Historical Eras

  1. Ancient & Roman Morocco

    1100 BCE – 788

    Phoenician traders established coastal settlements around 1100 BCE, followed by Carthaginian expansion and eventual Roman incorporation as the province of Mauretania Tingitana from the 1st century AD. After Rome's decline, Vandals, Visigoths, and Byzantine Greeks successively held portions of the region, laying fragmented groundwork before the transformative Arab conquests of the 7th century brought Islam and a new civilization to the Maghreb.

  2. Early Islamic Dynasties

    788 – 1062

    Arab forces completed the Islamization of Morocco, and in 788 Idris I founded the Idrissid dynasty, the first major Arab-Islamic ruling house of Morocco, claiming descent from the Prophet Muhammad. Successive Berber and Arab dynasties consolidated Islamic governance, and the founding of fortified cities like Marrakech in 788 reflected growing political ambition and urban sophistication across the region.

  3. Berber Imperial Dynasties

    1062 – 1554

    The Almoravid dynasty unified Morocco and extended its rule deep into the Iberian Peninsula and West Africa, followed by the Almohads and then the Merenids, who presided over a golden age of art, architecture, and scholarship in Fes. The period saw Morocco emerge as a confident independent state and a major Mediterranean and trans-Saharan power, though it also faced repeated challenges including a Spanish invasion attempt in 1267 and the arrival of Jewish refugees expelled from Spain in 1492.

  4. Saadian Dynasty

    1554 – 1669

    The Saadian sultans expelled Portuguese forces from most coastal fortresses and dramatically expanded Moroccan influence by sacking Timbuktu in 1591 and dominating trans-Saharan gold trade routes. Their reign produced notable architectural achievements in Marrakech, including the celebrated Saadian Tombs, and represented the last great pre-Alaouite dynasty before political fragmentation opened the door to the Alaouites.

  5. Alaouite Sultanate

    1649 – 1912

    The Alaouite dynasty, claiming descent from the Prophet Muhammad, consolidated Morocco under centralized rule and has governed continuously to the present day. European commercial and imperial pressure intensified through the 19th century, with France asserting a sphere of influence recognized by Britain in 1904 and formalized at the Algeciras Conference of 1906, ultimately culminating in the Treaty of Fes in 1912 which established a French protectorate and divided northern and southern zones between France and Spain.

  6. Protectorate & Independence

    1912 – 1956

    Under French and Spanish protectorate rule, Moroccan nationalist sentiment grew steadily, crystallizing in the Istiqlal Party's 1944 independence manifesto and galvanized when France exiled the revered Sultan Mohammed V in 1953. His return in 1955 signaled the end of French resistance, and Morocco recovered full political independence on March 2, 1956, with Tangier reintegrated later that year under the Tangier Protocol.

  7. Independent Kingdom

    1956 – present

    The Kingdom of Morocco under the Alaouite monarchy navigated post-independence nation-building, the contentious annexation of Western Sahara beginning in the late 1970s, and gradual democratization through the 1990s that established a bicameral legislature in 1997. The country has pursued moderate political reform and regional diplomacy while the status of Western Sahara remains one of Africa's longest-standing unresolved territorial disputes.

Overview

Morocco’s strategic location has shaped its history. Beginning with the Phoenicians, many foreigners were drawn to this area. Romans, Vandals, Visigoths, and Byzantine Greeks successively ruled the area. Arab forces began occupying Morocco in the seventh century A.D., bringing their civilization and Islam. The Alaouite dynasty, which has ruled Morocco since 1649, claims descent from the Prophet Muhammad.

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Timeline of Key Events

  1. 1100 BCE

    Phoenician settlements in Morocco

    Phoenician settlements in Morocco during the Bronze Age. First trading port is in Lixus near Larache.

  2. 500 BCE

    Carthaginians take over and expand the Moroccan Phoenician settlements

    Carthaginians take over and expand the Moroccan Phoenician settlements.

  3. 146 BCE

    Carthage falls to Rome

    Carthage falls to Rome in the Third Punic War. Roman influence spreads into the Berber kingdoms of Mauretania-Numidia.

  4. 27

    Morocco comes under direct Roman rule during the reign of Emperor Caligula.

    Morocco comes under direct Roman rule during the reign of Emperor Caligula.

  5. 535

    Byzantines occupy Ceuta on the north coast.

    Byzantines occupy Ceuta on the north coast.

  6. 600 – 700

    Muslims began a wave of invasions.

    Muslims began a wave of invasions.

  7. 788 – 923

    Idrissid Dynasty

    Idrissid Dynasty.

View full timeline (22 events)
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Interesting Facts

  • When a child loses a tooth they put their tooth under their pillow when they go to bed. The next morning they must rise with the sun and throw their tooth toward the say while they say “I give you a donkey's tooth and ask you to replace it with a gazelle's tooth.” Otherwise they believe that they might get donkey teeth.

  • The word “Morocco” was derived from Marrakesh, the name of the capital city in the 11th and 12th centuries. “Marrakesh” means “a pass.” The city was an important stop on the caravan route through the Atlas Mountains.

  • The region in which Morocco islocated is known as the Maghreb or “sunset”. It is so named becasue it lies to the west of the other Arab nations. Morocco is sometimes known as El Maghreb el Aqsa, whihc is Arabic for “The Extreme West”.

  • Marrakesh is called the “Red City,” because of the colour of its buildings, which were constructed using the red sand found in that region.

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Geography and Environment

Morocco has been called "a cold country with a hot sun." Situated in the northwest corner of Africa, the Kingdom of Morocco covers nearly 200,000 square miles. Because of its geographical location, Morocco is known in Arabic as El Maghreb el Aqsa, the extreme west and also the gateway to the Arab world. The mild, semitropical northern and western coastal areas are separated by mountain ranges from the desert areas to the east and south.
Terrain
northern coast and interior are mountainous with large areas of bordering plateaus, intermontane valleys, and rich coastal plains
Climate
The High Atlas are snow-capped and collect moisture from the Atlantic Ocean which climate patterns distribute over the western part of Morocco. Because this region lies between the Atlantic and the mountains, it enjoys a temperate climate. The Atlas range cannot, however, shut out an occasional shergui, the hot easterly wind from the desert. The eastern slopes of the High Atlas have a semi-desert aspect and a rigorous pre-Saharan climate. In the north, and separate from the Atlas ranges, the Rif Mountains loom up sharply along the Mediterranean coast. Here, also, a mild climate prevails, which permits agriculture typical of the Mediterranean region.
Natural Hazards
northern mountains geologically unstable and subject to earthquakes; periodic droughts
Current Environmental Issues
land degradation/desertification (soil erosion resulting from farming of marginal areas, overgrazing, destruction of vegetation); water supplies contaminated by raw sewage; siltation of reservoirs; oil pollution of coastal waters
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Arabic (official), Berber dialects, French

  • Arabic
  • French

Population

Population
37,840,044
Population in Major Urban Areas
Casablanca 3.046 million; RABAT (capital) 1.843 million; Fes 1.088 million; Marrakech 939,000; Tangier 810,000; Agadir 805,000
Nationality Noun
Moroccan(s)
Ethnic Groups
Arab-Berber 99.1%, other 0.7%, Jewish 0.2%
Language Note
The official language is Arabic, and the Moroccan dialect of Arabic, called Derija, is the most widely spoken tongue. Derija is quite different from the classical Arabic of the Qur’an (koran), the scriptural text of Islam. Berber is the native language of about 35 % of the population, and it also includes several dialects. Other dialects are Rif, Tamazight and Shluh. French is widely spoken, especially in business, government, and higher education. Spanish can still be heard in the north, which was formerly under Spanish control. English is gaining popularity.

Education

Literacy Definition
age 15 and over can read and write

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Morocco has risen steadily over recent decades, reflecting meaningful improvements in healthcare access, nutrition, sanitation, and public health infrastructure across the country. As of the most recent available data, the average life expectancy at birth in Morocco stands at approximately 74 to 75 years overall, with women typically outliving men by several years. Female life expectancy is estimated at around 76 to 77 years, while male life expectancy hovers closer to 73 to 74 years. This upward trend represents a remarkable transformation from the mid-20th century, when life expectancy in Morocco was significantly lower, often estimated below 50 years. The gains can be attributed to a range of factors, including expanded vaccination programs, reductions in infant and child mortality rates, improved maternal healthcare, and broader access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities in both urban and rural areas. Urban centers such as Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech generally see higher life expectancy figures compared to rural and mountainous regions, where access to quality healthcare facilities and specialists remains more limited. The country has made significant strides in reducing deaths from communicable diseases, though non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer have become increasingly prominent causes of mortality, mirroring trends seen across much of the Middle East and North Africa region. Morocco's government has invested in primary healthcare expansion and universal health coverage initiatives, including the Ramed program aimed at providing healthcare to economically disadvantaged populations. These efforts have contributed to sustained gains in longevity. While Morocco's life expectancy compares favorably within Africa and aligns closely with regional averages for the North Africa and Middle East zone, it still trails behind high-income nations in Western Europe and North America. Continued investment in preventive care, chronic disease management, and equitable healthcare distribution across geographic and socioeconomic lines will be key to sustaining and improving these figures in the coming decades.

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Morocco has risen steadily over recent decades, reflecting meaningful improvements in healthcare access, nutrition, sanitation, and public health infrastructure across the country. As of the most recent available data, the average life expectancy at birth in Morocco stands at approximately 74 to 75 years overall, with women typically outliving men by several years. Female life expectancy is estimated at around 76 to 77 years, while male life expectancy hovers closer to 73 to 74 years. This upward trend represents a remarkable transformation from the mid-20th century, when life expectancy in Morocco was significantly lower, often estimated below 50 years. The gains can be attributed to a range of factors, including expanded vaccination programs, reductions in infant and child mortality rates, improved maternal healthcare, and broader access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities in both urban and rural areas. Urban centers such as Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech generally see higher life expectancy figures compared to rural and mountainous regions, where access to quality healthcare facilities and specialists remains more limited. The country has made significant strides in reducing deaths from communicable diseases, though non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer have become increasingly prominent causes of mortality, mirroring trends seen across much of the Middle East and North Africa region. Morocco's government has invested in primary healthcare expansion and universal health coverage initiatives, including the Ramed program aimed at providing healthcare to economically disadvantaged populations. These efforts have contributed to sustained gains in longevity. While Morocco's life expectancy compares favorably within Africa and aligns closely with regional averages for the North Africa and Middle East zone, it still trails behind high-income nations in Western Europe and North America. Continued investment in preventive care, chronic disease management, and equitable healthcare distribution across geographic and socioeconomic lines will be key to sustaining and improving these figures in the coming decades.
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Morocco
Full Country Name
Kingdom of Morocco
Local - Long
Al Mamlakah al Maghribiyah
Local - Short
Al Maghrib

Government Structure

Government Type
constitutional monarchy
Legal System
based on Islamic law and French and Spanish civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional Chamber of Supreme Court
Executive Branch
chief of state: King MOHAMED VI (since 30 July 1999) head of government: Prime Minister Aziz AKHANNOUCH (since 7 October 2021) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch following legislative elections, typically the leader of the party or coalition securing the most seats in parliament
Legislative Branch
Bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Chamber of Counselors (120 seats; members elected indirectly by local councils, professional organizations, and labor syndicates for six-year terms; half of the members are renewed every three years) and a lower house or Chamber of Representatives (395 seats; 305 elected by multi-seat constituencies and 90 from national lists reserved for women and youth; members elected by popular vote for five-year terms). Elections: Chamber of Counselors - last held on 5 October 2021 (next to be held in 2027); Chamber of Representatives - last held on 8 September 2021 (next to be held in 2026). Election results: Chamber of Counselors - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - RNI 27, PAM 18, PI 17, USFP 7, MP 6, PPS 5, other 40; Chamber of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - RNI 102, PAM 87, PI 81, USFP 35, MP 28, PPS 22, UCDN 18, MDS 5, other 17.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court (judges are appointed on the recommendation of the Supreme Council of the Judiciary, presided over by the monarch)
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal (as of January 2003)
Constitution
10 March 1972, revised 4 September 1992, amended (to create bicameral legislature) September 1996
Independence
2 March 1956 (from France)
National Holiday
Throne Day (accession of King MOHAMED VI to the throne), 30 July (1999)

Capital City

Capital Name
Rabat
Capital - geographic coordinate
34 01 N, 6 49 W
Capital Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

name derives from the Arabic title "Ribat el-Fath," meaning "stronghold of victory," applied to the newly constructed citadel in 1170

Military

Branches: Royal Armed Forces (Forces Armees Royales, FAR): Royal Moroccan Army (includes Air Defense), Royal Moroccan Navy (includes Coast Guard, Marines), Royal Moroccan Air Force (Al Quwwat al Jawyiya al Malakiya Marakishiya; Force Aerienne Royale Marocaine)

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

U.S. Embassy in Rabat

2 Avenue de Mohamed El Fassi (formerly Avenue de Marrakech), Rabat

Telephone: (212) (537) 76-22-65, Fax: (212) (537)76-56-61

For emergency services after-hours, please call the Duty Officer cell phone at (212) (661)13-19-39.

U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca

8 Boulevard Moulay Youssef, Casablanca

Telephone: (212) (522) 26-45-50, Fax number: (212) (522) 20-80-97For emergency services after-hours, please call (212) (661) 13-19-39

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Economy

Morocco has made significant economic progress over the past two decades, transitioning from a primarily agrarian economy to one of the more diversified markets in North Africa.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
GDP — official exchange rate
$5,194,000,000 (USD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
3.4%
Gini Index
40
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News & Weather

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Climate Overview

The High Atlas are snow-capped and collect moisture from the Atlantic Ocean which climate patterns distribute over the western part of Morocco. Because this region lies between the Atlantic and the mountains, it enjoys a temperate climate. The Atlas range cannot, however, shut out an occasional shergui, the hot easterly wind from the desert. The eastern slopes of the High Atlas have a semi-desert aspect and a rigorous pre-Saharan climate. In the north, and separate from the Atlas ranges, the Rif Mountains loom up sharply along the Mediterranean coast. Here, also, a mild climate prevails, which permits agriculture typical of the Mediterranean region.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Morocco?
The population of Morocco is approximately 37.8M.
How do people greet each other in Morocco?
Shaking hands is the common greeting, and the most common verbal greeting is "Assalam Oualaikoum" (Peace be upon you), meaning "Hello". Do: Shake hands when meeting Touch your heart after shaking hands to show pleasure at seeing someone Use titles for people you don't know well Address friends by their first name Children kiss the right hand of their parents to show respect
What are the dining customs in Morocco?
Families eat the main meal together from a large communal dish, using only the right hand, and hosts encourage guests to eat generously. Do: Wash your hands before and after eating (a basin is usually provided) Eat with the fingers of your right hand from the communal dish Join in the mealtime conversation Accept more food when hosts urge you Don't: Don't finish eating before your hosts, as it implies the food was not good Don't stay silent during the meal, as it embarrasses the hosts Don't expect pork or alcohol, as most Moroccans are Muslim and avoid them Barley and wheat foods, rice, couscous, and meats like lamb, beef and chicken are staples Mint tea is the national drink During Ramadan, harira is eaten to break the fast, served with dates, figs and sweets called chabakiya
What etiquette should I follow when visiting Moroccans?
Moroccans are warm, gracious hosts and visiting friends and relatives is important; social visits can last several hours. Do: Accept refreshments offered to you Don't: Don't refuse offered refreshments, as it is impolite Men and women do not always socialize together Cafes, the busy marketplace, and the weekly rural souk are popular gathering places
What should I wear in Morocco?
Dress varies by location and occasion: traditional garments like the djellaba and kaftan are common, while Western-style clothing is widespread in cities and business settings. The djellaba is a hooded robe worn by men and women; the jellaba is similar but hoodless for everyday wear Kaftans are formal robes women wear for weddings and religious festivals Some women wear modest Islamic attire such as hijabs or abayas, especially in conservative regions Coastal cities like Casablanca and Essaouira favor casual, lightweight clothing; rural and mountain areas favor traditional dress
What gestures should I be aware of in Morocco?
Use the right hand (or both hands) for passing items, and avoid gestures considered rude such as pointing or showing the sole of your foot. Do: Pass items with the right hand or both hands Raise a hand to hail a taxi Snap fingers to call a waiter in coffee houses and restaurants Don't: Don't pass items with the left hand Don't point at people Don't let the bottom of your foot face a person Don't cross your legs
How important is family in Morocco?
The extended family is the most important element of social life, with adult children expecting to care for aging parents. A traditional household includes parents, unmarried children, married sons and their families Polygamy is legal but not frequently practiced; a man may have up to four wives with permission and equal provision Traditionally brides and grooms may not meet until marriage, and a woman is expected to be a virgin before marriage
What do people do for recreation in Morocco?
Recreation includes exploring historic cities and souks, outdoor adventures in the mountains and desert, sports, and relaxation in traditional bathhouses. Explore cities like Marrakech, Fes and Casablanca and haggle in souks Trek in the Atlas Mountains or Toubkal National Park, or camel trek in the Sahara Football is the favorite sport; water sports like surfing and windsurfing are popular in Essaouira and Agadir Visit a hammam for steam baths, scrubs and massages
What is the capital of Morocco?
Rabat is the capital of Morocco, serving as the country's political and administrative center. Located on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River, Rabat is home to the royal palace, parliament, and major government ministries. The city stands in contrast to the larger, more commercially vibrant Casablanca and the historic imperial city of Marrakesh. Rabat was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012 for its blend of Islamic and French colonial urban planning.
Where is Morocco located?
Morocco is located in North Africa, at the northwestern tip of the African continent — a region historically known as the Maghreb, an Arabic word meaning 'sunset' or 'west,' so named because Morocco lies to the west of other Arab nations. The country is sometimes called El Maghreb el Aqsa, Arabic for 'The Extreme West.' Morocco is strategically positioned where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea, separated from Europe by only the narrow Strait of Gibraltar.
What countries border Morocco?
Morocco shares land borders with Algeria to the east and northeast, and Mauritania to the south — the latter boundary defined in part by the contested territory of Western Sahara, which Morocco largely administers but whose final political status remains unresolved under international law. To the north, Morocco borders the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. Its western and northern coasts are washed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea respectively.
What is the main religion of Morocco?
Islam is the dominant religion of Morocco, practiced by approximately 99% of the population, making it the state religion under the country's constitutional monarchy. The remaining population is primarily Christian. Moroccan culture is deeply shaped by Islamic values, including an emphasis on family, hospitality, honor, and generosity. The phrase Insha'allah ('If God wills') is woven into everyday speech, reflecting the central role of faith in daily life.
What currency does Morocco use?
Morocco's official currency is the Moroccan Dirham, with the ISO code MAD. The dirham is issued and regulated by Bank Al-Maghrib, the country's central bank. It is subdivided into 100 santim. The dirham is not fully convertible on international markets, meaning currency exchange is generally conducted through official banks and exchange bureaus within the country. Visitors are advised to exchange currency upon arrival rather than relying on foreign currency for everyday transactions.
What languages are spoken in Morocco?
Arabic and Tamazight (Berber) are Morocco's two official languages, with French functioning as an important language of business, diplomacy, and higher education — a legacy of the French protectorate period that ended in 1956. A Moroccan Arabic dialect called Darija is widely spoken in daily life. Berber dialects, including Tachelhit, Tamazight, and Tarifit, are spoken by a significant portion of the population, and since the early 2000s Tamazight has been introduced into schools using the ancient Tifinagh script, which dates to roughly the same era as Egyptian hieroglyphics.
What is Morocco known for?
Morocco is known for its ancient medinas, the spice-rich cuisine of tagine and couscous, and its position as a historic crossroads of Arab, Amazigh, and European cultures. The imperial cities of Fez, Marrakesh, and Meknes draw millions of visitors to their labyrinthine souks and medieval architecture. The country is a leading exporter of phosphates — holding the world's largest reserves — as well as argan oil and sardines. The name Morocco itself derives from Marrakesh, which served as the medieval capital and was a vital stop on trans-Atlas caravan trade routes.
What is Morocco's system of government?
Morocco is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, in which the king holds significant executive authority alongside an elected bicameral legislature. The current royal dynasty, the Alaoui dynasty, has ruled since the 17th century. Morocco gained independence from France in 1956, and gradual democratic reforms through the 1990s led to the establishment of a bicameral parliament in 1997. Parliamentary elections were introduced in their modern form in 2002, marking a continued, if incremental, evolution toward broader political participation.

Last reviewed 2026

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