Question 1

What is the population of Morocco?

Accepted Answer

The population of Morocco is approximately 37.8M.

Question 2

How do people greet each other in Morocco?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

What are the dining customs in Morocco?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

What etiquette should I follow when visiting Moroccans?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

What should I wear in Morocco?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

What gestures should I be aware of in Morocco?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

How important is family in Morocco?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

What do people do for recreation in Morocco?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

What is the capital of Morocco?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

Where is Morocco located?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

What countries border Morocco?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

What is the main religion of Morocco?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

What currency does Morocco use?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

What languages are spoken in Morocco?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

What is Morocco known for?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

What is Morocco's system of government?

Accepted Answer

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.

Morocco

Declare Your Relationship to Morocco

CountryReports Community

Quick Look Factsheet

Unlock the full Morocco factsheet