About Morocco
Geography, government, population, climate, and key facts about the Kingdom of Morocco — Africa’s most visited country, Europe’s gateway across the Strait of Gibraltar, and 2030 FIFA World Cup co-host. Morocco.com — independent guide since 1995.
9
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
711,850
km² — Africa’s 10th largest country
17.4M
International visitors 2024 — Africa #1 (ONMT)
11
National parks — diverse wildlife and landscape
$23B+
2030 FIFA World Cup infrastructure committed
1995
Morocco.com — online since
Morocco.com has been the authoritative independent English-language home of Morocco since 1995 — one of the oldest continuously operating English-language digital platforms covering North Africa and the Arab world. What began as a travel and cultural reference has evolved into a multi-sector commercial and investment platform covering financial services, green hydrogen, advanced manufacturing, trade and logistics, technology, and travel — while retaining the depth of editorial heritage that only thirty years of continuous operation can produce. The inbound link profile, domain authority, and organic search positioning accumulated since 1995 cannot be replicated at any price by a new entrant — it was built before most of Morocco.com’s natural competitors existed in any form. The country profile on this page draws on that accumulated knowledge to provide a comprehensive introduction to the Kingdom at the crossroads of Europe and Africa.
The Farthest West
Located in northwest Africa, Morocco covers the territory of the Western Sahara. Known, historically, as “The Farthest West,” Morocco is home to famous cities and destinations, including Casablanca, Tangiers, and the Sahara Desert. Travelers to Morocco love the country’s unspoiled beaches, majestic mountains, and picturesque ports of call.
When you visit Morocco, you not only experience a rich culture, you can travel over a diverse terrain — an area that spans from sea level on the Atlantic Coast and climbs to an elevation of 2,300 meters (13,000 feet) in the High Atlas Mountains. Morocco’s attractions include Jbel Toubkal, Africa’s twenty-second highest mountain; numerous World Heritage sites; and 11 national parks, all which feature a variety of wildlife.
Few countries in the world offer the ultimate escape like Morocco. Here, aqua waters caress white-sand beaches and snow glistens on the peaks of the Atlas Mountains. Rest assured that, behind city walls, an adventure waits — one that will lead you on a journey filled with interesting art, unique architecture, and savory cuisine.
For example, only in Morocco will you find alleys that open up to busy and bustling souks — each tent filled with spice baskets and lavishly colored silks. Hammams also allow tired travelers to indulge in salt scrubs and relaxing steam baths while desert vistas invite adventure seekers to climb or hike seaside cliffs or explore trails that lead to higher elevations.
Geographic Regions
Geographically, Morocco comprises 4 areas — the Sahara Desert, with its oases and Berber town; The Rif and High Atlas Mountain ranges (geared toward adventurers and hikers); the plains, home to the renowned cities, Fez and Marrakesh; and the sandy shores along the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. The small coastal towns of Casablanca and Rabat can be found in this area.
Visiting Essaouira
This all leads the intrepid traveler to wonder what activities he or she should include on a Moroccan holiday. If you like to windsurf, you will find the ideal place in Essaouira, a resort town on the Atlantic shore. The Skala de la Kasbah and its eighteenth-century ramparts shield the city’s medina while strong and steady trade winds invite surfing, kite-surfing and wind-surfing activities.
Camel Riding Across Erg Chebbi
If you are not into windsurfing or other surfing pastimes, you can arrange a trip to the city of Fez, where you can get your fill of souk shopping in the medieval town’s marketplace. You might also consider de-stressing at a hammam (steam bath) in Marrakesh or riding a camel across the golden dunes of sand in Erg Chebbi. Erg Chebbi represents one of Morocco’s various ergs — seas of sand dunes created by the wind. The ergs lie inside the Pre-Saharan Steppes, north of the Sahara Desert. At this point, you may be asking: When is the best time to travel to Morocco?
Because Morocco’s geography varies in nature, the best travel time depends on where you want to go. Generally, however, April or May offer the best weather. Try not to travel in the Sahara region and, to a lesser degree, to plains cities in the middle of summer. Instead, reserve midsummer visits to coastal cities, such as Rabat and Essaouira.
Islamic Traditions and Religion
Because Morocco embraces the Islamic religion, you need to plan your travel accordingly. One of the major holidays, Ramadan takes place from mid-April to mid-May — a time when the temperatures are more temperate. During this time, however, followers of Islam fast during the day, which can lead to difficulties with dining or transportation. Ramadan commemorates the time the Qur’an (the holy book of Islam) revealed itself to the prophet, Muhammad. The night of this unveiling, Lailut ul-Qadr, translates to the “Night of Power” in English.
Moroccan Cuisine
Journeying to Morocco also means familiarizing yourself with its foods. Besides couscous, Moroccan cuisine also includes lots of cooked vegetables, all of which can be scooped with bread. Vegetables include tomatoes, green peppers, courgette puree (made of local olives), and carrots. A special breakfast food is B’ssara, a rich soup made of dried broad beans, sprinkled with cumin and drops of olive oil, and served with fresh baked bread. Even eating is an adventure when you set your travel sights on Morocco.
A constitutional monarchy at Africa’s strategic gateway
Morocco is officially known as the Kingdom of Morocco — al-Mamlakah al-Maghribiyyah in Arabic, meaning Kingdom of the West. The country is a Unitary Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy with King Mohammed VI as Head of State and a Prime Minister heading the government. Morocco’s constitution provides for branches divided into Executive, Legislative, and Judicial functions. The country is divided into 12 regions (official administrative regions since 2015) and 75 provinces and prefectures. Morocco is a member of the United Nations, African Union, Arab League, Arab Maghreb Union, and Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
Morocco is the closest African country to Europe, situated less than 13 km (8 miles) from Gibraltar, which can be seen from both coastlines. This proximity — geographic, cultural, and regulatory — has made Morocco the primary African gateway for European trade, investment, and commercial engagement. Morocco holds EU Advanced Status under the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership, the deepest regulatory alignment available to any non-EU country, and the only such status held by an Arabic-speaking nation. The US-Morocco Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA), in force since 2006, provides Morocco with preferential access to US markets — one of only two African countries to hold this position.
Moroccan national identity draws from the Amazigh (Berber) civilisations that predate recorded history, overlaid with Arab, Andalusian, and Saharan cultural influences accumulated across fifteen centuries. The Idrisid dynasty established the first Moroccan state in 788 CE; the Alaouite dynasty, which rules today, has governed continuously since the 17th century. Independence from French and Spanish Protectorates was achieved in 1956. The national flag — a deep red field with a centred five-pointed green pentagram — was adopted in 1915 and carries the red of the Alaouite dynasty and the green of Islam.
Key facts at a glance
| Official name | Kingdom of Morocco — al-Mamlakah al-Maghribiyyah / المملكة المغربية |
| Location | Northwest Africa |
| Historical nickname | Historical nickname |
| Formation | Formation |
| Capital | Rabat |
| Largest city | Largest city |
| Select cities | Tangier, Fez, Rabat, Meknes, Ifrane, Marrakech, Agadir, Essaouira |
| Government | Unitary Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy |
| Country motto | "الله، الوطن، الملك" (Arabic); "God, Homeland, King" (English) |
| National anthem | "النشيد الوطني المغربي" (Arabic); "Cherifian Anthem" (English) |
| Flag | Deep red with centred five-pointed green pentagram, adopted 1915 |
| National colours | Red and Green |
| Nationality | Moroccan |
| Official languages | Amazigh (Berber) and Arabic. Darija widely spoken. French, Spanish widely used in commerce. |
| Largest ethnic group | Arab-Berber |
| Official religion | Islam (Sunni) |
| Currency | Moroccan Dirham (MAD) |
| Area | 711,850 km² (274,470 mi²) — Africa’s 10th largest country |
| Calling code | +212 |
| Internet TLD | ma |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (Western European Time) |
| Driving side | Right |
| Busiest airport | Mohammed V International Airport, Casablanca (IATA: CMN) |
| Highest elevation | Jbel Toubkal, 4,165 m (13,665 ft) — High Atlas Mountains |
| Lowest point | Sebkha Tah, −55 m (180 ft) below sea level |
| Longest river | The Draa — 1,100 km (685 mi) |
| Key memberships | United Nations, African Union, Arab League, Arab Maghreb Union, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation |
| UNESCO World Heritage Sites | Medina of Fez, Medina of Marrakesh, Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou, Historic City of Meknès, Medina of Tétouan, Medina of Essaouira, Portuguese City of Mazagan, Rabat, Medina of El Jadida (9 total) |
| Points of interest | High Atlas Mountains, Sahara Desert, Mosques, National Parks, Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines |
| Bordering countries | Algeria, Western Sahara, Spain (across Strait of Gibraltar) |
City guide by region
Morocco’s cities and towns span nine geographic and cultural regions. Select a region below to explore cities, travel information, and local highlights on Morocco.com.
Pink skies in Fez.[/caption]
Fès Boulemane
Souss-Massa-Droâ
Things to do and see
Morocco’s extraordinary geographic diversity — from Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines to Saharan dunes, High Atlas peaks to ancient medinas — produces an equally diverse range of visitor experiences. The links below reflect thirty years of Morocco.com editorial coverage.
Attractions
Morocco’s Regions — Atlantic Coast to Sahara
Culture & History
Travel Planning
Things To Do
What To See
Scotland’s Economy
Morocco travel — frequently asked questions
What currency is used in Morocco?
The official monetary currency of Moroccan is the Dirham commonly represented by the symbol (DH) and consists of coins and banknotes.
Where should I visit when in Morocco?
Morocco is the most popular tourist destination in Africa. However, the country’s popularity does not detract from the superlative and hundreds of unspoiled attractions. For those seeking outdoors adventure, there are more than 10 protected areas and national parks and sites such as Souss Masa National Park, heritage sites such as Ait Ben Haddou, the Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve and The Mamora Forest near Rabat. For travelers preferring to visit cities and towns, Morocco is famous for some of the most important architecture and historical sites in the world. These places are dotted with mosques, such as the world’s second largest, the Hassan II Mosque, museums of antiquity, Moroccan arts, archaeology and some of the world’s oldest ethnographic museums such as the Tetouan Museum of Indigenous Arts.
When is the best time of year to travel to Morocco?
Because of Morocco’s diverse geography and climate the “best time of year” to visit will depend on where you will be travelling. Peak travel seasons are between April and October. In most major coastal cities in Morocco, January to May is the wettest, coolest time of the year. Average daytime temperature is about 70°F (24°C) with nighttime temperatures more than twenty degrees cooler. The climate varies by region from cooler cities such as Essaouira due to the height of the Atlas Mountains with elevations approaching 14,000 feet above sea level.
What are some of the “must see” destinations in Morocco?
Certainly some of the most popular and “must see” destinations would include The Marrakech Museum filled with traditional Moroccan art, the Natural Science Museum in Rabat, and the American Legation Museum with its beautiful courtyard and picturesque views of the Straits of Gibraltar. Another “must see” destination includes a visit to the Raissouni Palace in Asilah and the Medina of Rabat. For those seeking outdoor adventure there are diverse activities appealing to all tastes and interests such as camel treks, a visit to one of many golf courses such as The Royal Dar Es Salaam Golf Course in Rabat or the Royal Marrakech Golf Club in Marrakech.
How expensive is Morocco?
Youth hostels and hotels are plentiful with season nightly prices ranging between USD$10 and USD$15. Mid-range hotels in the larger cities such as Casablanca range between USD$48 to USD$150 a night but bargains abound. When planning your trip account for meals, ground transportation, entrance fees, and entertainment. Flights, day tours, and rental car costs will vary based on your travel itinerary and length of stay.
Do I need a visa to visit Morocco?
Depending on your citizenship and country of origin, visas and passports and other travel documentation is required unless the foreign national is a citizen of a country that is eligible for a visa exemption. Citizens from almost 70 territories and countries, including the United States, Canada, and all European Union citizens can lawfully enter Morocco for up to 90 days without a visa.
Selected resources
Practical visitor and cultural resources accumulated over thirty years of editorial coverage on Morocco.com.
Visitors and Travellers
- Financial Services & Fintech
- Green Hydrogen & Renewables
- Automotive & Aerospace Manufacturing
- Trade & Logistics
- Digital Economy & Technology
- Inward Investment
- Travel & Tourism
Eight macro-regions — Atlantic coast to the Sahara
Explore Morocco’s Economy
Morocco’s commercial capital and largest metropolitan area. Casablanca is home to Casablanca Finance City, ranked Africa’s #1 financial centre in the GFCI 2025, with 225 companies across 115 countries. Mohammed V International Airport, Morocco’s principal gateway, serves the region. Settat provides industrial and agricultural depth to the south.
Rabat-Salé-Kénitra
The capital region. Rabat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — one of the few entire cities to hold this status. The historic Medina, Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower, and Mausoleum of Mohammed V define the city’s skyline. Kénitra hosts Morocco’s Atlantic Free Zone and a growing automotive components manufacturing base.
Marrakech-Safi
Morocco’s most visited region, anchored by Marrakech — the UNESCO-listed Pink City whose Djemaa el-Fna square is one of the world’s great public spaces. The High Atlas Mountains rise to Jbel Toubkal at 4,165 metres within this region. Essaouira on the Atlantic coast, with its eighteenth-century Skala de la Kasbah and consistent Atlantic winds, is Africa’s premier windsurfing and kite-surfing destination.
Fès-Meknès
Morocco’s spiritual and intellectual heart. The Medina of Fez — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — contains the Bou Inania Madrasa and the Al-Qarawiyyin mosque-university, founded in 859 CE and considered the world’s oldest continuously operating university. Meknès, an imperial city of the 17th century, is linked to Fez by the fertile Saiss Plain and its olive and fruit production.
Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma
Morocco’s northern gateway, overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar at its narrowest point. Tanger Med — ranked #17 globally and Africa’s #1 container port for eight consecutive years (Lloyd’s List, 2024) — handles 10.24 million TEU annually, up 18.8% year-on-year. The Tangier Free Zone hosts over 900 companies, including Renault’s primary Moroccan manufacturing plant.
Souss-Massa
Morocco’s southern Atlantic coast, anchored by Agadir — the country’s premier beach resort and a significant agricultural export hub. The Souss-Massa National Park protects the last natural habitat of the Bald Ibis in Morocco. Ouarzazate — known as “the door of the desert” — is Morocco’s cinema capital, with major international productions filmed in its studio infrastructure and kasbah landscapes.
Drâa-Tafilalet
The gateway to Morocco’s Saharan south. Erg Chebbi — the great erg of sand dunes near Merzouga rising to 150 metres — is among North Africa’s most dramatic desert landscapes. The Draa Valley, following the Draa River for 1,100 kilometres, contains a succession of kasbahs and palm oases stretching toward the Algerian border. Erfoud is Morocco’s fossil capital.
Guelmim-Oued Noun & Southern Regions
The transition zone between Morocco’s cultivated north and the Saharan south. Guelmim is a traditional gateway for trans-Saharan trade. The Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra and Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab regions to the south hold Morocco’s most strategically significant commercial asset in the current investment cycle: the land allocations for the six Offre Maroc green hydrogen projects, pre-selected in March 2025 and land-reserved in February 2026. The named investors — TotalEnergies (10GW), TAQA-Cepsa, ACWA Power, Nareva, and the ORNX consortium — are executing in this geography. The EU’s proximity hydrogen supply chain begins here. Dakhla’s lagoon is also a world-class kitesurfing destination, and one of the continent’s most exceptional natural assets.