About Morocco
Morocco is in many ways a different country. It is situated on the northwestern tip of Africa, separated from the rest of the continent by the vast Sahara, and the High Atlas Mountains that divides the country to tow different parts. The climate, geography, and history are all more closely related to the Mediterranean than to the rest of Africa, and for this reason visitors are often struck by the odd sensation of having not quite reached Africa in Morocco. In the north, its fine beaches, lush highland valleys, and evocative old cities reinforce this impression. Yet, as one moves south and east, into and over the starkly beautiful ranges of the Atlases, Morocco's Mediterranean character melts away like a mirage. The Sahara stretches out to the horizon, with its expanding valleys of palm groves towered with Kasbahs, Ksour and Agadirs on both banks of every river flowing from the mountains through the dark rocks, the vast Hamada and pink sand dunes building a very colorful desert image.
Fes, Meknes, Rabat, and Marrakech are ancient imperial cities, the labyrinthine streets and passages of the old centuries medinas offer endless possibilities for exploration, taking the visitors far away in time through the middle-age and the ancient time of the Morish history; whereas Tangier and Casablanca, are the cities that could not keep their old routed, but still preserving the nearest stories and history of the 20th century of the colonialism charm; can still be fascinating.
Morocco Info
| Area: | 710,850km² |
| Ethnic Groups: | Arab – Amazigh |
| Capital: | Rabat |
| Country Code: | 212 |
| Country Population: | 33,500,000 |
| Credit Cards: | Master Card and Visa are the predominant cards within the tourist areas in Morocco. |
| Currency: | Moroccan dirham (MAD) |
| Departure Tax: | There is no departure tax when leaving Morocco. |
| Drives on the: | Right |
| Electricity: | 220 - 240 V (European configuration) |
| Location: | East Algeria, deep south- east Mauritania, north Mediterranean sea, west The Atlantic ocean, wonderful beaches, four mountain ranges with cascading waterfalls and plains to the threshold of the desert. |
| Official Language(s): | Arabic, Amazigh |
| Religion: | Islam is the official religion of Morocco, in a perfect coexistence with the other religions (freedom to practice other religions of revelation is guaranteed by the constitution). |
| Time Zone: | WET (GMT+0) |
| Tipping: | Tipping is acceptable in Morocco, however tourist restaurants in cities generally add 10% to their bills. For taxis, rounding up to 5 dirhams on the final total, ie: if the total is 13 dirhams, pay 15. (in some cities fix the price, before using the service) |