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Morocco is one of the closest exotic destinations to Europe and the United States.
Well established hotels, travel and recreational industries are increasingly making
Morocco one of the most favoured destinations for holidays, conventions, and
retirement. The major cities are Rabat (capital), Marrakesh, Casablanca, Fes,
Tangier and Meknes. Morocco’s reputation for hospitality has made it a much sought-
after tourist and business destination.

A geo-strategic location

The kingdom of Morocco is located in the far Northwest tip of Africa and is the nearest Africa country to Europe, separated from Spain by only 9 miles of Gibraltar straits. It has an area of about 280,000 square miles and boast a coastline of about 2,120 miles.

History

Morocco has been inhabited since very early prehistoric times, as many prehistoric remains show. Then came the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Berbers, Byzantine, Romans and Vandals before the Arab invasion which took place in the 8th century.

Population

The population of Morocco is estimated at some 34 million with 50 percent urban, and 60 percent under the age of 25. Most of the population is Muslim, although there are important Christian and Jewish groups in Casablanca and other cities throughout Morocco.

Language

Morocco rich history has resulted in a multilingual culture, with most people conversant in several languages! The official language is Arabic. Morocco’s close ties to France since the protectorate are still reflected in trade, education and the press, as well as daily conversation. Other common foreign languages are Spanish, particularly in the north, and English, which is taking hold in tourist areas.

Religion

Islam is the official religion in Morocco, but it exists in perfect coexistence with the other religions.
Morocco is the only one country which accommodates an important population of Jews people without any problem.

Climate & clothing

Morocco enjoys a Mediterranean climate. The temperature range is more extreme in the desert and in the mountains. Even with warm days, you might want a jacket or a wrap for evenings.. Comfortable shoes are a must. Woman will feel more comfortable if they avoid short skirts, tank tops, or other more revealing articles of clothing.

Currency

The Moroccan currency is the Dirham (MAD or DH)

Notes in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20 and coins of 10, 5, 2, 1 dirhams, 50 cents, 20 cents, 10 cents and 5 cents. Current exchange rates can be obtained from several websites.

Travel distance

Currency

The Moroccan currency is the Dirham (MAD or DH) Notes in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20 and coins of 10, 5, 2, 1 dirhams, 50 cents, 20 cents, 10 cents and 5 cents. Current exchange rates can be obtained from several websites.

Time

The time in Morocco is GMT time the whole year.

Electricity

French style 220 volt electrical plugs.

Entry requirements

A passport is required for entrance to Morocco.
American and most of European citizens don’t need a visa, however the passport should have at least 6 months to expiry from your return.

Customs formalities

Personal effects including camera and up to 10 rolls of film can be brought into the country temporarily without formalities. Firearms, audio-visual materials, walkie talkie, computers and conference equipment are submitted to a licence allowance before entering the country. A detailed list must be forwarded to your DMC who will have to use the services of a forwarding agent. Big amount of cash currency more than 5.000 ( Euros or US Dollars ) has to be declared to the custom department on arrival, as nobody has right to export currency from in land.

Banks

Monday to Friday, 8.15 a.m. to 03.45 p.m.

Post offices

Monday to Saturday, 8.30 a.m. to 12 a.m. and 2.30pm to 6.00pm

Medical services

There are private clinics in all main towns, and government hospitals in many. Independent doctors are also available. All services will be charged For immediately. Pharmacies are numerous in each town. Outside normal opening hours, there is always emergency pharmacies open in each town and a late night pharmacy often located in the town hall.

Food

Moroccan cuisine is one of the finest in the world. Some of the main dishes are Couscous (steamed semolina with vegetables, lamb or chicken), Mechoui (oven roasted lamb), Pastilla (fine pastry stuffed with pigeon and almonds), Tagine (lamb or beef stew with vegetables steamed for hours in an earthenware dish covered by a cone-shaped lid), pastries with a combination of almonds and honey ("Cornes de gazelle", almond filled pastry crescents are the finest).

Drinks

No restriction on alcoholic drinks by visitors. Locally produced wines, beers and mineral water are excellent. Imported drinks are expensive. The most common refreshment is mint tea, an infusion of mint leaves and green tea. Tap water is drinkable but it is advisable for visitors to drink inexpensive mineral water (sparkling or still).

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