| Area |
710,850 sq km (274,461 sq miles). |
| Population |
29,631,000 (2002). |
| Capital |
Rabat - population 1,335,996 (1994). |
| Climate |
The climate varies from area to area. The coast has a warm, Mediterranean climate tempered on the eastern coast by southwest trade winds. Inland areas have a hotter, drier, continental climate. In the south of the country, the weather is very hot and dry throughout most of the year, with the nights coolest in the months of December and January. Rain falls from November to March in coastal areas. Mostly dry with high temperatures in summer. Cooler climate in the mountains. Marrakech and Agadir enjoy an average temperature of 21°C (70ºF) in the winter. |
| Language |
The official language is Arabic, but Berber is spoken by a large minority. French is widely spoken throughout the country, except in the northern regions where Spanish is more predominant. English is also understood, particularly in the north and the main tourist areas. |
| Religion |
Predominantly Muslim with Jewish and Christian minorities. Morocco's population and culture stems from a cross-section of origins including Berbers, Arabs, Moors and Jews. |
| Time |
GMT
|
| Highlights |
Morocco is a country offering a superb combination of Atlantic and Mediterranean coast, Imperial Cities, High Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert with varying architecture, cultures and intriguing folklore. For those in search of culture, the cities of Marrakech and Fez provide endless opportunities to explore the ancient palaces and mosques, the UNESCO-listed medinas, bustling markets and magnificent architecture. For the adventurous, the Atlas Mountains offer outstanding opportunities for hiking and trekking or can purely be enjoyed for their amazing landscapes. The southern part of the country offers spectacular desert scenery and Berber culture. Villages are built around an oasis and the underground waters of the Ziz and Rheris form pockets of green and fertile land and valleys amid the aridity of the Sahara. A different world of extreme contrasts, only three hours flight away!
|
| Country Facts |
Morocco is based on the western tip of north Africa and is bordered by Mauritania to the south east, Algeria to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Mediterranean to the north. The 97,344 sq. miles of the disputed western Sahara lies to the south. The Middle Atlas Mountains run up the centre of the country, covered in pine, oak and cedar woods rising to over 3,000m. Towards the Atlantic coast, the hillsides flatten out into fertile plains and sandy beaches. |