About the Kingdom of Morocco Travel:
Discover Morocco: A Tapestry of Tradition and Modernity for the Discerning Traveler
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About the Kingdom of Morocco
The Kingdom of Morocco: A Sovereign Tapestry of Culture and Progress
Morocco, officially the Kingdom of
Morocco, stands as a paragon of cultural synthesis in North Africa, boasting a population of nearly 38 million. This geopolitically significant nation commands a strategic position, with its coastline extending from the Atlantic Ocean through the Strait of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean Sea. Morocco's borders interface with Algeria to the east, Spain to the north (via maritime boundaries and the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla), and Mauritania to the south through its Western Sahara territories.
Morocco rejoined the African Union in 2017, reaffirming its African identity and continental ties. It is also an integral member of the Arab League, Arab Maghreb Union, Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Mediterranean Dialogue group, and the Group of 77. Notably, Morocco holds the status of a major non-NATO ally of the United States, underscoring its geopolitical importance.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI, born August 21, 1963, ascended to the throne on July 23, 1999, following the passing of his father, King Hassan II. Educated at the Royal Palace College and holding advanced degrees in law from Mohammed V University and the European Commission, King Mohammed VI has steered Morocco towards a progressive constitutional monarchy. His reign has been characterized by a commitment to human rights, democratic reform, and socio-economic development.
Key initiatives under His Majesty's leadership include the establishment of the Moroccan Commission for Truth and Reconciliation (2004), reform of the family code to enhance women's rights, the launch of the National Initiative for Human Development to address poverty, and the cultivation of robust international diplomatic ties. These endeavors have positioned Morocco as a beacon of progress in the region, attracting increasing interest from global travelers and investors alike.
What Morocco Offers for Tourists:
Morocco offers an unparalleled blend of exoticism and accessibility, inviting visitors to explore a moderate Muslim nation that seamlessly melds tradition and modernity in the 21st century. This North African gem boasts a rich tapestry of experiences, from windswept medinas to awe-inspiring natural wonders, all steeped in millennia of history.
- Djemaa El Fna Square - Marrakech's pulsating heart
- Majorelle Gardens - A botanical oasis in Marrakech
- Koutoubia Mosque - Marrakech's iconic minaret
- Erg Chebbi Dunes - Sahara's golden sea of sand
- Cascades D'Ouzoud Waterfalls - Nature's stunning spectacle
- Roman Ruins of Volubilis - Ancient history unearthed
- Todra Gorge - A hiker's paradise
- Ait Benhaddou Kasbah - UNESCO World Heritage site
- Kasbah Taourirt - Ouarzazate's architectural gem
- Batha Museum and Gardens - Fes' cultural treasure trove
Morocco's diverse landscape offers an array of experiences: explore ancient kasbahs, wander through Roman ruins, marvel at breathtaking waterfalls, embark on camel treks across the Sahara, and discover mountainous regions perfect for hiking or skiing. This kaleidoscope of attractions makes Morocco an ideal destination for tailor-made private tours, promising unforgettable adventures for every traveler.
Flight Duration to Morocco:
Morocco is conveniently located just a 7 ½ hour flight away from the United States, particularly from the east coast. This proximity makes Morocco an easily accessible destination for American travelers seeking a diverse and enriching experience. Whether you're drawn to the bustling markets of Marrakech, the historic streets of Fez, or the serene landscapes of the Atlas Mountains, Morocco offers a rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty waiting to be explored. With direct flights available daily from New York's John F Kenney Airport, Washington DC and Atlanta, embarking on a journey to Morocco is not only convenient but also promises to be a rewarding adventure into a world of vibrant colors, exotic flavors, and warm hospitality.
Morocco Airports:
Morocco boasts thirteen international airports, including Agadir, AI Hoceima, Casablanca, Dakhla, Fes, Laâyoune, Essaouira, Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Oujda, Rabat, Tangier, and Tetouan. Royal Air Maroc, Delta, and other prominent international and charter airlines offer frequent and efficient services from major cities across Europe, North America, and the Middle East. For instance, Casablanca is just a 7 ½ hour flight from New York City, approximately 1 hour from Madrid, and 3 hours from Paris.
Morocco Quick Facts
Kingdom of Morocco: (Al Mamlaka al-Maghrebiya)
Capital of the country: Rabat
Biggest city: Casablanca
Language: Arabic (official), Berber dialects, French often the language of business, government and diplomacy
Literacy:Total Population: [52%] Male: [66%]; Female: [44%]
Religion: Muslim
Government: Constitutional Monarchy
Chief of State: King Mohammed VI
Prime Minister: Driss Jettou
Area: 446,550 km² (56th biggest country in the world)
Population: 38 million
Area:172,413 square miles; slightly larger than California
GDP: $4,600
Year of Independence: 1956
Currency: Dirham (MAD;DH) 100 Dirhams about 10 Euros / $13 US
Notes: DH 10, 20, 50, 100 & 200.
Coins: DH 1, 5 & 10/5, 10, 20 & 50 centimes
Calling code: +212
Local Time in Morocco: Greenwich Mean Time
Weights & Measures System in Morocco: Metric
Population Density: 72 People per square kilometer
Age of Population:
0-14yrs Males: 5,355,388; Females: 5,156,762
History of Morocco
Berber Morocco
The area of present-day Morocco has been inhabited since Neolithic Time (since 8000 BC), a period when the Maghreb was less arid than it is today. The Amazigh people, commonly referred to as
Berbers or by their regional ethnic identity (Chleuh), most likely arrived at roughly the same time as the inception of the region. In the classical period, Morocco was known as Mauretania, although this should not be confused with the modern-day country of Mauretania.
Roman & Pre-Roman Morocco
North Africa and Morocco were slowly drawn into the wider emerging Mediterranean world by Phoenician trading colonies and settlements in the late Classical period. The arrival of Phoenicians heralded a long engagement with the wider Mediterranean, as this strategic region formed part of the Roman Empire, as Mauretania Tingitana. In the fifth century, as the Roman Empire declined, the region fell to the Vandals, Visigoths, and then Byzantine Greeks in rapid succession. During this time, however, the high mountains of most of modern Morocco remained unsubdued, and stayed in the hands of their
Berber inhabitants.
Dynasties
After the Saadi, the Arab Alaouite Dynasty eventually gained control. Morocco was facing aggression from Spain and the Ottoman Empire that was sweeping westward. The Alaouites succeeded in stabilizing their position, and while the kingdom was smaller than previous ones in the region, it remained quite wealthy. In 1684, they annexed Tangier. Morocco was the first nation to recognize the fledgling United States as an independent nation in 1777. In the beginning of the American Revolution, American merchant ships were subject to attack by the Barbara Pirates while sailing the Atlantic Ocean. At this time, American envoys tried to obtain protection from European powers, but to no avail. On December 20, 1777, Morocco's Sultan Mohammed III declared that the American merchant ships would be under the protection of the sultanate and could thus enjoy safe passage.
The Moroccan-American Treaty of Friendship stands as the U.S.'s oldest non-broken friendship treaty. Signed by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, it has been in continuous effect since 1786. Following the re-organization of the U.S federal government upon the 1787 Constitution, President George Washington wrote a now venerated letter to the Sultan Sidi Mohamed strengthening the ties between the two countries. The United States legation (consulate) in Tangier is the first property the American government ever owned abroad. The building now houses the
Tangier American Legation Museum.
Western Sahara
Due to the conflict surrounding Western Sahara, the status of the regions known as "Saguia el Hamra" and "Rio de Oro" remains disputed. Morocco's government has proposed that these areas be governed by a self-governing entity under the Royal Advisory Council for Sahara Affairs (CORCAS), granting Western Sahara a degree of autonomy. This proposal was presented to the United Nations Security Council in mid-April 2007. However, the UN Secretary-General's recent report indicates a deadlock on Moroccan-proposed options, prompting a call for direct and unconditional negotiations between the parties to achieve a mutually acceptable political solution.
The Polisario Front, which originally fought against Spanish colonial rule and now advocates for the decolonization of Western Sahara under the name Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, rejects the autonomy proposal.