Morocco

 

Quick Facts

• Continental region – Northern Africa
• Currency symbol of Morocco-Morocco Dirham (DH)
• Capital City –Rabat
• Official languages – The two official languages are Standard Arabic and Tamazight.
• Population – 36.03 million (2018)
• Country dialling code  –  (+212 )
• Official website – Morocco
• Top 3 biggest industries  –Textile, Construction, Tourism
• Google Maps link –Morocco
• Where is it? –Morocco is a Northern African country, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and the annexed Western Sahara. It is one of only three nations (along with Spain and France) to have both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines.

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Morocco In Pictures

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Morocco History

• How did the country get its first name? – The full Arabic name al-Mamlakah al-Maghribiyyah (المملكة المغربية) translates to “Kingdom of the West”; although “the West” in Arabic is الغرب Al-Gharb. The name also can refer to evening
• When and by whom the country was first discovered? – The recorded history of Morocco begins with the Phoenician colonization of the Moroccan coast between the 8th and 6th centuries BCE, although the area was inhabited by indigenous Berbers for some two thousand years before that. 
• Who were the first Inhabitants? –The Berbers were Morocco’s original inhabitants. The Arabs arrived at the end of the seventh century, after sweeping across North Africa and the Middle East in the name of their new revolutionary ideology, Islam.
• When it was first recognized as a country? – Morocco gained independence from France 2 March 1956. 
• Who was the first leader of the country? – Mohammed Ben Youssef (Mohammed V) was the first king after independence. 

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Five Significant Events 

1. 1000BC: Phoenician sailors build trading posts along the coast.(https://www.insightguides.com/destinations/africa-middle-east/morocco/historical-highlights)

2. AD 3rd–4th century: Roman Empire withdraws from Morocco. (https://www.insightguides.com/destinations/africa-middle-east/morocco/historical-highlights)

3. 682: Muslim conquest under Oqba ibn Nafi.(https://www.insightguides.com/destinations/africa-middle-east/morocco/historical-highlights)

4. 711: The Moors launch their conquest of Spain.(https://www.insightguides.com/destinations/africa-middle-east/morocco/historical-highlights)

5. 788–926: Idrissid dynasty: Moulay Idriss II founds Fez.(https://www.insightguides.com/destinations/africa-middle-east/morocco/historical-highlights)

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Five Places to Visit in Morocco

1. Marrakesh: Situated at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, the imperial city of Marrakesh is noisy, atmospheric and full of history. There’s a lot to see and do, from sampling traditional Moroccan street food at the nightly market in Djemma el Fna. (https://annaeverywhere.com/marrakesh-travel-tips/) 

2. Fez: Medieval Fez served as Morocco’s capital for more than 400 years and is still an important religious and cultural center. The old walled part of the city, known as Fes el-Bali, was founded in the 9th century and is recognized by UNESCO for the historical importance of its Idrisid dynasty architecture. (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/morocco/the-mediterranean-coast-and-the-rif/fes) 

3. Essaouira: Situated on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, Essaouira is a great place to get away from the heat and bustle of the bigger cities. In the 1960s, the seaside town was a popular hangout for icons like Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley. (https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/753/)

4. Chefchaouen: Nestled amidst the scenic peaks of the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is a small town in a big landscape. It is a center for creativity, attracting painters and photographers with its clear light, serene blue-painted houses (and its reputation as the cannabis capital of Morocco). (https://www.saltinourhair.com/morocco/chefchaouen-morocco/)

5. Merzouga: Located on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dune sea, the small town of Merzouga acts as a gateway to the dramatic wilderness of the Sahara Desert. Many operators offer camel safaris, which last anywhere from a few hours to several days. (https://www.journalofnomads.com/desert-trip-merzouga-morocco/) 

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References: 

• https://www.insightguides.com/destinations/africa-middle-east/morocco/historical-highlights
• https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1iZxU5naXnIb8UGaY(https://www.insightguides.com/destinations/africa-middle-east/morocco/historical-highlights)OBkR2JEeZHY&ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&z=6&ll=36.091341357310995%2C-6.73601650000001
• https://www.tripsavvy.com/top-destinations-in-morocco-1454450