19 Interesting Facts about Morocco

• Location and Borders: Morocco is located in North Africa. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Algeria to the east, and the disputed territory of Western Sahara to the south.
• Square: The country covers an area of approximately 710,850 square kilometers.
• National Currency: The currency of Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD).
• Official Languages: The official languages of Morocco are Arabic and Amazigh (Berber). French is also widely used in government, business, and diplomacy.

Interesting Facts about Morocco:

1. Economic Prosperity: Although Morocco is located in Africa, it is not a poor country. Its roads are well-maintained, and cities are generally clean and well-kept. The country’s main sources of income are tourism, trade, and agriculture.
2. International Status: From 1922 to 1956, the city of Tangier was an international zone, governed by representatives from eight European countries.
3. Stable Currency: The Moroccan Dirham is one of the most stable currencies in the world relative to the US Dollar.
4. Skiing in the Mountains: Snow can remain in the Moroccan mountains for several months, making winter skiing possible.
5. Eating Etiquette: In Morocco, it is considered disrespectful to eat with the left hand, which is believed to show disrespect to others and oneself.
6. Oldest University: The city of Fes is home to the world’s oldest university, established in 859 AD.
7. Ancient Megaliths: Morocco has ancient stone structures that suggest the presence of the megalithic culture from Atlantic Europe.
8. Linguistic Diversity: Morocco has numerous dialects, and Moroccan Arabic is distinct from other Arabic languages.
9. Chefchaouen: The city of Chefchaouen, known as the “Blue City,” is famous for its blue-tinted buildings and unique charm.
10. Mint Tea: Moroccans love to drink mint tea with several tablespoons of sugar or honey, which is particularly refreshing in hot weather.
11. Polygamy: Polygamy exists in Morocco but is rare and typically limited to wealthy men.
12. Currency and Monarchy: In Morocco, when a new king ascends the throne, images of the previous king on banknotes are replaced with the new king’s image, though old notes remain in circulation.
13. Sharia Law: Morocco follows Sharia law, so visitors should be aware that public alcohol consumption is prohibited and can lead to arrest.
14. Cuisine: Traditional Moroccan cuisine is predominantly lamb-based, with various cooking methods.
15. Bathing Tradition: Although Muslims traditionally purify themselves before prayer, many Moroccans do not have private bathrooms and instead visit public Turkish baths, which are segregated by gender.
16. Mosques: As an Islamic country, Morocco has many mosques, with the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca being the most renowned.
17. Argan Oil: Argan oil, often called “liquid gold,” is produced only from the spiky seeds of the argan tree in Morocco and is highly valued worldwide.
18. Bargaining Culture: If you buy something from a Moroccan vendor at the initially offered price, it may confuse them. Arabs and Berbers love to negotiate.
19. Social Signals: In Morocco, making eye contact and smiling at a member of the opposite sex may be interpreted as romantic interest.