Quick travel guide: Morocco
Marrakesh, Ourzazate, Casablanca, Sahara, Rabat, Atlas mountains
Feb 16, 2007
Location: Morocco forms the southern tip of the mouth of the Mediterranean sea, and stretches round the north west corner of the African continent, stretching down across the Atlas mountains and into the Sahara. It borders Algeria, Western Sahara and Mauritania (and Spain if you’re being pedantic about the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla).
Capital city: The capital of Morocco is Rabat, which has a population of nearly 1.5m, but gets largely ignored by tourists. It’s on the Atlantic coast in the north of the country, between the much better known Tangier and Casablanca. The city’s main charms are its comparatively laid-back feel and the hugely impressive city walls.
Other major cities: Other cities that can be visited in Morocco include Casablanca, which has an almost European feel apart from the massive Hassan II Mosque, and Tangier, the strategic gateway to the Mediterranean. Other highlights include the atmospheric ancient city of Marrakesh and the medieval-feeling Fes.
Population: Morocco has a population that hovers around the 30 million mark
Languages spoken: Arabic is the main language, but French is often widely understood due to the country’s close relationship with France. Spanish is sometimes a better bet as a second language in northern areas, whilst out in the sticks, dialects of Berber are the preferred language, but Arabic is usually understood.
What we know it for: Morocco is known for its rugged good looks, particularly the Atlas mountains and the Sahara desert. It’s also the perfect place to go if you like your shopping with an authentic taste. The souk markets across the country are renowned for their coloufulness, constant chatter and wonderful smells – be prepared to start bargaining if you want to buy though. The country is also home to arguably the world’s hardest race. The Marathon du Sable is a nightmarish 238km plod across the Sahara, held over just seven days, and in baking heat. Competitors have to carry all their own supplies, as if the task wasn’t hard enough without.
Why you should go: There’s something a little bit magical about Morocco, and it’s impossible not to get caught up in the atmosphere. Whether it’s the regular wail of the Call To Prayer, the imperious buildings or the snake charmers amongst the stalls that gets to you, never fear, something will.
Great places to visit: Ourzazate is where the Sahara meets the Atlas, and it’s also where Morocco’s burgeoning film industry is based. Films such as Gladiator and The Living Daylights have been shot here, and the town is crammed with movie memorabilia.
MORE QUICK GUIDES: Andorra, Australia, Bolivia, East Timor, Indonesia, Luxembourg, Morocco, Spain, Paraguay, Portugal.
