Info4Migrants

MOROCCO
Country profile
Project number: UK/13/LLP-LdV/TOI-615

446 550
POPULATION

km2

33,848 mln

GDP per capita

$3,291

CURRENCY

Moroccan dirham (MAD)

LanguagesARABIC, BERBER

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COUNTRY BACKGROUND
SPAIN

Rabat
Morocco

ALGERIA
WESTERN
SAHARA

Official name: Al Mamlakah al Magribiyah, the Kingdom of

Morocco.
Location: the Maghreb region of North Africa, bordering Algeria, Western Sahara and Spain
National Flag

Climate: Mediterranean, becoming more extreme in the interior. Geographically, Morocco is characterized by a rugged
mountainous interior and large portions of desert. It is one
of only three countries (with Spain and France) to have both
Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines.
Capital: Rabat
Largest city: Casablanca
Ethnic Make-up: Arab-Berber 99.1%, other 0.7%, Jewish 0.2%

National emblem

Religions: Muslim 98.7%, Christian 1.1%, Jewish 0.2%

Government: constitutional monarchy

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MOROCCO FACTS
The name

The name The English name Morocco originates from the

Spanish and Portuguese names Marruecos and Marrocos. These, in turn, derived from Marrakesh, the medieval Latin name for the former Almoravid dynasty and Almohad Caliphate capital of ancient Morocco.
Marrakesh remains the name for Morocco in Persian, as
it was, until the late 20th century, in Middle Eastern Arabic.
In Turkish, Morocco is known as Fas, a name derived from
its ancient capital Fes. The word Marrakesh is made of the
Berber word-combination Mur NAkush, meaning the Land
of God.

Climate

The climate is Mediterranean in the North and in some

of the mountains (West of Atlas), and it which becomes
more extreme towards the interior regions. The terrain
is such that the coastal plains are rich, and accordingly,
they comprise the backbone for agriculture, especially
in the North. Forests cover about 12% of the land while
arable land accounts for 18%; 5% is irrigated. In the
Atlas (Middle Atlas), there are several different climates:
Mediterranean (with some more humid and fresher
variants), Maritime Temperate (with some humid and
fresher variants too) that allow different species of oaks,
moss carpets, junipers, Atlantic cedars and many other plants, to form extensive and very rich humid cloud
forests. The climate changes when moving east of the
Atlas mountains due to the barrier, or shelter, effect of
the mountain system, becoming very dry and extremely
warm during the long summer, especially on the lowlands and on the valleys facing the Sahara.

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MOROCCO FACTS
Flag

Moroccos flag is red with a green pentacle (five-pointed

linear star) known as Sulaymans (Solomons) seal in the
centre of the flag. Red and green are traditional colours
in Arab flags, and the pentacle represents the five pillars
of Islam and signifies the association between God and
the nation. Its design dates to 1912.

Argan Oil

Moroccan oil, which is also known as argon oil or

argane oil, is a derivative from the Argania Spinoza
tree home-grown in Morocco. There are two purposes for this miracle oil: cosmetic and culinary. Argan
oil has been used in Moroccan cuisine for centuries
and is still used now. It is believed to have remarkable
nutritional benefits and to be an effective source to
lower cholesterol. Recently, Moroccan oil has gained
an international reputation as natures anti-aging skin
care product.

Henna

Moroccan Henna is a plant that can reach up to one meter in height. The leaves produce yellow or red dye. The
henna is often used for body painting. There are several
types of henna plants depending on the country of origin,
and in Iran, Western India, China, North Africa and the
West henna is used for temporary tattoos.

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MOROCCO FACTS
Languages

Classical Arabic is Moroccos official language, but the

countrys distinctive Arabic dialect is the most widely spoken language in Morocco. In addition, about 10 million
Moroccans, mostly in rural areas, speak Berber - which
exists in Morocco in three different dialects - either as a
first language or bilingually with the spoken Arabic dialect. French, which remains Moroccos unofficial third language, is taught universally and still serves as Moroccos
primary language of commerce and economics; it also is
widely used in education and government. Many Moroccans in the northern part of the country speak Spanish.
English is rapidly becoming the foreign language of choice
among educated youth.

Family values

The family is the most significant unit of Moroccan life

and plays an important role in all social relations. The
individual is always subordinate to the family or group.
Nepotism is viewed positively, since it indicates patronage of ones family. The family consists of both the nuclear and the extended family. The elderly are revered
and respected and often exert a great influence on the
rest of the family.

Desertification

Morocco faces a problem with desertification. Desertification is the process where fertile land becomes barren
and desert-like. Desertification may be caused by forces
of nature, such as lack of rainfall or drought. Humans
contribute to desertification when they clear away all the
trees or allow their livestock to graze too much so that
they eat away all the plants. These practices leave no
plants to hold the soil in place, so wind and rain can carry
away the fertile topsoil.

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PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

January 1, Ras lm, New

Years Day
There is no religious significance attached to this day,
but it is recognized in Morocco as a holiday in line with
the rest of the world.

Ed-Dahab, this is the commemoration of the return of

the Oued Eddahab region to
Morocco by Mauritania.

August 20, Thaourat al-malik wa shab, Revolution of

the King and the People
Moveable day during winter, This day is celebrated in reEid El-Mawlid
membrance of the return of
The celebration of the birth King Mohammed V to Moof the Prophet Mohammed rocco after a period of exile
takes place on the twelfth
in Madagascar. His return set
day of the third Islamic calin motion negotiations that
endar month of Rabi al-aw- would later lead to Morocwal.
can independence.
May 11, Yam Al-mal, Labor Day
Otherwise known as May
Day and International Workers Day, this celebration
takes place all around the
world in recognition of workers rights and their contribution to society.
Moveable day during summer, Eid ul-Fitr
This holiday marks the end of
Ramadan, a period of fasting
and intense worship for adherents of the Muslim faith.
August 14, Zikra Oued
Ed-Dahab, Allegiance Day
Known locally as Zikra Oued

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the Green March

This day commemorates the
event on 6 November 1975
when around 350,000 unarmed Moroccans along with
27,000 soldiers marched to
the border of Western Sahara calling for the territory to
be returned to Morocco. The
color green was chosen to
identify with Islam.

Moveable day during autumn or winter, Fatih Muharram, Islamic New Year
Known as Fatih Muharram,
this religious holiday is cel21 August, Eid Al Milad,
ebrated on the first day of
Birthday of King Mohamthe first month of the Islamic
med VI
calendar, which is lunar and
This day is set aside for the
therefore takes place on a
citizens of Morocco, and
different date than in the
particularly the youth, to
Gregorian calendar. Muscelebrate the birthday of the lims take time on this day to
Kingdom of Moroccos curreflect on the significance
rent reigning king.
of this month as well as the
Hijra the prophet Mohamed
Moveable day during aumade to the city of Medina.
tumn or winter, Eid ul-Adha
This festival is a reminder
November 18, Eid Al Istiquof Ibrahims willingness to
lal, Independence Day
sacrifice his son Ishmael in
This is Moroccos National
obedience to a command
Day in recognition of the
from God.
countrys independence. Various celebrations take place
November 6, Eid Al Massira throughout the country.
Al Khadra, Anniversary of

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HISTORY IN BRIEF
Early days
Morocco has been the home of the Berbers
since the second millennium B.C. In A.D. 46,
Morocco was annexed by Rome as part of
the province of Mauritania until the Vandals
overran this portion of the declining empire
in the 5th century. The Arabs invaded circa 685, bringing Islam. The Berbers joined
them in invading Spain in 711, but then they
revolted against the Arabs, resenting their
secondary status. In 1086, Berbers took
control of large areas of Moorish Spain until
they were expelled in the 13th century.
The land was rarely unified and was usually ruled by small tribal states. Conflicts
between Berbers and Arabs were chronic.
Portugal and Spain began invading Morocco,
which helped to unify the land in defence.
In 1660, Morocco came under the rule of
the Alawite dynasty. It is a sherif dynasty
descended from the prophet Mohammad
and rules Morocco to this day.
French and Spanish Colonization
During the 17th and 18th centuries, Morocco was one of the Barbary States, the
headquarters of pirates who pillaged
Mediterranean traders. European powers
showed interest in colonizing the country
beginning in 1840, and there were frequent
clashes with the French and Spanish. Finally, in 1904, France and Spain concluded a
secret agreement that divided Morocco into
zones of French and Spanish influence, with
France controlling almost all of Morocco
and Spain controlling the small southwest
portion, which became known as Spanish

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Sahara. Morocco grew into an even greater

object of European rivalry by the turn of the
century, nearly leading to a European war
in 1905 when Germany attempted to gain a
foothold in the mineral-rich country.
By the terms of the Algeciras Conference
(1906), the sultan of Morocco maintained
control of his lands and the privileges obtained by France were curtailed. The conference was an indication of what was to
come in World War I, with Germany and
Austria-Hungary lining up on one side of the
territorial dispute, and France, Britain, and
the United States on the other.
Independence and Sovereignty of Morocco
IIn 1912, the sultan of Morocco, Moulay
Abd al-Hafid, permitted French protectorate
status. Nationalism grew during World War
II. Sultan Muhammed V was deposed by the
French in 1953 and replaced by his uncle,
but nationalist agitation forced his return in
1955. In 1956, France and Spain recognized
the independence and sovereignty of Morocco. After his death on 26 February, 1961,
Muhammed Vs son succeeded him as King
Hassan II. In the 1990s, King Hassan promulgated Hassanian democracy, which allowed for significant political freedom while
at the same time retaining ultimate power
for the monarch. In August 1999, King Hassan II died after 38 years on the throne,
and his son, Prince Sidi Muhammed, was
crowned King Muhammed VI. Since then,
Muhammed VI has pledged to make the
political system more open, allow freedom
of expression, and support economic re-

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HISTORY IN BRIEF
A rebel group, the Polisario Front, has
fought against Morocco since 1976 for the
independence of Western Sahara on behalf
of the indigenous Saharawis. The Polisario
and Morocco agreed in September 1991
to a UN-negotiated cease-fire, which was
contingent on a referendum regarding independence. For the past decade, however,
Morocco has opposed the referendum. In
2002, King Muhammed VI reasserted that
he will not renounce an inch of Western
Sahara.
Arab Spring Protests Reach Morocco
On May 16, 2003, terrorists believed to be
associated with al-Qaeda killed 33 peoSultan Abdelhafid of Morocco
ple in several simultaneous attacks. Four
form. He has also advocated more rights
bombs targeted Jewish, Spanish, and Belfor women, a position opposed by Islamic
gian buildings in Casablanca. In the terrorist
fundamentalists. The entrenched political
bombings of 2004 in Madrid, Spain, numerelite and the military have also been leery
ous Moroccans were implicated. A wave
of some reform proposals. With about 20% of suicide bombings struck Casablanca in
of the population living in dire poverty, eco- March and April 2007. Authorities were not
nomic expansion is a primary goal.
certain if the attacks were related.
Moroccos Occupation of Western Sahara
Moroccos occupation of Western Sahara
(formerly Spanish Sahara) has been repeatedly criticized by the international community. In the 1970s, tens of thousands of
Moroccans crossed the border into Spanish
Sahara to support their governments contention that the northern part of the territory was historically part of Morocco. Spain,
which had controlled the territory since
1912, withdrew in 1976. When Mauritania
withdrew in August 1979, Morocco overran
the remainder of the territory.

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Early in 2011, tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters gathered in various

cities, calling for a shift to a constitutional
monarchy in what was termed the February 20th movement. King Mohammed VI
answered with promises of reform, which
took the shape of a constitutional referendum in July. February 20th supporters
called for a boycott of the referendum,
calling the included reforms inadequate
and taking offense at its intent to bolster
the kings position as supreme arbiter of
political and institutional life.

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SOCIETY & CULTURE

Islam

they must not eat, drink, smoke, or chew

Islam is practised by the majority of Moroc- gum in public. Each night at sunset, families
and friends gather together to celebrate
cans and governs their personal, political,
the breaking of the fast (iftar). The festiveconomic and legal lives. Islam emanatities often continue well into the night. In
ed from what is today Saudi Arabia. The
general, things happen more slowly during
Prophet Mohammed is seen as the last of
Gods emissaries (following in the footsteps Ramadan. Many businesses operate on a
of Jesus, Moses, Abraham, etc) to bring rev- reduced schedule. Shops may be open and
closed at unusual times.
elation to mankind. He was distinguished
with bringing a message for the whole of
mankind, rather than just to certain people. Hshuma, the Concept of Shame
As Moses brought the Torah and Jesus the
Moroccans most cherished possession is
Bible, Mohammed brought the last book,
their honour and dignity, which concerns
the Quran. The Quran and the actions of
not only themselves, but also all members
the Prophet (the Sunnah) are used as the
of their extended family.
basis for all guidance in the religion.
Hshuma occurs when other people know
Muslims are obligated to pray five times
that someone has behaved inappropriately.
a day. Friday is the Muslim holy day; many
A Moroccans sense of self-worth is extercompanies also close on Thursday, making
nally focused, so the way others see them
the weekend Thursday and Friday.
is of paramount importance.
During the holy month of Ramadan, all
Muslims must fast from dawn to dusk and
are only permitted to work six hours per
day. Fasting includes no eating, drinking,
cigarette smoking, or gum chewing. Expatriates are not required to fast; however,

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In business, it is extremely important to

verify anything that has been agreed to
in front of others as it may not have been
a sincere agreement and the person may
have no intention of following through.

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INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
Berbers

The Berbers or Amazigh are an ethnic

group indigenous to North Africa; the
name Berber derives from the Latin
barbarus.
Today, most of the Berber people live
in Northern African countries, such as
Algeria and Morocco; a large Berber
population is also found in Tunisia, Libya, Mauritania, Mali and Niger, as well
as large migrant communities living in
France, Turkey and other countries of
Europe. The Berber identity is usually
wider than language and ethnicity, and
encompasses the entire history and geography of North Africa. Berbers are not an entirely
homogeneous ethnicity and they encompass a range of phenotypes, societies and ancestries. The unifying forces for the Berber people may be their shared language, belonging to
the Berber homeland, or a collective identification with the Berber heritage and history.
There are some twenty-five to thirty million Berber speakers in North Africa. The number
of ethnic Berbers (including non-Berber speakers) is far greater, as it is known that a large
part of the Berbers have acquired other languages over the course of many decades or centuries, and no longer speak Berber today.
Well-known modern Berbers in Europe include Zinedine Zidane, a French-born international football star of Algerian Kabyle descent, Loreen, the Swedish-born winner of Eurovision
2012, and Ibrahim Afellay, a Dutch-born football player of Moroccan Riffian descent.
Moroccan Berber women still have tattoos in geometric designs on their faces, sometimes
covering much of their forehead, cheeks, and necks. These are marks of tribal identification
and date from a time when it was necessary to be able to spot women of ones tribe who
had been carried off in raids.
Dubbed Moroccan, or Berber, tea has become the national drink of Morocco. It was introduced to Morocco in 1854 when blockaded British merchants uploaded large quantities
of tea at major Moroccan ports. Th la Menthe (Green Mint Tea) is Chinese green tea
brewed with a handful of mint leaves and loaded up with sugar.

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INTERESTING FACTS
Morocco is only 13 km from Europe,
across the Strait of Gibraltar.

ly from the Arabic word djinn, denoting a

spiritual being that may play some part in
human affairs if called upon. In Morocco,
Oukameden, in Morrocos High Atlas
djinns are believed to frequent places asMountains is the highest ski resort in Africa; sociated with water: public baths, drains,
however, snowfall rarely exceeds 20 cm)
sinks, and even pots and pans.
annually.
Casablanca, the film named after the Mo White is the colour of mourning in Moroc- roccan city, starring Humphrey Bogart and
co. A Moroccan widow wears white for 40
Ingrid Bergman, won the Academy Award
days after the death of her husband.
for Best Motion Picture in 1942 and is considered one of the best films of all time.
Moroccos national animal is the Barbary
lion. DNA evidence from two lion skulls
The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is
found in the Tower of London prove that
the worlds seventh largest mosque, and it
English royalty owned at least two Barbary took five years of intensive labour by over
lions sometime between the 13th and 15th 30,000 workers and craftsmen to complete
centuries.
it in 1993. The mosques minaret at 210 m
high is the worlds tallest, and it is Casablan Moroccans jokingly call their tap water
cas chief landmark. In terms of covered
Sidi Robinet (Sir, or Lord, Tap), and it is
area, the Hassan II Mosque is the largest
drinkable in most parts of the country.
in the world and has space for 80,000 worshippers.
The word kasbah probably derives from
the Turkish kasabe, meaning small town.
Moroccos current royal family, the
In contemporary Morocco and all of North Alaouites, dates from the 17th century. SulAfrica, it is generally used to refer to the
tan Mohammed V, the current monarchs
fortified strong point in a city.
grandfather, organized Morocco as a constitutional monarchy and assumed the title of
Often called the Red City, MarraKing in 1957. Mohamed VI has been King of
kech, Morocco, requires sun protection and Morocco since July 30, 1999.
headgear of some kind all year-round, even
during winter.
Womens rights in Morocco took a major step forward in 2004 with the reform
Morocco is the largest processor and exof the countrys personal status code, the
porter of sardines in the world.
Moudawana. With the reform, women in
Morocco can now have custody of their
The English word genie comes directchildren, the unilateral repudiation of a wife

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INTERESTING FACTS
is abolished, and a mans taking of a second wife is subject to the approval of his
first wife.
Traditionally the liver, not the heart, is
considered to be the symbol of love in
Morocco.
In the 1950s, Orson Welles stayed at the
Htel des les in Essaouira, Morocco, while
he was filming the movie Othello. Legend
has it that he met Winston Churchill there.
Essaouira also became famous as a hangout for singers Cat Stevens and Jimi Hendrix in the 1960s.
In Morocco, very few citizens have private baths, and a ritual purification of the
body is essential before Muslims can perform prayers, so many Moroccans bathe at
the public hammam (bath). The hammam
is segregated and, along with the local
zaouia (saints shrine), is an important
place for women to socialize.
Morocco is the only African country that
is not a member of the African Union.
The tomb of John the Baptist is said
to reside in the shrine of Sidi Yahia ben
Younes, situated in the Moroccan city of
Oujda.
The inventor of the first pedestrian
crossing light, Leslie Hore-Belisha, is buried in the Jewish cemetery of Essaouira.
The Venus of Tan-Tan, a 6 cm stone carv-

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ing found in a nearby river bed in 1999 in

Morocco is alleged to be between 300,000
and 500,000 years old and may be the earliest artistic representation of the human
form.
Rabat was made the capital city of Morocco in 1913 by the French because Morocco had no fixed capital at the time. In
the 17th century, the Moroccan city Rabat
was, for a time, the center of the notorious Sallee Rovers, who were corsairs, or
pirates. Daniel Defoes Robinson Crusoe
was a fictional captive of a Turkish rover
of Sallee.
The mdersa, an Islamic college of higher education, originated in Persia and was
developed in the Islamic west in the 13th
century. The largest Moroccan mdersa
is the 16th century Mdersa Ben Youssef
in Marrakesh, which is also the largest
mdersa in North Africa.
Casablanca, or Dar el Beda (White
House), is Moroccos largest city. One
version of how the city got its name states
it was named after Caids house, a large,
white building that is visible from a distance. Another version states that Sidi
Allal el-Kairouani named the city ad-Dr
al-Byda (House of the White Princess),
after his daughter, Lalla Beida. The city
changed its name to the Spanish translation Casa Blanca in 1770.
Morocco is second only to Egypt in the
Arab world for encouraging friendly re-

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INTERESTING FACTS
lations with Israel. At the end of 1993,
a number of measures to improve relations between the two countries were
announced by the king, more specifically
including the opening of direct air connections and telephone and postal links.

lywood. During the past century, hundreds

of films have been shot in this region,
including Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator,
Bertoluccis The Sheltering Sky, and Scorseses Kundun, among others.

id al-Kebir (Big Festival) is the biggest

holiday in Morocco, and elsewhere in the
Muslim world it is called Eid al-Adha. It is
celebrated on the 10th day of the month
of Dhu al-hijja, the month during which
Muslims make a pilgrimage to Mecca.
At the 1984 Olympic Games, Nawal el
Moutawakel unexpectedly won the inaugural running of the 400m hurdles, the
first major title won by an Arab woman in
an international competition.
During the 1950s and 60s, Morocco
served as a literary sanctuary for many
foreign writers, including Americans William S. Burroughs, Paul Bowles, Brion
Gysin, Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsburg, and
Tennessee Williams.
Coveted since Roman times, Moroccos
rare and beautiful thuya wood can be
found only in the western foothills of the
Atlas Mountains. In modern times, this
material is synonymous with wealth, being
the first burled wood used for luxury dashboards in the Rolls Royce.
The Atlas film studios, 6 km outside of
Ouarzazate, are known as Moroccos Hol-

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CUISINE
Morocco, unlike most other African countries, produces all the food it needs to
feed its people. Its many home-grown fruits and vegetables include oranges, melons, tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, and potatoes. Five more native products
that are especially important in Moroccan cooking are lemons, olives, figs, dates,
and almonds. Located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, the country is rich
in fish and seafood. Beef is not plentiful, so meals are usually built around lamb or
poultry.
One of the great cuisines of the world, Moroccan cooking abounds with subtle
spices and intriguing flavour combinations. Think tart green olives paired with
chopped preserved lemon rind stirred into a tagine of tender chicken, the surprise
of rich pigeon meat pie dusted with cinnamon and icing sugar, or sardines coated
with a flavourful combination of coriander, parsley, cumin and a hint of chilli. Influenced by Andalusian Spain, Arabia and France, Moroccos cuisine is a delicious
combination of mouth-watering flavours that make it unique.
Bssara
At a few pennies a bowl, this rich soup of dried broad beans is traditionally served for
breakfast, topped with a swirl of olive oil, a sprinkling of cumin and bread fresh from the
oven.
Tagine
A tagine is the clay cooking pot with a conical lid that gives its name to a myriad of dishes. Tagines can be seen bubbling away at every roadside caf, and they are found in topnotch restaurants and in every home, and always served with bread.
Chermoula
With its long Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, Morocco boasts a rich array of fish dishes. Chermoula is a combination of herbs and spices used as a marinade before grilling
over coals, and as a dipping sauce.
Harira
During the holy month of Ramadan, the fast is broken at sunset each day with a steaming
bowl of harira soup. Rich with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas and lamb, it is finished off with
a squeeze of lemon juice and some chopped coriander, and served with a sticky sweet

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CUISINE
pretzel called chebakkiya.
Kefta tagine
Beef or lamb mince with garlic, fresh coriander and parsley, cinnamon and ground coriander is rolled into balls and cooked in a tomato and onion sauce. Just before the dish is
ready, eggs are cracked into depressions in the sauce and cooked to perfection.
Couscous
Seksu or couscous is a fine wheat pasta traditionally rolled by hand. It is steamed over
a stew of meat and vegetables. To serve, the meat is covered by a pyramid of couscous,
the vegetables are pressed into the sides and the sauce served separately. It is often garnished with a sweet raisin preserve, or in the Berber tradition, with a bowl of buttermilk.
Makouda
Moroccan street food is legendary and the best place to sample the wide variety is Djemaa el-Fna square in Marrakech. Here beside the kebabs, calamari and grilled sardines,
you will find the more unusual sweet cheek meat of sheeps heads, snails cooked in a
spicy broth that wards off colds, and skewers of lambs liver with caul fat. Makouda are
little deep-fried potato balls, delicious dipped into spicy harissa sauce.
Zaalouk
Moroccan meals begin with at least seven cooked vegetable salads to scoop up with
bread. They can include green peppers and tomatoes, sweet carrots or courgette pure,
and a dish of local olives alongside. Zaalouk is a smoked aubergine dip, seasoned with
garlic, paprika, cumin and a little chilli powder.
Bstilla
This very special pie represents the pinnacle of exquisite Fassi (from Fez) cuisine. Layers of
a paper-thin pastry coddle a blend of pigeon meat, almonds and eggs spiced with saffron,
cinnamon and fresh coriander, the whole dusted with icing sugar and cinnamon.
Mint tea
Known as Moroccan whisky, mint tea is the drink of choice. It is usually heavily sweetened with sugar chipped off a sugar cone. Gunpowder tea is steeped with a few sprigs of
spearmint stuffed into the teapot. It is poured into a tea glass from a height to create a
froth called the crown.

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POPULAR ATTRACTIONS
When you travel to Morocco, the best places to visit include the imperial
cities of Marrakech, Fes and Meknes. This is where you find wonderful bazaars, palaces and bustling town squares. Morocco is also famous for its
beaches and some of the best seaside towns include Essaouira, Tangier and
Asilah. You can also hire a camel, trek through the Sahara and climb North
Africas highest peak to enjoy the beauty of Moroccan landscapes or stay in
a traditional Kasbah in the fascinating Dades Valley.
Marrakesh
The bustling and vibrant buzz of Marrakesh Medina sums up Morocco for many visitors. The entrance to the Old City is via the vast plaza of Djemma el-fna Square where,
it seems, half of the city converges throughout the day and into the evening to hang out
with the stall vendors, traditional musicians, snake charmers and random acrobats. Once
inside the Medina itself, you enter a world of maze-like alleyways and shopkeeper hustle.
It is an experience full of colourful and noisy local life, and not to be missed on your Moroccan sightseeing trails.
Hassan II Mosque
Casablancas landmark building, the Hassan II Mosque, is a lavish symbol not only of the
city, but also of Morocco itself. This modern mosque (finished in 1993) does not do things
by halves. The ornamental details covering every centimetre of the mammoth 2 ha site
took 10,000 artisans to complete. Intricately carved marble pieces, vibrant mosaics and
zellige tile details pay tribute to traditional Islamic architecture, and yet still manage to
feel contemporary.
Oudaias Kasbah
Rabats Oudaias Kasbah neighbourhood is a peaceful and perfectly quaint district that
feels miles away from the city, yet is right in the heart of it. Inside the walls of this old
fortress are lanes of neat white-and-blue houses rimmed by colourful flowerpots and
flapping washing. It is the prettiest corner of the capital.
Fes el Bali
Along with Marrakesh, Fes is Moroccos other big cultural destination. But unlike its sister
Imperial City to the south, Fes has not been trussed up for the tourists. Fes el Bali (Old
City) is an authentic muddle of a place where it is nearly impossible not to get lost. The
back alleys with their chipped plaster-work and gorgeous old doors will have you stopping

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POPULAR ATTRACTIONS
for photos on every corner, while the stinking tanneries are one of Fes el Balis most popular attractions for those who can handle the smell.
Tangier
Tangier has a fascinating and slightly debauched role in 20th century literary history, and
this past is what draws many tourists here. This is the city that inspired famous works
such as Paul Bowles The Sheltering Sky and William Burroughs Naked Lunch. Tangier
may have been scrubbed up since their day with the bohemian cafes and lounge bars long
gone, but you can still catch a whiff of the decadent days gone by.
Chefchaouen
In the beautiful Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is a gorgeous labyrinth of blue-on-blue buildings that has an incredibly photogenic glow. There is not much actual sightseeing to be
done, and this is one of the towns main attractions. It is simply about wandering the Medina alleys and lapping up all that colourful architecture. It is a peaceful, easy-going town
and a great place to recharge.
Volubilis
Moroccos number one Roman ruin is a feast for history-lovers with a clutch of remarkable mosaics still interred where they were unearthed. This site is also full of tumbled
columns and temple remnants, standing as reminders that even the greatest empires
will eventually crumble. The hilltop location allows the ruins to lord over the surrounding
countryside, adding to the romantic ambiance of lost glory. This tourist attraction is an
easy day trip from either Meknes or Fes.
Bab al-Mansour
This mammoth gateway (which guards the entrance to Meknes Imperial City district from
the Medina) is noted for its stunning decoration. Meant as a monumental reminder of the
sultans might, the Bab al-Mansour is a magnificent relic of Meknes glorious era as capital.
Ait Ben Haddou
This golden adobe kasbah (fortress) thrusts dramatically out of the earth amid scenery
that wows all who visit. It is a fairy-tale place, and the orange-hued turrets have become
a favourite film location due to the surreal beauty. If you are heading out into Moroccos
inland regions, it should definitely be on your must-visit list.

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POPULAR ATTRACTIONS
Dades Valley
Hikers, trekkers and general nature-lovers should not miss a journey into the raw landscapes of Moroccos Dades Valley. With the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas in the
distance, the big-sky country here is the perfect antidote for those who have been getting
frazzled nerves amid the souks of Marrakesh and Fes. There are dinky villages galore, exceptional bird spotting opportunities and lush fields stretching as far as the eye can see.
Essaouira
Moroccos most charming seaside village is laidback Essaouira, an old hippie haunt of the
1970s that has lost none of its authenticity.
The colourful fishing boats bobbing on
the water, stately old shore-side fort
and twisty lanes of the old town
make Essa (as it is affectionately
known by frequent visitors) a
delight to discover.
Erg Chebbi
Inland, in Moroccos eastern Sahara region, are
the grand and rippling
sand dunes of the Erg
Chebbi, where would-be
explorers and adventure-seekers head to get
a dose of desert action.
This is prime territory for
dune-surfing, four-wheeldrive dune-bashing and
the (much more authentic)
camel trekking. For those
with less of an active nature,
just sitting amid the sand dune
splendour is worth the long journey out here.

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IMPORTANT TIPS
Meeting Etiquette
When Moroccans greet each other they
take their time and converse about their
families, friends, and other general topics.
Handshakes are the customary greeting
between individuals of the same sex. Sometimes women will shake hands too, but if
a hand is not offered, then just nod your
head slightly to say hello. The verbal formal
greeting is Ah salaam ahlaykum which
means peace be upon you. To respond,
you say Wah alaykum salaam. Some people say salaam to keep it short.
Handshakes may be somewhat weak according to western standards.
Once a relationship has developed, it is
common to kiss on both cheeks, starting
with the left cheek while shaking hands,
men with men and women with women.
In any greeting that does take place between men and women, the woman must
extend her hand first. If she does not, a
man should bow his head in greeting.
When entering a social function, shake
hands with the person to your right and
then continue around the room going from
right to left.
Say good-bye to each person individually
when leaving.

your host drinks.

Gifts are not opened when received.
Table manners
Food is generally served at a knee-high
round table.
The guest of honour generally sits next to
the host.
A washing basin will be brought to the
table before the meal is served. Hold your
hands over the basin while water is poured
over them. Dry your hands on the towel
provided.
Do not begin eating until the host blesses
the food or begins to eat.
Food is served from a communal bowl.
Eat from the section of the bowl that is in
front of you. Never reach across the bowl
to get something from the other side. As an
honoured guest, choice cuts will be put in
front of you.
Scoop the food with a piece of bread or
the thumb and first two fingers of the right
hand.
Eat and drink only with the right hand.
Do not wipe your hands on your napkin.
Water is often served from a communal
glass. If you want your own glass, ask for a

Gift Giving Etiquette

If you are invited to a Moroccans home
bring sweet pastries, nuts, figs, dates or
flowers to the hostess.
A small gift for the children is seen as a
token of affection.
Do not bring alcohol unless you know that

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IMPORTANT TIPS
soft drink.
The washing basin will be
brought around the table again
at the end of the meal.
Expect to be urged to take
more food off the communal
plate. Providing an abundance
of food is a sign of hospitality.
Clothes
Clothes are particularly important: many Moroccans,
especially in rural areas, may
be offended by clothes that
do not fully cover parts of the
body considered private,
including both legs and shoulders, especially for women. In
urban areas, Moroccan women
wear short-sleeved tops and
knee-length skirts, and men
may wear sleeveless T-shirts
and above-the-knee shorts.
However, the Muslim idea of
modest dress (such as would
be acceptable in a mosque, for
example) requires women to
be covered from wrist to ankle,
and men from over the shoulder to below the knee. At least
in rural areas, it is a good idea
to follow these codes, and definitely a bad idea for women to
wear shorts or skirts above the
knee, or for members of either
sex to wear sleeveless T-shirts
or very short shorts. Even ordinary T-shirts may be regarded

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as underwear, particularly in
rural mountain areas. The best
guide is to note how Moroccans
dress locally.
InshaAlla
This means God willing or
if God wills it. You will hear
this used a bit like maybe or
possibly.
Time
Time concept is flexible in
Morocco. Things rarely happen
on time, or something will take
much longer than planned. Try
not to get upset about it your
frustration generally has no
influence on the outcome, so it
is best just to relax.
Feet
Feet are generally considered
unclean especially the soles
so do not point them at people, or step over things when
you can go around. You are also
expected to take your shoes
off when entering someones
house.
Gestures
Thumb up does not mean the
same thing and is considered
rude, and so is the a-okay sign
the one where you touch your
finger and thumb in a circle and
spread your remaining fingers.

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IMPORTANT TIPS

Affection
Public displays of affection between a male
and a female, such as kissing, is not considered appropriate and should be avoided.
You may notice Moroccan men walking
or standing holding hands, this is normal
between good friends, and it does not indicate anything beyond platonic friendship.
Hands
Some Muslims may consider the left hand
to be unclean. You should always therefore
shake hands, eat or offer and receive with
the right hand.
Mosques
It will usually be the case that if you are a
non-Muslim you will not be able to enter
mosques or the immediate area of some
religious shrines. If you are unsure, then
simply ask.
Haggling
As with many nations, there is a culture of
negotiating prices in Morocco. If there is
a price marked on an object, it is almost
certainly inappropriate to negotiate on the

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price, except for perhaps when you are

buying many items at once. However, if
the price is not marked, you may begin the
fine art of haggling. The vendor will quote
you a price to begin with, depending on
whether you are in the tourist district of a
large town or in a village market, the starting price may be somewhere from ten to
one and a half times the going rate. At this
point, you will need to make a judgement
call. On one hand, paying over the odds can
drive up expectations and prices generally
for everyone including locals. On the other
hand, driving the price of a souvenir down
by the equivalent of 25 pence will make virtually no difference to you but may change
the weekly income of a rural family by a
few percent.
Conduct
Try to conduct yourselves in a generally
calm and reasonably quiet manner. As a
rule of thumb, simply observe the local
Moroccans around you and try not to be
significantly louder or more boisterous than
them.

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PEOPLE IN MOROCCO
Moroccans are extremely hospitable and very tolerant. Though most people are religious, they are generally easy-going, and most young Moroccan women do not wear a
veil, though they may well wear a headscarf. Nonetheless, you should try not to affront
peoples religious beliefs, especially those of older, more conservative people, by, for
example, wearing skimpy clothes, kissing and cuddling in public, or eating or smoking
in the street during Ramadan.

Gender Roles

In Morocco, male/female relationships

are patterned differently than in Western
countries because gender roles are much
more fixed.
Females in Morocco are not discriminated
against. However, upon reaching puberty (especially in small cities and villages),
they are often separated with the intention of making sure that they stay virginal
and to better prepare them for motherhood. In Morocco, getting married is considered one of the most important times
in a womans life.

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Since Morocco is a country that has had

foreigners living among them for hundreds
of years, it is common to find less traditional differences between men and women in the larger cities, such as Marrakesh
and Casablanca.
Women in Morocco are stereotypically expected to take care of the home and family, engaging in activities such as cooking,
cleaning, shopping, weaving, caring for the
elderly and educating the children while
the man is away at work. In their free
time, women meet other societal expectations of visiting family, friends and attending evening prayer services at the local

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PEOPLE IN MOROCCO
mosque or shrine. These roles also apply to women in the countryside, where agricultural
duties are shared with their husbands. However, in the countryside in Berber villages it is
the women who often run the households and spend most of their time doing the agricultural work.
As a result of Moroccos culture and traditions, women do not often accompany their husbands on social outings. With the exception of modern cities such as Casablanca and Marrakesh, it is not likely to see a co-ed group of Moroccans mingling in a local cafe or bar.
In more traditional areas of the country and in some of the larger cities, women are also
not supposed to smoke, travel alone or without parental consent, or be unaccompanied
late at night.
Much of this is gradually changing as foreigners continue to make their lives in Morocco.
Morocco is the home to a large population of British and French families, along with many
Americans, Germans and Spaniards. As a result of foreigners relocating to make Morocco
their permanent home, and others purchasing property for vacation homes or building
riads, Morocco has become increasingly open.
Considering Moroccos history, its occupation by the French and Portuguese, the country
has become a melange of the novella (new) and the old. European contemporary influences on Moroccan traditional architecture, cuisine, fashion, film, music and decoration
are leading the way to a new Morocco.
For the most part, Moroccans are incredibly open-minded, especially in cities where tourism is common (Marrakesh, Casablanca, Fes, Essouaria, Rabat, Meknes, and Ouarzazate) and you will find it quite easy to have conversations with locals (in souks and hotels)
about world politics, the cultural and historical traditions of Morocco and the economy.
The popularity of tourism caused the Moroccan economy undergo a process of liberalization and modernization, consequently altering some societal values. Today, Moroccan women are taking more active roles in the government, law, medicine, warfare, and
trade. There is also an increase in university enrollment among the younger generation,
ultimately, leading to a more open-minded youth and a greater tolerance for modern
ideas and Western influences. Consequently, Moroccans are getting more used to seeing
females (particularly tourists) visiting cafes and other places that in the past were primarily frequented by men.

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SOCIETY
Marriage

Marriage is a civil ceremony that is conducted in city offices. A religious ceremony is also
performed. The ceremony is similar to those in the United States, with the addition of
sponsors. Principal sponsors are friends and relatives who have positions of influence in
the community. The number of principal sponsors attests to the popularity and potential
success of a couple. It also reduces the couples expenses, since each principal sponsor is
expected to contribute a substantial amount of cash. Members of the wedding party are
secondary sponsors, who do not have to provide funds.
Arranged marriages have not been part of Filipino life. However, men are expected to
marry, and if a man has not married by his late twenties, female relatives begin introducing him to potential brides. The median age for marriage is twenty-two. Young professionals wait until their late twenties to marry, and engagements of five to seven years
are not uncommon. During this period, the couple becomes established in jobs, pays for
the education of younger siblings, and acquires household items. A woman who reaches
the age of thirty-two without marrying is considered past the age for marriage. Women
believe that marriage to a wealthy man or a foreigner will guarantee happiness. Divorce
is illegal, but annulment is available for the dissolution of a marriage. Reasons for annulment include physical incapacity, physical violence, or pressure to change ones religious
or political beliefs. Interfaith marriages are rare.

Domestic Unit

The extended family is the most important societal unit, especially for women. Womens
closest friendships come from within the family. Mothers and daughters who share a
home make decisions concerning the home without conferring with male family members. One child remains in the family home to care for the parents and grandparents. This
child, usually a daughter, is not necessarily unmarried. The home may include assorted
children from the extended family, and single aunts and uncles. Several houses may be
erected on the same lot to keep the family together. Childcare is shared. Fathers carry and
play with children, but are unlikely to change diapers. Grandparents who live in the same
household are the primary care-givers for the children since both parents generally work.
Preschool grandchildren who live in other communities may be brought home for their
grandparents to raise. Indigent relatives live in the family circle and provide household
and childcare help. Young people may work their way through college by exchanging work
for room and board. Family bonds are so close that nieces and nephews are referred to as
ones own children and cousins are referred to as sisters and brothers. Unmarried adult
women may legally adopt one of their siblings children.

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CORPORATE CULTURE
Moroccans prefer to do
business with those they
know and respect, therefore expect to spend time
cultivating a personal relationship before business is
conducted.

Relationships & Communication

Who you know is more important than
what you know, so it is important to network and cultivate a number of contacts,
who may then assist you in working your
way through the serpentine bureaucracy.
Expect to be served mint tea whenever
you meet someone, as this demonstrates
hospitality.
Moroccan business practices have been
greatly influenced by the French and emphasize courtesy and a degree of formality.
Since Moroccans judge people on appearances, dress and present yourself well.

Business Meeting Etiquette

Appointments are necessary and should
be made as far in advance as possible, and
confirmed a day or two before the meeting.
It is best to avoid scheduling meetings

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during Ramadan since Muslims cannot eat

or drink during the day.
Never try to schedule meetings on Friday
between 11:15 am and 3 pm, since most
companies close for prayers.
Try to arrive at meetings on time and be
prepared to wait. Moroccan businesspeople
who are accustomed to dealing with international companies often strive to arrive on
time, although it is often difficult for them
to do so in such a relationship-driven culture.
In general, Moroccans have an open-door
policy, even during meetings. This means
you may experience frequent interruptions.
Others may even wander into the room and
start a different discussion. You may join
in, but do not try to bring the topic back to
the original discussion until the new person
leaves.
French is generally the language of business, although some companies use English.

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BUSINESS CULTURE
Business Negotiations
Companies are hierarchical. The highest ranking person makes decisions, but only after
obtaining a group consensus.
Decisions are reached after great deliberation.
If the government is involved, discussions will take even longer since the ministers of
several departments must often give approval.
Moroccans are looking for long-term business relationships.
Do not criticize anyone publicly. It is important that you do not cause your Moroccan
business associates to lose face.
Moroccans are non-confrontational. They may agree in meetings rather than cause you
to lose face.
Expect a fair amount of haggling. Moroccans seldom see an offer as final.
Decisions are made slowly. Do not try to rush the process, as it would be interpreted as
an insult.
The society is extremely bureaucratic. Most decisions require several layers of approval.
It may take several visits to accomplish simple tasks.
Do not use high-pressure tactics as they will work against you.
Moroccans can be deliberate and forceful negotiators.

Dress Etiquette
Business attire is formal and conservative.
Men should wear dark coloured conservative business suits to the initial meeting.
Women should wear elegant business suits, dresses or pantsuits.
Women must be careful to cover themselves appropriately. Skirts and dresses should
cover the knee and sleeves should cover most of the arm.
Avoid wearing expensive accessories.

Business Cards
Business cards are given without formal ritual.
Have one side of your card translated into French or Arabic.
Present your card so the translated side faces the recipient.

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Veronica Gelfgren
Yulia Bazyukina
Marja-Liisa Helenius

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