Overview:

Official Name: Kingdom of Morocco

Capital: Rabat

Official language: Arabic

Major Religion: Islam

Government: Constitutional Monarchy

King: Muhammad VI

Population: 31.6 million

Currency: Dirham

International dialing code: +212

Visas:

Citizens of the US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia and New Zealand are granted 3 month visa stamps upon arrival. All visitors require a passport.

Dress Tips:

While there is no uniform dress code in Morocco , it is still important to remember that this is a religious nation, and to dress accordingly. Modest dress will save you from a lot of hassle. It is generally a good idea to avoid shorts, short skirts, sleeveless shirts, or very tight clothing.

Women Travelers:

Women need to be aware that they may be the target of many comments and even stares, especially when traveling alone. In these situations it is best to remain calm and completely ignore the comments. Otherwise, it is fairly safe to walk around crowded areas, but still best to avoid walking in deserted areas or walking alone at  night.

Etiquette:

Moroccans are wonderfully friendly, and you will often be greeted with a kiss on both cheeks. The closer you are, the more kisses you’ll get. You may even get your hand held as you walk. Don’t worry- it’s normal.

If you make some new friends, you will likely get some invitations into homes. You will know the genuineness of the invitation by the third time it is offered. When you enter the home, make an attempt to greet every person in the house. For women this often takes the form of kissing other women on the cheeks; men usually shake hands. Take your shoes off before stepping onto a rug, and try to avoid staying alone in a room of the opposite sex as this can be interpreted incorrectly.

If you are served with food, you will be constantly encouraged to keep eating. It is usually a good idea to start slowing down a little while before you actually get full. You do not have to keep eating just because they say so, though. Food is usually served on a big plate in the middle of the table. When you are eating, it is helpful to imagine a pie and eat the slice in front of you. It is generally considered rude to reach into someone else’s section, unless it is for the purpose of passing food to someone else. It is also good to keep in mind that meat is more expensive and is considered the best part of the meal. The meat will often be at the centre of the plate, but while your hosts will likely keep offering you meat, it is good to pace yourself. It is also generally polite to avoid the meat until you see someone else eating it. Another helpful hint to keep in mind is to avoid the use of you left hand when eating or handling any kind of food

For the modern tourist Morocco has complemented its fascinating history and cultures with the pleasures and comforts of the highest standards in its hotels and restaurants.

HISTORY

Morocco is a country steeped in history which has been inhabited since early prehistoric times as testified by prehistoric remains. Then came Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Berbers, Byzantines, Romans and Vandals before the Arab invasion in the 8th century. Morocco became an independent state in 788 AD and is today a constitutional monarchy.

CLIMATE

Annual sunshine levels can exceed 8 hours a day with average temperatures of 21 C. To explain the diversity it is possible to travel from a sandy beach on the Atlantic ocean, through the snow capped Atlas mountains to the Saharan desert in just one day.

CURRENCY

The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham. This is a controlled currency so is not available outside of Morocco but is easily obtained within the country from banks and within hotels. At the time of writing the exchange rate is in excess of 16 Dirhams to the pound which is very favorable. Credit cards are widely accepted and most banks have cash dispensers.
No commission is charged when changing currency which can be changed back at the airport on departure.

LANGUAGE

The everyday language of Morocco is dialectal Arabic with classical Arabic being the language of education. The second language is French, which basically everybody speaks. You will not find a language problem however with English. This is now widely spoken in the hotels, restaurants and shops as well as by the locals.

FOOD

Moroccan cuisine offers refined preparations of sun-drenched fruit and vegetables, rare and aromatic spices, delicate fish and succulent meats. This is the very best of Oriental cuisine and is famous throughout the world.

RELIGION

Islam is the religion of Morocco but it exists in perfect co-existence with other religions.

SPORTS

Visitors can participate in golf, surfing and windsurfing, skiing, white water sports, riding, four-wheel drive, hunting, fishing, aerial sports, sailing, yachting and water skiing. Several hotels have thalassotherapy institutes.

MUSEUMS and HISTORICAL SITES

The country's rich past has left impressive ruins in many centers and some surprising cave dwellings as well as many museums. A brochure is available on request.

HEALTH

Morocco is a healthy country, however a certain number of minimal precautions should be taken. Avoid water from water sellers. Visitors should only drink the excellent bottled spring water. No vaccination certificates are required for visitors from the UK and anti-malarial treatment is not necessary. Precautions should be taken against sunburn and insects in desert areas.

DRIVING ON THE ROADS

The highway code is of international standards. Road signs are prominently visible in French and Arabic and speed limits are actively enforced. Road surfaces are generally good but you need to drive carefully because apart from other motorists you will have to avoid pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, carts and even animals so don't be afraid to sound the horn. Do not drive 'off piste' ie rough tracks. If you have an accident or damage the car you will incur costs.

RAILWAY

There is an excellent railway system with 2,000 km of track mainly in the north. The express trains are fast, comfortable and air-conditioned with bar service and buffet car.

BUSES

These are the most popular means of transport and will take you everywhere at very low cost. CTM is the main bus company who operate comfortable air-conditioned coaches.

TAXIS

'Petit taxi' (maximum 3 people) operate in each town and 'Grande taxi' (maximum 6 people) operate between towns and airports. You can usually negotiate and fix the price in advance.

SHOPPING

Strolling through the souks is a wonderful experience and not to be missed. The specialties are embroidery, carpets, pottery, leather goods, carved wood, metal goods inlaid with silver thread, mosaics, shoemakers, sewing, spices, jewelry, weaving and brassware. In each town you will find craftwork centers where you can buy genuine articles offering good value for money. Bargaining is a national passion and should be practiced with a smile but please do not start negotiating unless you want to buy. To get the best price keep the conversation friendly and amicable.

GUIDES

Please only choose official Moroccan Tourist Ministry guides. They know the history of the country and its monuments in great detail. They can be identified by their traditional costume and identification badge.

FOLKLORE

Traditions and folk art remain very much alive in Morocco. Music is present everywhere in the country, accompanying festivities and ceremonies in an instrumental form of traditional classical and popular Arab music and is intimately linked with poetry and dance. There are many Festivals held throughout the country.

FANTASIAS

Fantasias are held in most towns where men on horseback perform an extraordinary war exercise and acrobatic feats while firing their 'moukhala' (old powder charged rifle) during a frantic gallop. These are usually held in purpose built arenas in conjunction with a traditional Moroccan dinner and folklore evenings.

Economy

Overview:

GDP (purchasing power parity): $139.5 billion

Revenue sectors: agriculture (21.7%); industry (35.7%); services (42.6%)

Agricultural products: barley, wheat, citrus, wine, vegetables, olives; livestock

Industries: phosphate rock mining and processing, food processing, leather goods, textiles, construction, tourism

Natural resources: phosphates, iron ore, manganese, lead, zinc, fish, salt

Arable land: 20%

Labor force: 11.19 million

Labor force by occupation: agriculture 40%, services 45%, industry 15%

Export revenue: $9.472 billion f.o.b.

Export products: clothing, fish, inorganic chemicals, transistors, crude minerals, fertilizers (including phosphates), petroleum products, fruits, vegetables

Export partners: France 33.6%, Spain 17.4%, UK 7.7%, Italy 4.7%, US 4.1%

Import expenditures: $18.15 billion

Import products: crude petroleum, textile fabric, telecommunications equipment, wheat, gas and electricity, transistors, plastics

Import partners: France 18.2%, Spain 12.1%, Italy 6.6%, Germany 6%, Russia 5.7%, Saudi Arabia 5.4%, China 4.2%, US 4.1%

External debt: $15.6 billion

Currency: Moroccan dirham (MAD)

Exchange rates: Moroccan dirhams per US dollar 8.42 (2007) 8.78 (2005), 8.868 (2004), 9.574 (2003), 11.021 (2002), 11.303 (2001)

Inflation rate: 2.1%

Population below poverty line: 19%

Unemployment rate: 12.1%

Sources of income:

The mining of phosphates is the largest source of income in Morocco, followed by nationals living abroad who transfer money to relatives living in Morocco, and tourism.

Morocco is also one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of cannabis. Its cultivation and sale accounts for $37.3 billion, 0.57 per cent of Morocco’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and provides an economic base for much of northern Morocco .

Trade agreements:

In an attempt to boost foreign investment, Morocco has signed Free Trade Agreements with the European Union (to take effect in 2010) and the United States (took effect in 2007).

Challenges:

	reducing constraints on private activity and foreign trade
	preparing economy for freer trade with the US and European Union
	achieving sustainable growth
	raising living standards
	improving education and job prospects
	reducing the utilization of child labor

Morocco Major cities temperatures in °Celsius

Medical Advice:

Medical Care

Medical care is generally substandard; however, private medical care is available in most cities. While the health system has been making improvements to health standards in Morocco, there remain huge problems in the system. The challenge is to increase human and material resources and access to health care, despite socio-economic constraints. King Mohammad VI has been involved in initiatives to create health care access in rural areas of for the poor.

Health Advice

Drink bottled water and avoid ice

Eat only cooked or peeled fruits and vegetables

Avoid food purchased from street vendors

Wear seatbelts when in a car and avoid night driving as not all streets all well lit

Bring mosquito and insect bite protection

Don’t handle animals

Don’t swim in fresh water, unless you ask a local first

Recommended Vaccinations (not mandatory to enter Morocco)

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Rabies (if you may be exposed to animals during your stay, like in farms)

Tetanus/ Diphtheria

Measles

Polio

 Public Holidays  

2007
January 1 New Year's Day.
January 11 Manifesto of Independence.
January 20 Fatih Mouharram (Muslim New Year).
March 31 Aïd al-Mawlid (Prophet's Birthday).
May 1 Labour Day.
July 30 Feast of the Throne.
August 14 Fête Oued Eddahab (Oued Eddahab Allegiance Day).
August 20 Révolution du Roi et du Peuple (The King and the People's Revolution Day).
August 21 King Mohammed's Birthday.
September 13 - October 13 Ramadan.
November 6 Marche Verte (Anniversary of the Green March).
November 18 Fête de l'Indépendance (Independence Day).
December 20 Aïd al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).

2008
January 1 New Year's Day.
January 10 Fatih Mouharram (Muslim New Year).
January 11 Manifesto of Independence.
March 20 Aïd al-Mawlid (Prophet's Birthday).
May 1 Labour Day.
July 30 Feast of the Throne.
August 14 Fête Oued Eddahab (Oued Eddahab Allegiance Day).
August 20 Révolution du Roi et du Peuple (The King and the People's Revolution Day).
August 21 King Mohammed's Birthday.
September 1 - 2 Oct Ramadan
Nov 6 Marche Verte (Anniversary of the Green March).
Nov 18 Fête de l'Indépendance (Independence Day).
Dec 9 Aïd al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).