A sensory explosion at Africa's door — the labyrinthine medinas of Marrakech and Fes, the Sahara's golden dunes, the blue city of Chefchaouen, and a cuisine that ranks among the world's finest.
- Capital
- Rabat
- Population
- 36,828,330
- Area
- 446,550 km²
- Languages
- Arabic, Berber
- Currency
- Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
- GDP
- $165,835M
Good to know
Driving side
Right
National dish
Couscous, Tagine
Annual visitors
2,802,000 (2020)
Safety
Low (1.71/100k)
Avg temp
18.1°C
Religion
Islam
Coast
Coastal
☎ Police 19 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 15
Travel guide
Morocco (Arabic: المغرب, Al-Maghrib; Berber: ⵍⵎⴰⵖⵔⵉⴱ, Elmaɣrib; French: Maroc) is the northwesternmost country in Africa. Morocco has, for most people, been the gateway to Africa. With plenty of attractive locations, historical sights, and unique cultural traditions, there's lots to see and do in this beautiful, mesmerising country. At just a few hours from the main European cities, Morocco has everything to overwhelm you with the amazing colours, smells and sounds of Islamic Africa. Imagine bustling souqs and spice markets, stunning mosques, white-washed sea side towns and medieval city centres. With panoramic views varying from snow-covered peaks in the High Atlas to the endless sand dunes of the Sahara, no-one ever has to be bored in this beautiful country.
© Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA)
Explore Morocco
Best time to visit
March–May and September–November offer the best weather. Marrakech summers (June–August) are very hot. Sahara desert trips are best October–April. Chefchaouen is beautiful in spring with wildflowers. Ramadan creates a unique atmosphere but some restaurants close during daylight.
Visa
US, UK, EU citizens, Canadians, and Australians receive 90 days visa-free. Most nationalities can enter Morocco without a visa for stays up to 90 days.
Highlights
Founded in the 11th century by the Almoravids as a military settlement, Meknes became a capital under Sultan Moulay Ismaïl (1672–1727), the founder of the Alawite dynasty. The sultan turned it into a impressive city in Spanish-Moorish style, surrounded by high walls with great doors, where the harmonious blending of the Islamic and European styles of the 17th century Maghreb are still evident today.
Public holidays
UNESCO World Heritage Sites (12)
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Major cities
Marrakech
The Red City — a sensory explosion of souks, snake charmers, and the iconic Jemaa el-Fna square.
Fes
The world's oldest living medieval city — a UNESCO-listed medina of labyrinthine alleys, ancient madrasas, and leather tanneries.
Chefchaouen
The Blue City — a mountain town where every wall is painted in shades of blue, set in the Rif Mountains.
Essaouira
A whitewashed Atlantic port city of sea winds, blue fishing boats, argan oil, and Gnawa music.
Merzouga
Gateway to the Erg Chebbi sand dunes — camel treks into the Sahara for a night under the stars.