Morocco

Morocco occupies the northwestern corner of Africa, bordered by Algeria to the east, Mauritania to the south, and the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts to the west and north. The Strait of Gibraltar places it barely 14 kilometres from Spain. The capital is Rabat, though Casablanca is the largest city and commercial hub. Arabic and Amazigh (Berber) are the official languages; French is widely used in business and government. The currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). The country's identity is shaped by Amazigh, Arab, Andalusian, and sub-Saharan African influences.

Citizens of many countries — including EU member states, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada — can enter Morocco visa-free for stays typically up to 90 days. Travellers from other regions may require a visa obtained in advance from a Moroccan embassy or consulate. Morocco does not operate a widely available eVisa system at this time, so it is advisable to consult the official Moroccan government portal before travel.

The medina of Fès el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains one of the world's oldest continuously operating universities, the University of al-Qarawiyyin, founded in 859 CE. Marrakech's Djemaa el-Fna square fills each evening with storytellers, musicians, and food stalls. The Saharan dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga rise to roughly 150 metres. The blue-painted hillside town of Chefchaouen sits in the Rif Mountains. The Roman ruins at Volubilis preserve well-intact mosaics from the 3rd century. The coastal ramparts of Essaouira overlook the Atlantic.

Morocco's climate varies considerably by region. The Mediterranean north sees mild, wet winters (8–15 °C) and warm, dry summers (25–35 °C). Inland cities like Marrakech experience more extreme heat in summer, regularly exceeding 38 °C. The Atlas Mountains receive snow from November through March. The Saharan south is arid year-round, with daytime temperatures exceeding 40 °C in July. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most comfortable travel conditions across most regions. Pack layers for desert nights, which turn sharply cold.

• Home to Africa's only ski resort at Oukaimeden.
• The University of al-Qarawiyyin is the world's oldest university.
• Morocco is the world's largest phosphate rock exporter.
• Mint tea is poured from height for tradition and aeration.
• Morocco was among the first to recognise U.S. independence in 1777.

• visitmorocco.com — official national tourism portal operated by the Moroccan National Tourist Office
• marocmeteo.ma — Moroccan national meteorological service for weather and forecasts
• mtpnet.gov.ma — Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts official site
• services.mfae.gov.ma — Ministry of Foreign Affairs for visa and consular information