Fast Facts:

1. It’s located in northwest Africa and is the 18th largest country on the continent.

2. The capital is Rabat and the largest city is Casablanca.

3. Major languages: Arabic, Berber, Darija, Hassaniya, French

4. Major ethnic groups: Arab-Berber (99%), Other (1%)

5. Major religions: Islam (99%), Christianity and other (1%)

6. It gained independence from France in March 1956.

7. It is one of only three nations (along with Spain and France) to have both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines.

8. A large part of Morocco is mountainous. The Atlas Mountains are in the center and south and the Rif Mountains are in the north.

9. Morocco is the most visited country in Africa.

10. Tourism in Morocco is well developed with a strong focus on the country’s coast, culture, history and ancient sites.

11. It has 9 UNESCO World Heritage sites: Fez Medina, Marrakesh Medina, Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou, Historic City of Meknes, Archaeological Site of Volubilis, Tetouan Medina, Essaouira Medina, El Jadida, and Modern and Historic City of Rabat.

12. It has a plethora of attractions, including leather tanneries in Fez, the blue city of Chefchaouen, the ancient city and archaeological sites in Meknes, Hasan II Mosque in Casablanca, the Kasbah of the Udayas in Rabat, the souks of Marrakesh, and the famous tree goats in Tamri, among others.

13. Various art and music festivals take place during the summer months, among them the World Sacred Music Festival at Fez.

The blue city of Chefchaouen
Video credit: Touropia
Video credit: SamAfro
Video credit: BylamiTV