Morocco is located south of Spain on the Mediterranean Sea, in the northwest corner of Africa. Marked by a rich and chaotic mix of Arab, African, French and Berber influences, Morocco's breathtaking medinas and kasbahs are legendary and have changed little throughout the centuries. Open-air markets throughout the country are piled high with rugs, woodwork and jewelery. The country's top product is leather, said to be the softest in the world.
Morocco is bordered in the north and west by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean; it shares land borders with Western Sahara and Algeria. To the north, the bulk of Morocco's population fills the foothills of the often snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Spectacularly diverse, Morocco combines sand, sea and snow in a way that appeals to vacationers from around the world. The capital city is Rabat; Casablanca, Tangier, Fez and Marrakesh are other major urban centers.
The Atlas Mountain range runs through the middle of the country with plains and beaches on one side and woodlands and open pastureland on the other. Morocco has a varying climate with mild Mediterranean temperatures on the coast and hot, dry weather beyond the mountains.
Unlike other North African nations, one group of people has largely occupied Morocco for all of recorded history. The Berbers, or Imazighen (men of the land), settled in the area thousands of years ago and at one time controlled all of the land between Morocco and Egypt. Morocco has heavier Muslim influences than do other areas of Africa, and the official language is Arabic. French and Spanish are also spoken and English is understood, especially in those areas frequented by tourists.
Morocco is well linked to Africa, Europe and the Middle East by air, with international airports and flights at Casablanca, Tangier, Fez and Agadir. Regular flights provide domestic service throughout Morocco. Morocco operates one of the most modern rail systems in Africa, linking most of the main cities. Only the bigger cities have public bus services, but taxis are available in most cities and major towns. Renting a car is expensive in Morocco, and driving conditions can often be dangerous. Traffic drives on the right. Take note that Moroccan roads are festooned with police and customs roadblocks, as well as potholes, pedestrians and animals.
Morocco's phone system is well developed, and both local and international calls can be placed reliably. Access to fax machines is available in most hotels. Internet access is provided in Internet cafes throughout cities and most major towns. Morocco can be an expensive destination, but bargains are available for those willing to look around. All major credit cards are accepted in Morocco. Traveler's checks and foreign currency can be exchanged at all banks.
Morocco has a high petty crime rate in urban areas. Criminals occasionally target foreigners for robbery and assault, and unattended property theft, purse snatching, pickpocketing and scams are common. Most petty crime occurs in the medina/market areas, parks and beaches. Frequently reported scams include credit card skimming and shipping inferior rugs instead of more valuable ones purchased by the traveler.
Intelligence Officers at iJET are currently monitoring local conditions in this country to provide a level of information that surpasses any available from other public sources, including the U.S. State Department. Free from political constraints or concerns, our data provides unfiltered information vital for every traveler.
Those considering travel or researching the country for business or school are strongly advised to purchase an Intelligence Brief for the most timely and concise information available on the country.
For only $7.50 you will receive the most complete intelligence available to the general public. Each Intelligence Brief contains data on 12 areas of concern for travelers (including Local weather, Security and Health advisories, Local Travel Alerts, Entry/exit requirements, Cultural and Business information, Transportation updates, Communications/Technology, the Legal and Financial situation, Environmental concerns and Language) plus an overview map and real-time updates from the world's leading private intelligence gathering organization.
To purchase and immediately download the latest Intelligence Brief for the country -- Click Here
Those traveling to this country or any other region are also advised to sign-up for a Destination Tracker to have their travels monitored and any relevant updates immediately forwarded to them, wherever they are in the world!
To sign-up for a Destination Tracker, which includes Intelligence Briefs for the countries you will visit --Click Here