Morocco is separated from Europe by the Strait of Gibraltar, a strip of water just over 14 kilometres (9 miles) wide. Much of the land is made up of rugged hills and mountains. The Atlas Mountains run across the middle of the country: some peaks rise more than 4000 metres (13,000 feet) and are topped by snow in winter. To the north, plains stretch all the way to the coast. South of the mountains, dry valleys reach into the Sahara Desert. These southern regions have arid climate; elsewhere, the climate is hot in summer and warm in winter. Morocco is ruled by a monarch and an elected parliament. The king decides on military and foreign policies; he can also make laws called dahirs.

People

Nearly all Moroccans are descended from the Berber people—the region’s first settlers—as well as from Arabs who arrived later. Moroccans speak a form of Arabic called Darija, similar to the dialect spoken in Algeria and Tunisia. Most people live north of the Atlas Mountains, where the climate is warm and sunny, though not too hot.

Migrants

Because Morocco lies so close to Europe, it attracts thousands of migrants from sub-Saharan Africa every year, who use Morocco as a base for attempting voyages by sea to Spain. Tensions have grown up between Moroccans and these migrants. Most are very poor, and risk everything to make the dangerous journey (the currents are extremely strong) across the Strait of Gibraltar.

Agriculture

Over a third of Moroccans make a living from agriculture. The warm Mediterranean climate in the north is perfect for growing citrus fruits, tomatoes and vegetables. Much of the crop is exported to Europe. However, the harvest's success depends on rainfall. When drought occurs, the country has to import foods, such as grain, to be able to feed everyone.

Industry

Morocco is one of the world’s largest producers of minerals called phosphates, which are used to make chemicals and fertilizers. The tourist industry is also very important: more than 10 million tourists visit Morocco’s resorts and historic cities, such as Marrakech and Casablanca, every year.

Towns and cities

Most Moroccan towns and cities—including the four historical capitals, Fès (Fez), Marrakech, Meknès and Rabat—have an old walled city, called a medina. They also have a new town, or ville nouvelle, built alongside, dating from the time of the French-Spanish Protectorate in the 20th century. A kasbah, is part of the medina: a citadel or fortress where the local leader would live at a time when the city was under attack.
​​​​​​​

An important part of any Moroccan city is the souk or market. This is often divided into separate souks specializing in different comodities or crafts. Marrakech has the largest traditional souk in Morocco, with some 18 different souks selling a wide variety goods, ranging from traditional Berber carpets to modern electronics.

Facts about Morocco

Population 37,493,183 (2024 estimate)

Area 446,300 sq km

Highest point Jebel Toubkal 4165 m (13,665 ft)

Capital Rabat, (metro area population 2,120,192)

Other major cities Casablanca (metro area pop. 4,270,750), Tangier (1,275,428), Fès (Fez, 1,256,172), Marrakech (928,850)

Languages Arabic, Berber, French

Religions Muslim 99%, others 1%

Ethnicity Arab-Berber 99%, others 1%

Currency Moroccan dirham (MAD)

Chief exports clothing and textiles, electrical parts, oil and petroleum products, citrus fruits, vegetables, fish, fertilizers