Africa · Northern Africa

Morocco

Kingdom of Morocco

Flag of Morocco
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC
🏛️ Capital
Rabat
👥 Population
36,828,330
📐 Area
446,550 km²
💱 Currency
Moroccan dirham (د.م.)
🗣️ Languages
Arabic, Berber
📞 Calling Code
+212
🕐 Time Zones
UTC
🌐 Region
Africa / Northern Africa

About Morocco

Morocco is a country that overwhelms the senses in the most magnificent way — a place where the call to prayer echoes off ancient medina walls, the smell of cumin and coriander drifts from open spice bazaars, and the light shifts from gold to amber across the dunes of the Sahara as the sun descends. Straddling the intersection of Africa, Europe, and the Arab world, Morocco offers a travel experience of extraordinary depth and variety. From the imperial cities of Marrakech, Fez, Rabat, and Meknes to the Atlantic surf towns of Essaouira and Taghazout, there is a Morocco for every kind of traveller.

The medinas — the ancient walled quarters of Morocco's cities — are UNESCO-listed labyrinths of culture, craft, and commerce. In Fez, the world's largest car-free urban area, artisans work by hand in workshops unchanged for centuries: tanners dyeing leather in terracotta vats, weavers threading silk looms, and woodcarvers perfecting geometric patterns on cedar panels. Marrakech pulses with energy day and night, centred on the spectacular Jemaa el-Fna square, where storytellers, acrobats, snake charmers, and food vendors create a spectacle that has been listed by UNESCO as an oral heritage of humanity.

Beyond the cities, Morocco's natural landscapes are equally compelling. The High Atlas Mountains divide the country dramatically, with Berber villages clinging to terraced valleys and peaks topping 4,000 metres. The Draa Valley stretches south through palm groves and kasbahs to where the Sahara begins in earnest at Merzouga, where orange dunes rise 150 metres above the desert floor. Spend a night in a Berber desert camp beneath a canopy of stars and you will understand why Morocco has captivated travellers for millennia.

History & Background

Morocco's history stretches back more than three hundred thousand years, to the earliest Homo sapiens fossil sites discovered at Jebel Irhoud. The indigenous Amazigh people built complex settled societies long before the arrival of Phoenician traders, who established coastal colonies in the first millennium BC. Rome incorporated the region as the province of Mauretania Tingitana, leaving ruins at Volubilis that are among the best preserved in North Africa. The arrival of Arab armies in the seventh century AD introduced Islam and Arabic language, fusing with existing Amazigh culture to create the distinctive Moroccan civilisation. The Almoravid dynasty, born of Saharan Berber movements, unified Morocco and crossed into Iberian Spain in 1086, laying the foundations of a golden age of Moorish civilisation that produced the Alhambra in Granada and the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech.

Morocco's more recent history is defined by European colonisation and the struggle for independence. France and Spain divided the country into protectorates in 1912, triggering decades of resistance led most prominently by Sultan Mohammed V. Independence was achieved peacefully in 1956, and Morocco has remained a constitutional monarchy under the Alaoui dynasty ever since. King Mohammed VI, who ascended the throne in 1999, has overseen significant economic modernisation, the expansion of women's rights, and the construction of high-speed rail and massive renewable energy infrastructure — positioning Morocco as one of Africa's most stable and forward-looking states.

Culture & People

Moroccan culture is one of North Africa's most layered and fascinating, shaped by indigenous Amazigh (Berber) civilisation, Arab-Islamic tradition, sub-Saharan African influence, and centuries of Andalusian and European contact. Islam is the foundation of daily life — the five calls to prayer structure the rhythm of every day, Ramadan transforms the social fabric of the country for a month each year, and Islamic art and architecture reach extraordinary heights in the zellige tilework, stucco carvings, and horseshoe arches of Morocco's mosques and madrasas. Arabic and Tamazight are the official languages, but French is widely used in business and education, and Spanish is common in the north.

The Amazigh people — Morocco's original inhabitants — are increasingly celebrated as a cornerstone of national identity, and their language, music, and traditions are woven through every aspect of Moroccan culture. Gnawa music, born of sub-Saharan spiritual traditions carried north through the trans-Saharan slave trade, is a hypnotic and ancient form of devotional music that has influenced musicians from Brian Jones to Randy Weston. Moroccan tea culture — the elaborate ritual of sweet mint tea poured from a great height into small glasses — is as much about hospitality and conversation as it is about refreshment, and accepting a glass is the first step to genuine connection with Moroccan people.

Food & Cuisine

Moroccan cuisine is widely regarded as one of the great culinary traditions of the world — a sophisticated, spice-laden cooking culture that layers flavour with exceptional subtlety. Tagine is the defining dish: slow-cooked stews of lamb, chicken, or vegetables simmered with olives, preserved lemons, apricots, or prunes in the iconic conical clay vessel. Couscous, the national dish by law, is served every Friday across the country — a mound of hand-rolled semolina steamed over a broth of vegetables and meat, finished with caramelised onions and raisins. Pastilla — a filo pastry pie traditionally filled with pigeon, almonds, and cinnamon dusted with icing sugar — is one of Morocco's most extraordinary dishes, sweet and savoury at once.

Street food is an essential part of any Moroccan food experience. Msemen — flaky layered flatbreads eaten with argan oil honey for breakfast — are prepared fresh on griddles in the medina. Harira, a thick soup of tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and herbs, is the classic iftar dish that breaks the Ramadan fast and is available at hole-in-the-wall cafés throughout the year. In coastal cities, fresh sardines grilled over charcoal and served with chermoula marinade are a local institution. Finish any meal with a glass of heavily sweetened mint tea and a plate of gazelle horns — crescent-shaped almond pastries that are Morocco's perfect final note.

Top Attractions

  • Fez el-Bali Medina — The world's largest car-free urban area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a living medieval city of tanneries, souks, madrasas, and the ancient Qarawiyyin University founded in 859 AD.
  • Jemaa el-Fna, Marrakech — UNESCO-listed as an oral heritage of humanity, this extraordinary square transforms throughout the day from a market into an open-air theatre of storytellers, musicians, and food stalls after dark.
  • Sahara Desert, Merzouga — The majestic Erg Chebbi dunes rising to 150 metres near the Algerian border; arrive by camel at sunset and spend the night in a Berber desert camp under a blazing canopy of stars.
  • Chefchaouen — The impossibly photogenic "Blue City" tumbling down the Rif Mountains, its whitewashed and indigo-painted alleyways creating one of the most distinctive streetscapes in the world.
  • Aït Benhaddou — A spectacular ksar (fortified village) of earthen architecture on the Draa Valley route, UNESCO-listed and a filming location for Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and countless other productions.
  • Volubilis Roman Ruins — North Africa's finest surviving Roman city, spectacularly positioned on a hilltop with intact mosaics, Capitoline temple columns, and sweeping views over the Meknes plain.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Negotiate prices before accepting taxi rides in medina cities — petit taxis should use meters, but always confirm this upfront.
  • Dress modestly when exploring medinas and religious sites, particularly outside of resort areas; covering shoulders and knees shows respect and reduces unwanted attention.
  • Hire a licensed guide for your first day in a major medina — unofficial "guides" will mislead you to commission shops, while licensed guides provide genuine insight.
  • Always ask permission before photographing people, particularly in souks and rural areas; many people prefer not to be photographed.
  • Bargaining is expected in souks — start at around a third of the asking price and negotiate with a smile; it is a social exchange, not a confrontation.
  • Drink only bottled or filtered water and be cautious with raw vegetables and fruit washed in tap water if you have a sensitive stomach.
  • Learn a few words of Darija (Moroccan Arabic) — "shukran" (thank you) and "la shukran" (no thank you) go a long way.

Visa Overview

Morocco operates a generous visa policy, granting citizens of the USA, UK, EU member states, Canada, Australia, Japan, and many other countries visa-free entry for stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned entry date. Visitors are required to complete an entry card on arrival and must have proof of accommodation and sufficient funds. For citizens of countries not on the visa-free list, visas can be obtained from Moroccan embassies abroad. Always consult the latest guidance from the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travel.

Getting Around

Morocco has excellent transport infrastructure by regional standards. Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca is the main hub, with Marrakech and Agadir also serving many European carriers. The national rail network (ONCF) connects Casablanca, Rabat, Fez, Tangier, and Marrakech efficiently and comfortably, including a high-speed TGV line between Casablanca and Tangier. Long-distance CTM buses reach towns not served by rail. Renting a car unlocks the Atlas Mountains, Sahara routes, and coastal roads. In cities, petit taxis are cheap but should use meters; rideshare apps are available in Casablanca and Marrakech.

Safety Notes

Morocco is generally a safe destination, but standard vigilance is advisable. Petty theft and bag-snatching can occur in busy medinas and crowded tourist sites; keep valuables secure and be wary of scams targeting new arrivals. Solo female travellers may experience persistent attention in medina areas — assertive but polite responses and modest dress help. The border regions with Algeria and areas near the Rif Mountains require additional caution. Government travel advisories should always be checked before visiting remote or border regions.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Morocco.

Moroccan dirham (MAD) د.م.
Updated: 2026-05-19
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 1.187283
AAVE 0.001220
ADA 0.432183
AED 0.399056
AFN 6.792230
AKT 0.134796
ALGO 1.011906
ALL 8.917816
AMD 39.990612
AMP 129.870103
ANG 0.195767
AOA 99.812775
APE 0.753464
APT 0.115093
AR 0.050863
ARB 0.929708
ARS 151.700082
ATOM 0.052815
ATS 1.284400
AUD 0.152248
AVAX 0.011773
AWG 0.194502
AXS 0.092538
AZM 923.617681
AZN 0.184724
BAKE 146.964868
BAM 0.182559
BAT 1.121559
BBD 0.217321
BCH 0.000286
BDT 13.352610
BEF 3.765366
BGN 0.182559
BHD 0.040856
BIF 323.707605
BMD 0.108660
BNB 0.000169
BND 0.139091
BOB 0.753109
BRL 0.544367
BSD 0.108660
BSV 0.007223
BSW 126.950113
BTC 0.000001
BTG 0.282467
BTN 10.473688
BTT 337,741.990619
BUSD 0.108716
BWP 1.477245
BYN 0.298815
BYR 2,988.151985
BZD 0.218705
CAD 0.149385
CAKE 0.076864
CDF 249.370389
CELO 1.350353
CFX 1.845298
CHF 0.085388
CHZ 2.209987
CLP 97.905943
CNH 0.739328
CNY 0.739073
COMP 0.004932
COP 412.816336
CRC 49.192364
CRO 1.554923
CRV 0.460547
CSPR 36.783327
CUC 0.108660
CUP 2.607313
CVE 10.292711
CVX 0.062606
CYP 0.054630
CZK 2.269184
DAI 0.108714
DASH 0.002533
DCR 0.006455
DEM 0.182559
DFI 110.655535
DJF 19.334922
DKK 0.697516
DOGE 1.041814
DOP 6.432250
DOT 0.087013
DYDX 0.751236
DZD 14.425551
EEK 1.460473
EGLD 0.027722
EGP 5.794045
ENJ 2.529937
EOS 1.343257
ERN 1.629907
ESP 15.530635
ETB 17.110258
ETC 0.012201
ETH 0.000051
EUR 0.093341
EURC 0.093268
FEI 0.109075
FIL 0.112601
FIM 0.554980
FJD 0.239606
FKP 0.081012
FLOW 3.011271
FLR 13.008084
FRAX 0.109425
FRF 0.612277
FTT 0.336308
GALA 32.317184
GBP 0.081012
GEL 0.290285
GGP 0.081012
GHC 12,430.669715
GHS 1.243067
GIP 0.081012
GMD 8.027117
GMX 0.016423
GNF 953.146464
GNO 0.000919
GRD 31.805944
GRT 4.320338
GT 0.015317
GTQ 0.828360
GUSD 0.108903
GYD 22.725973
HBAR 1.207159
HKD 0.850951
HNL 2.890613
HNT 0.131940
HOT 273.862426
HRK 0.703278
HT 0.749332
HTG 14.222314
HUF 33.658208
ICP 0.042073
IDR 1,926.020007
IEP 0.073512
ILS 0.315368
IMP 0.081012
IMX 0.638315
INJ 0.020848
INR 10.473688
IQD 142.373548
IRR 143,231.974840
ISK 13.385016
ITL 180.733366
JEP 0.081012
JMD 17.182139
JOD 0.077040
JPY 17.269839
KAS 3.144294
KAVA 1.886735
KCS 0.013565
KDA 13.063171
KES 14.051802
KGS 9.505269
KHR 435.804051
KLAY 2.089000
KMF 45.920759
KNC 0.756802
KPW 97.792304
KRW 163.553131
KSM 0.021822
KWD 0.033450
KYD 0.090379
KZT 50.986790
LAK 2,383.413355
LBP 9,741.186163
LDO 0.305096
LEO 0.010771
LINK 0.011211
LKR 36.188111
LRC 6.704724
LRD 19.915161
LSL 1.809121
LTC 0.002001
LTL 0.322288
LUF 3.765366
LUNA 1.716790
LUNC 1,382.464220
LVL 0.065600
LYD 0.689981
MANA 1.232936
MBX 2.774948
MDL 1.880379
MGA 454.672918
MGF 2,273.364592
MINA 1.902138
MKD 5.752065
MKR 0.000063
MMK 228.105014
MNT 388.893649
MOP 0.876480
MRO 43.445089
MRU 4.344509
MTL 0.040071
MUR 5.137797
MVR 1.678216
MWK 189.118925
MXN 1.880343
MXV 0.212780
MYR 0.431853
MZM 6,940.189533
MZN 6.940190
NAD 1.809121
NEAR 0.067342
NEO 0.037582
NEXO 0.122165
NFT 384,190.058836
NGN 148.980384
NIO 3.994100
NLG 0.205696
NOK 1.007676
NPR 16.765756
NZD 0.185596
OKB 0.001329
OMR 0.041798
ONE 53.010708
OP 0.846348
ORDI 0.026105
PAB 0.108660
PAXG 0.000024
PEN 0.371861
PEPE 29,506.281883
PGK 0.480075
PHP 6.705561
PI 0.715861
PKR 30.273466
PLN 0.395987
POL 1.195383
PTE 18.713189
PYG 661.355820
QAR 0.395524
QNT 0.001452
QTUM 0.120337
ROL 4,862.555081
RON 0.486256
RPL 0.062609
RSD 10.955387
RUB 7.875164
RUNE 0.242797
RVN 19.661033
RWF 158.874004
SAND 1.508855
SAR 0.407477
SBD 0.869954
SCR 1.595201
SDD 6,522.138177
SDG 65.221382
SEK 1.022394
SGD 0.139091
SHIB 18,851.623886
SHP 0.081012
SIT 22.368236
SKK 2.811991
SLE 2.488854
SLL 2,488.854316
SNX 0.350788
SOL 0.001278
SOS 62.092507
SPL 0.018110
SRD 4.044865
SRG 4,044.865121
SSP 512.293839
STD 2,311.507032
STN 2.311507
STX 0.454878
SUI 0.102697
SVC 0.950779
SYP 12.010858
SZL 1.809121
THB 3.544539
THETA 0.550390
TJS 1.011446
TMM 1,905.481992
TMT 0.381096
TND 0.315562
TON 0.054000
TOP 0.258495
TRL 4,953,122.844811
TRX 0.304644
TRY 4.953123
TTD 0.737049
TUSD 0.108793
TVD 0.152248
TWD 3.437775
TWT 0.227403
TZS 282.736828
UAH 4.796443
UGX 409.508427
UNI 0.030774
USD 0.108660
USDC 0.108697
USDD 0.108772
USDP 0.108808
USDT 0.108760
UYU 4.355507
UZS 1,307.405834
VAL 180.733366
VEB 5,621,290,645.259845
VED 56.210399
VEF 5,621,039.861163
VES 56.210399
VET 16.131062
VND 2,861.074774
VUV 12.901687
WAVES 0.285894
WEMIX 0.402245
WOO 6.434145
WST 0.292846
XAF 61.227678
XAG 0.001428
XAU 0.000024
XAUT 0.000024
XBT 0.000001
XCD 0.294182
XCG 0.195767
XCH 0.039149
XDC 3.495493
XDR 0.079492
XEC 14,813.183028
XEM 163.267849
XLM 0.740152
XMR 0.000281
XOF 61.227678
XPD 0.000078
XPF 11.138543
XPT 0.000055
XRP 0.078613
XTZ 0.317792
YER 25.928556
ZAR 1.809121
ZEC 0.000190
ZIL 27.637950
ZMK 2,053.682838
ZMW 2.053683
ZWD 39.324228
ZWG 2.815417
ZWL 7,034.951014

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Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Morocco needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Morocco?
The capital of Morocco is Rabat.
What currency does Morocco use?
Morocco uses the Moroccan dirham (د.م.) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Morocco?
The official language(s) of Morocco include Arabic, Berber.
What is the population of Morocco?
Morocco has a population of approximately 36,828,330 people.
What region is Morocco in?
Morocco is located in Africa, specifically in the Northern Africa subregion.
What is the international calling code for Morocco?
The international dialing code for Morocco is +212.
What time zones does Morocco observe?
Morocco observes the following time zone(s): UTC.
What is the current time in Morocco?
The local time in Morocco is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Morocco?
Morocco covers a total area of 446,550 km².
How many states or provinces does Morocco have?
Morocco is divided into 22 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Morocco in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Morocco in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Morocco?
Visa requirements for citizens of Morocco vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.