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: 2026-07-06
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 1.489872
AAVE 0.001209
ADA 0.568917
AED 0.392208
AFN 6.789978
AGIX 1.368833
AKT 0.170274
ALGO 1.193017
ALL 8.754232
AMD 39.297755
AMP 239.430948
ANG 0.192590
AOA 98.080858
APE 0.761830
APT 0.170764
AR 0.053501
ARB 1.335206
ARS 159.399916
ATOM 0.067538
ATS 1.285392
AUD 0.154167
AVAX 0.015469
AWG 0.191165
AXS 0.105762
AZM 907.766071
AZN 0.181553
BAKE 142.130090
BAM 0.182700
BAT 1.212632
BBD 0.213592
BCH 0.000443
BDT 13.165119
BEF 3.768275
BGN 0.182700
BHD 0.040155
BIF 317.932490
BMD 0.106796
BNB 0.000183
BND 0.138035
BOB 0.739793
BRL 0.551931
BSD 0.106796
BSV 0.007233
BSW 319.084764
BTC 0.000002
BTCB 2.015249
BTG 0.370106
BTN 10.174974
BTT 402,683.173648
BUSD 0.106705
BWP 1.441397
BYN 0.310127
BYR 2,093.404257
BZD 0.215094
CAD 0.151755
CAKE 0.073748
CDF 246.404368
CELO 1.589607
CFX 2.387081
CHF 0.085911
CHZ 5.915570
CLP 98.380468
CNH 0.725292
CNY 0.725005
COMP 0.006372
COP 356.968953
CRC 48.665531
CRO 1.786718
CRV 0.499566
CSPR 54.989319
CUC 0.106806
CUP 2.830368
CVE 10.300663
CVX 0.088796
CYP 0.054672
CZK 2.259312
DAI 0.106847
DASH 0.003036
DCR 0.009621
DEM 0.182700
DFI 128.544174
DJF 19.019611
DKK 0.698255
DOGE 1.381968
DOP 6.329406
DOT 0.122425
DYDX 0.808672
DZD 14.203226
EEK 1.461601
EGLD 0.038640
EGP 5.246031
ENJ 3.690178
EOS 1.474432
ERN 1.601940
ESP 15.542633
ETB 17.082614
ETC 0.015037
ETH 0.000060
EUR 0.093413
EURC 0.093481
FEI 0.106834
FIL 0.135255
FIM 0.555409
FJD 0.239811
FKP 0.080041
FLOW 3.810842
FLR 15.364311
FRAX 0.107959
FRF 0.612750
FTT 0.448353
GALA 46.617173
GBP 0.080041
GEL 0.280505
GGP 0.080041
GHC 12,133.071868
GHS 1.213307
GIP 0.080041
GMD 7.875601
GMX 0.018021
GNF 936.338258
GNO 0.001016
GRD 31.830515
GRT 5.628980
GT 0.015753
GTQ 0.815179
GUSD 0.106937
GYD 22.354041
HBAR 1.414333
HKD 0.837605
HNL 2.859167
HNT 0.445654
HOT 295.947070
HRK 0.703821
HT 2.980732
HTG 13.979028
HUF 33.031161
ICP 0.048447
IDR 1,921.527121
IEP 0.073569
ILS 0.320779
IMP 0.080041
IMX 0.772969
INJ 0.021860
INR 10.174974
IQD 140.030292
IRR 146,960.182982
ISK 13.451631
ITL 180.872991
JEP 0.080041
JMD 16.918902
JOD 0.075718
JPY 17.284909
KAS 3.481493
KAVA 2.366994
KCS 0.014793
KDA 18.323247
KES 13.807747
KGS 9.340832
KHR 428.234042
KMF 45.956235
KNC 0.958078
KPW 96.125743
KRW 163.703333
KSM 0.030308
KWD 0.033139
KYD 0.088846
KZT 50.487076
LAK 2,414.556241
LBP 9,590.647312
LDO 0.395347
LEO 0.011410
LINK 0.013375
LKR 35.765469
LRC 8.692095
LRD 19.396717
LSL 1.735840
LTC 0.002366
LTL 0.322537
LUF 3.768275
LUNA 2.174678
LUNC 1,739.485793
LVL 0.065651
LYD 0.685029
MANA 1.534804
MBX 4.246431
MDL 1.879730
MGA 453.191831
MGF 2,265.959156
MINA 2.252666
MKD 5.754410
MKR 0.000075
MMK 224.199733
MNT 382.771740
MOP 0.862734
MRO 42.651162
MRU 4.265116
MTL 0.040102
MUR 5.020126
MVR 1.651001
MWK 185.252259
MXN 1.866722
MXV 0.211669
MYR 0.435435
MZM 6,820.688643
MZN 6.820689
NAD 1.735840
NEAR 0.053600
NEO 0.053992
NEXO 0.138822
NFT 402,973.040563
NGN 146.340372
NIO 3.931254
NLG 0.205855
NOK 1.050491
NPR 16.287590
NZD 0.187710
OKB 0.001339
OMR 0.041104
ONE 85.442367
OP 0.993383
ORDI 0.032899
PAB 0.106796
PAXG 0.000026
PEN 0.363671
PEPE 39,154.458883
PGK 0.469827
PHP 6.569333
PI 0.944065
PKR 29.711694
PLN 0.400991
POL 1.452172
PTE 18.727646
PYG 649.600419
QAR 0.388738
QNT 0.001595
QTUM 0.150238
ROL 4,881.777779
RON 0.488178
RPL 0.052747
RSD 10.956607
RUB 8.229453
RUNE 0.258235
RVN 28.022286
RWF 156.549184
SAND 2.140483
SAR 0.400485
SBD 0.864200
SCR 1.526093
SDD 6,410.380182
SDG 64.103802
SEK 1.030884
SGD 0.138035
SHIB 24,392.226470
SHP 0.080041
SIT 22.385516
SKK 2.814163
SLE 2.439216
SLL 2,439.215861
SNX 0.466386
SOL 0.001324
SOS 60.984879
SPL 0.017799
SRD 4.020295
SRG 4,020.295460
SSP 507.194170
STD 2,305.603716
STN 2.305604
STX 0.624554
SUI 0.142949
SVC 0.934465
SYP 11.805529
SZL 1.735840
THB 3.549929
THETA 0.761277
TJS 0.989923
TMM 1,873.837852
TMT 0.374768
TND 0.314828
TOP 0.257198
TRL 4,999,703.519496
TRX 0.325198
TRY 4.999704
TTD 0.723648
TUSD 0.107020
TVD 0.154167
TWD 3.427110
TWT 0.310661
TZS 280.618188
UAH 4.759428
UGX 390.287724
UNI 0.033791
USD 0.106796
USDC 0.106829
USDD 0.106905
USDP 0.107119
USDT 0.106911
UYU 4.298440
UZS 1,278.113166
VAL 180.872991
VEB 6,882,347,214.615107
VED 68.817345
VEF 6,881,734.480911
VES 68.817345
VET 22.638438
VND 2,808.757909
VUV 12.836020
WAVES 0.401898
WEMIX 0.412504
WOO 9.019485
WST 0.295378
XAF 61.274980
XAG 0.001730
XAU 0.000026
XAUT 0.000026
XBT 0.000002
XCD 0.289083
XCG 0.192590
XCH 0.067764
XDC 3.800776
XDR 0.078771
XEC 20,105.018092
XEM 249.469881
XLM 0.534947
XMR 0.000330
XOF 61.274980
XPD 0.000084
XPF 11.147148
XPT 0.000065
XRP 0.093290
XTZ 0.429200
YER 25.309957
ZAR 1.735840
ZEC 0.000234
ZIL 34.620072
ZMK 1,959.633279
ZMW 1.959633
ZWD 38.649481
ZWG 2.864651
ZWL 7,157.973939

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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.