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: 2026-08-20
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 1.248589
AAVE 0.001129
ADA 0.580425
AED 0.396828
AFN 7.072203
AGIX 1.898967
AKT 0.210187
ALGO 1.312573
ALL 8.573454
AMD 39.222944
AMP 281.674853
ANG 0.193548
AOA 99.234914
APE 0.840225
APT 0.193163
AR 0.058136
ARB 1.235405
ARS 161.765176
ATOM 0.072406
ATS 1.272839
AUD 0.152011
AVAX 0.015951
AWG 0.193416
AXS 0.119880
AZM 918.435364
AZN 0.183687
BAKE 155.338488
BAM 0.180916
BAT 1.728090
BBD 0.216108
BCH 0.000512
BDT 13.147676
BEF 3.731475
BGN 0.180916
BHD 0.040628
BIF 321.387270
BMD 0.108054
BNB 0.000173
BND 0.137394
BOB 1.241098
BRL 0.559553
BSD 0.108054
BSV 0.006749
BSW 298.154149
BTC 0.000002
BTCB 1.825547
BTG 0.246252
BTN 10.332251
BTT 397,164.773974
BUSD 0.107982
BWP 1.453410
BYN 0.326701
BYR 2,117.540491
BZD 0.217044
CAD 0.149142
CAKE 0.067051
CDF 247.703444
CELO 1.726596
CFX 2.467042
CHF 0.086301
CHZ 8.452713
CLP 99.580230
CNH 0.726707
CNY 0.726744
COMP 0.005863
COP 329.865164
CRC 48.646954
CRO 2.168500
CRV 0.414147
CSPR 40.457656
CUC 0.108038
CUP 2.863001
CVE 10.200069
CVX 0.066800
CYP 0.054138
CZK 2.235707
DAI 0.108041
DASH 0.003401
DCR 0.009146
DEM 0.180916
DFI 108.591331
DJF 19.191577
DKK 0.691516
DOGE 1.439252
DOP 6.310616
DOT 0.136522
DYDX 0.982276
DZD 14.340254
EEK 1.447327
EGLD 0.038035
EGP 5.473091
ENJ 4.270209
EOS 1.637212
ERN 1.620807
ESP 15.390846
ETB 17.560450
ETC 0.016378
ETH 0.000048
EUR 0.092501
EURC 0.093157
FEI 0.107917
FIL 0.160510
FIM 0.549985
FJD 0.237757
FKP 0.079413
FLOW 3.737222
FLR 16.805509
FRAX 0.108976
FRF 0.606766
FTT 0.520597
GALA 74.988584
GBP 0.079413
GEL 0.281524
GGP 0.079413
GHC 11,956.482086
GHS 1.195648
GIP 0.079413
GMD 8.007219
GMX 0.015881
GNF 948.246573
GNO 0.000891
GRD 31.519664
GRT 7.722555
GT 0.015526
GTQ 0.822454
GUSD 0.108232
GYD 22.475760
HBAR 1.524649
HKD 0.847364
HNL 2.888733
HNT 0.623402
HOT 319.972822
HRK 0.696948
HT 0.951449
HTG 14.053731
HUF 33.662183
ICP 0.046592
IDR 1,923.567110
IEP 0.072850
ILS 0.321828
IMP 0.079413
IMX 1.032846
INJ 0.023263
INR 10.332251
IQD 140.733841
IRR 148,508.732582
ISK 13.154616
ITL 179.106617
JEP 0.079413
JMD 16.974520
JOD 0.076610
JPY 17.110974
KAS 4.052242
KAVA 2.625168
KCS 0.014813
KDA 23.011978
KES 13.986709
KGS 9.459487
KHR 435.174493
KLAY 4.396022
KMF 45.507434
KNC 1.021065
KPW 97.234034
KRW 150.584324
KSM 0.035094
KWD 0.033307
KYD 0.089760
KZT 49.842248
LAK 2,422.479283
LBP 9,658.217981
LDO 0.318891
LEO 0.011621
LINK 0.010309
LKR 35.554324
LRC 13.582215
LRD 19.564382
LSL 1.739744
LTC 0.002300
LTL 0.319387
LUF 3.731475
LUNA 2.443817
LUNC 2,138.756703
LVL 0.065010
LYD 0.683737
MANA 1.611770
MBX 5.225137
MDL 1.852257
MGA 462.813475
MGF 2,314.067377
MINA 2.528494
MKD 5.704942
MKR 0.000074
MMK 226.854014
MNT 388.714580
MOP 0.872785
MRO 43.035848
MRU 4.303585
MTL 0.039711
MUR 5.075284
MVR 1.670372
MWK 186.506521
MXN 1.831253
MXV 0.209038
MYR 0.436837
MZM 6,895.379976
MZN 6.895380
NAD 1.739744
NEAR 0.061980
NEO 0.059365
NEXO 0.144696
NFT 383,666.628659
NGN 145.516079
NIO 3.964720
NLG 0.203845
NOK 1.007928
NPR 16.539351
NZD 0.181780
OKB 0.001055
OMR 0.041589
ONE 149.768705
OP 1.216586
ORDI 0.029351
PAB 0.108054
PAXG 0.000024
PEN 0.362062
PEPE 37,301.306136
PGK 0.485107
PHP 6.658136
PI 1.202392
PKR 29.871170
PLN 0.399498
POL 1.323714
PTE 18.544755
PYG 646.551861
QAR 0.393316
QNT 0.001829
QTUM 0.149696
ROL 4,852.946646
RON 0.485295
RPL 0.069484
RSD 10.854758
RUB 9.075488
RUNE 0.253343
RVN 41.449649
RWF 158.446545
SAND 2.616030
SAR 0.405202
SBD 0.864470
SCR 1.567392
SDD 6,484.983314
SDG 64.849833
SEK 1.019741
SGD 0.137394
SHIB 22,804.815663
SHP 0.079413
SIT 22.166903
SKK 2.786681
SLE 2.475775
SLL 2,475.775142
SNX 0.527146
SOL 0.001274
SOS 61.280537
SPL 0.018009
SRD 4.085027
SRG 4,085.027189
SSP 612.552971
STD 2,281.055210
STN 2.281055
STX 0.828352
SUI 0.153107
SVC 0.945471
SYP 1,404.707207
SZL 1.739744
THB 3.547828
THETA 0.718918
TJS 0.991120
TMM 1,890.546461
TMT 0.378109
TND 0.313148
TOP 0.257399
TRL 5,181,666.940341
TRX 0.323488
TRY 5.181667
TTD 0.730419
TUSD 0.108216
TVD 0.152011
TWD 3.440091
TWT 0.270182
TZS 285.991028
UAH 4.825986
UGX 401.477043
UNI 0.029508
USD 0.108054
USDC 0.108030
USDD 0.108102
USDP 0.108168
USDT 0.108094
UYU 4.323278
UZS 1,269.127251
VAL 179.106617
VEB 8,387,890,094.487927
VED 83.691033
VEF 8,369,103.283621
VES 83.691033
VET 22.261260
VND 2,822.640072
VUV 12.780520
WAVES 0.547935
WEMIX 0.558327
WOO 9.795861
WST 0.291006
XAF 60.676579
XAG 0.001615
XAU 0.000024
XAUT 0.000024
XBT 0.000002
XCD 0.292495
XCG 0.193548
XCH 0.076271
XDC 3.884464
XDR 0.078908
XEC 15,410.638051
XEM 230.792438
XLM 0.629116
XMR 0.000253
XOF 60.676579
XPD 0.000081
XPF 11.038287
XPT 0.000060
XRP 0.097379
XTZ 0.496015
YER 25.616421
ZAR 1.739744
ZEC 0.000193
ZIL 44.452505
ZMK 2,024.166412
ZMW 2.024166
ZWD 39.104667
ZWG 2.881828
ZWL 7,200.894434

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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.