Morocco

Activities in Morocco:
Visiting Historic Sites in Morocco:
You will be fascinated by the masterpieces in the Museum of Moroccan Art housed in the palatial Dar El Makhzen in Tangier, the superb Roman mosaic of the Three Graces in the Archaeological Museum in Tetouan, the sublime Dar Jamaï Museum in Meknes, the not-to-be missed Rabat Archaeological Museum, the Oudaïa Museum with its exceptional collection of carpets, the superb Moroccan ceramics in the Dar Batha Museum in Fez or the sumptuous Dar Si Saïd Museum in Marrakech. Civilization in Morocco goes back to prehistoric times - thirty centuries that have included Roman, Berber and Arab cultures. This rich past has left impressive ruins at Larache, Lixus, Cotta, Banasa or Volubilis and some surprising cave dwellings at Tarraga, Tamegoul, Merkala, Taourirt, Erfoud, Taous and, the most impressive, Foum El Hassan.

Hiking and Trekking in Morocco:
With its four mountain ranges, a dozen summits over 4,000 meters (about 13,000 feet) high, 400 over 3,000 meters, and all of them accessible to people in good physical condition, Morocco offers exceptional hiking opportunities. On foot in the Sirwa, the Sargho and the Riff, on skis in the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas; a combination of skis and mules in the High Atlas, or canyoning; every season reveals a different aspect of nature. The Moroccan mountains are beautiful and wild - yet they are well organized for hikers with qualified guides and monitors available, a network of shelters, mules for hire and cross-country bikes.

Spas and Thermal Cures in Morocco:
There are a thousand and one ways to do you good by taking the plunge in Morocco. In particular there are the soothing waters of Moulay Yacoub,( close to Fez) which is said to give relief to rheumatism, skin and respiratory problems, in a spa with ultra- modem medical and hotel facilities. There is also a thalassic therapy institute at Casablanca: The Lido


Sailing, Yachting and Water Skiing in Morocco:
Cast off at Al-Hoceima and head your boat out towards the Straits of Gibraltar, pass the ramparts and tie up in the port of El-Jadida, taste the oysters at Oualidia, anchor in a wild creek to the north of Agadir and take in some water skiing. Whether you prefer sail or power boats, there are 3,000 km of Moroccan coast to choose from, plus all the opportunities offered by the natural and artificial lakes.

Fishing in Morocco:
The trout is of course the queen of fresh water fish. It can be fished in the oueds (rivers) and becomes a real sport in the gorges. Pike, black bass, perch, roach, carp, eels and barbets abound in the lakes. (Season: from May - June according to species). Bonitos, sea perch, mullet, Chad and sea bream are abundant in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Underwater fishing along the entire coast is quite enchanting. Several ports are equipped for deep sea fishing: Dakhla in the Sahara and Mohammedia near Casablanca for example... tuna, swordfish, marlin, grouper and barracudas are plentiful.

Hunting in Morocco:
Quail, doves, snipe, teal, grouse, pheasants, thrushes, pigeons and even wild boars flourish in vast reserves. The season varies according to species: From October to March for most game and June to July for doves.

Four- Wheel Drive:
Morocco hosts the greatest international competitions. The Paris-Dakar and Atlas Rallies have shown the breathtaking Moroccan landscapes to the world. Thousands of kilometers of track give enthusiasts a wide range of challenges to choose from. Exciting trips with unique and attractive objectives: An Imilchil engagement party, a moussem in the High Atlas, sunrise over the Merzouga dunes, or a search for wild sheep in the Dadés gorges, from the tiny "quad" to the heavy long chassis four wheel drive, with or without driver and/or camping equipment, the choice is yours.

Riding in Morocco:
The horses are superb and the country ideal, so relax and enjoy the pleasures of riding amid fabulous scenery. Gallop the length of the long white beaches, among the dunes and through the forest of century-old oaks. You can also play polo, jump, or take part in races.

Skiing in Morocco:
You can ski during several months of the year. Alpine skiing on the powdery snow in the High Atlas, at Oukaïmeden, only 70 km from Marrakech, or the winter sports at Mischliffen in the Middle Atlas on the doorstep of Meknes and Fez. These resorts are equipped with ski lifts. Fans of cross-country skiing aisle have a wide choice: the massifs in the Riff, the Middle and High Atlas all offer exciting itineraries.

Surfing and Windsurfing in Morocco:
The Atlantic breakers, the propitious winds of the Mediterranean and huge lakes - amateurs and professionals alike will find everything they need at the many Moroccan "spots". Some, such as Essaouira or Dar Bouazza near Casablanca, are world famous and host major international competitions.

Golf in Morocco:
Golf is a growing national passion in Morocco, with superb facilities in a setting of varied and magnificent landscapes. Major national as well as international competitions attract golfers from all over the world. The most famous is the Hassan II Trophy held on the famous Red Course at the Royal Dar-Es-Salaam Golf Club in Rabat, which is classified among the most spectacular golf courses in the world.

There are fourteen courses in the country, a number that rises every year. You can contemplate the eternal snows on the Atlas in Marrakech, breathe the fragrance of the pines and cedars on the hills around Tangier, enjoy the hundred-year-old oaks in the forest at Rabat, the joyful colors of the heather, tamarisk and junipers at Cabo Negro, the dunes at Agadir, at Benslimane, El Jadida, Mohammedia, Ouarzazate, Fez, Casablanca, Settat and play right at the heart of the Imperial city of Meknes, in the splendid park of the Royal Palace.

Currency:
The Moroccan currency is the Dirham (DH) divided into 100 centimes. There are 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 DH notes, 1, 5 and 10 DH coins and 5, 10, 20 and 50 centime coins. You can only obtain Dirham in Morocco. Do not change money in the streets, it is illegal. The best place to change it is at a bank or approved change office (indicated by a golden sign). No commission is charged and you will be given a slip which will be required at the end of your stay to change any remaining Dirham back into the original currency.

You can withdraw money in banks with a credit card and a cheque book, or directly from a cash dispenser in some large towns. Credit cards are generally accepted in major hotels, shops and restaurants, and sometimes even in the souq.

Health issue in Morocco:
Morocco is a healthy country; however a certain number of minimal precautions should be taken, particularly in the south: avoid water from oueds (rivers) and itinerant water sellers. Refresh yourself with the excellent bottled spring water: Sidi Harazem, Imouzzer and Sidi Ali are still waters, while Oulmès is sparkling. If you are prone to intestinal problems, take an appropriate medicine with you. Make enquiries before swimming in an oued (river) or a lake. Take precautions against insect bites and sunburn. If necessary, tourist offices and major hotels can put you in touch with doctors who speak English, French or other languages.

Inoculations:
No vaccination certificate is required for visitors coming from Europe or America. An anti- cholera vaccination certificate may be required of visitors coming from areas where this disease is prevalent. Anti-malarial treatment is not necessary

Formalities in Morocco:
Do not forget your passport and check its validity. If your trip is organized by a travel agent, groups of more than three people from some countries require no more than an identity card. Some nationalities need to have a visa. Ask the Moroccan diplomatic mission for information. A "tourist" visit is limited to three months. If you take your pet with you, obtain a health certificate no more than 10 days old, as well as anti rabies certificate less than 6 months old. You can temporarily import most of your personal effects into Morocco without any formalities in quantities corresponding to normal tourist activity. For example: Two tennis racquets, two pairs of skis, one tent and camping equipment, a camcorder, a camera, a Walkman, a pair of binoculars... If you have any doubts contact the Moroccan diplomatic mission.

Restrictions apply to:
Alcohol: (1 bottle of wine and 1 bottle of spirits or 3 bottles of wine per adult) and tobacco (200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco per adult).
Arms and ammunition for hunting (shotguns are prohibited)., professional photographic equipment, but no problem for your souvenir photographs.

Museums & Monuments in Morocco:
Inhabited since prehistoric times, with a culture that dates back thirty centuries, at the cross-roads of Roman, Berber and Arab civilizations, Morocco is rich in museums overflowing with treasures.
These magical places are entirely devoted to admiration. The touch of a master transforms the humblest objects into masterpieces. Carpets, pottery, garments or arms, here everything is a work of art. As the representation of humans or animals is contrary to the teachings of Islam, artists have channeled all their creative effort into producing infinite variations of abstract, geometric or stylized motifs.
Moroccan museums are very often monuments in their own right. Even empty, they would be well worth a visit.

National museums are generally closed on Tuesdays.
Those museums located in government office buildings may be closed at weekends.
Opening hours vary from one museum to another. They open between 08.30 and 09.30, and close between 17.30 and 18.30, usually closing for one hour at lunch time (check locally).
RABAT
Oudayas Museum
Archaeological Museum
Natural Science Museum
MARRAKECH
Dar Si Said Museum
Majorelle Museum
Bert Flint Museum
TANGIER
Museum of Moroccan Arts
Museum of Antiquities
American Legation Museum
Forbes Museum
LARACHE
Archaeological Museum
FEZ
Dar Batha Museum
Borj-Nord Museum
ESSAOUIRA
Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdullah Museum
SAFI
National Ceramics Museum
CHEFCHAOUEN
Ethnographic Museum
TETOUAN
Ethnographic Museum
CASABLANCA
Hassan II Mosque
MEKNAS
Jamai Museum
Volubilis Monument

Location:
Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Western Sahara
Geographic coordinates:
32 00 N, 5 00 W
Map references:
Africa
Area:
Total: 446,550 sq km
Land: 446,300 sq km
Water: 250 sq km
Area - comparative:
Slightly larger than California
Land boundaries:
Total: 2,017.9 km
border countries:
Algeria 1,559 km, Western Sahara 443 km, Spain (Ceuta) 6.3 km, Spain (Melilla) 9.6 km
Coastline:
1,835 km
Climate:
Mediterranean, becoming more extreme in the interior
Terrain:
Northern coast and interior are mountainous with large areas of bordering plateaus, intermontane valleys, and rich coastal plains
Elevation extremes:
Lowest point: Sebkha Tah -55 m
Highest point: Jebel Toubkal 4,165 m
Natural resources:
Phosphates, iron ore, manganese, lead, zinc, fish, salt
Natural hazards:
Northern mountains geologically unstable and subject to earthquakes; periodic droughts
Geography:
Strategic location along Strait of Gibraltar
Population:
33,241,259 (July 2006 est.)
Nationality:
Moroccan(s)
Ethnic groups:
Arab-Berber 99.1%, other 0.7%, Jewish 0.2%
Religions:
Muslim 98.7%, Christian 1.1%, Jewish 0.2%
Languages:
Arabic (official), Berber dialects, French often the language of business, government, and diplomacy
Country name:
Conventional long form: Kingdom of Morocco
Conventional short form: Morocco
Local long form: Al Mamlakah al Maghribiyah
Local short form: Al Maghrib
Government type:
Constitutional monarchy
Capital:
Rabat
Administrative divisions:
15 regions; Grand Casablanca, Chaouia-Ouardigha, Doukkala-Abda, Fes-Boulemane, Gharb-Chrarda-Beni Hssen, Guelmim-Es Smara, Laayoune-Boujdour-Sakia El Hamra, Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz, Meknes-Tafilalet, Oriental, Rabat-Sale-Zemmour-Zaer, Souss-Massa-Draa, Tadla-Azilal, Tanger-Tetouan, Taza-Al Hoceima-Taounate
note: Morocco claims the territory of Western Sahara, the political status of which is considered undetermined by the US Government; portions of the regions Guelmim-Es Smara and Laayoune-Boujdour-Sakia El Hamra as claimed by Morocco lie within Western Sahara; Morocco claims another region, Oued Eddahab-Lagouira, which falls entirely within Western Sahara
Independence:
2 March 1956 (from France)
National holiday:
Throne Day (accession of King MOHAMED VI to the throne), 30 July (1999)
Currency :
Moroccan dirham (MAD)
Exchange rates:
Moroccan dirhams per US dollar - 8.7722 (2006), 8.865 (2005), 8.868 (2004), 9.574 (2003), 11.021 (2002)

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