Things To Know About Traveling In Morocco

A Young and Dynamic Population
Morocco currently has over 37 million inhabitants, with a very uneven distribution across the territory. The northern regions and coastal areas, such as Casablanca, Rabat, and Tangier, concentrate a large part of the population, while some inland areas are much less populated.

It is a young country: nearly one-third of Moroccans are under 15 years old. This dynamic youth, eager for the future, coexists with challenges like unemployment, particularly in urban areas.

A Land of History... and Departures
Morocco is also a country of emigration. It is estimated that nearly 1.8 million Moroccans live abroad, particularly in France, Spain, Italy, and Belgium. These communities form a strong link between the country and the rest of the world.

Administrative Organization of the Country
The Kingdom is divided into 16 large regions, which are further composed of provinces and prefectures. Each province is administered by a representative appointed by the King. This organization allows for both centralized and local management of different territories.

About 60% of Moroccans live in cities, a proportion that is constantly increasing. Casablanca is by far the largest metropolis, followed by Rabat, the capital, as well as historical cities like Fès, Marrakech, and Tangier.

A Rich and Contrasting Climate
Morocco spans over 700,000 km², including Western Sahara. This vast territory features incredible geographical diversity: mountains, deserts, fertile plains, and coasts coexist.

The country is influenced by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the Sahara Desert to the southeast. This combination creates very varied climates: mild and humid along the coast, arid and desert-like in the southern lands.

The main mountain ranges — the Rif, Middle Atlas, High Atlas, and Anti-Atlas — shape both the climate and landscapes, making Morocco spectacular to explore.

Preparing Your Trip to Morocco
Behavior and Attire: Respect and Adaptation
Morocco is predominantly a Muslim country, and certain cultural rules are important to respect, especially in rural or traditional areas.

Prefer modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered).
During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during the day.
Do not give money to children in the street, as it may encourage them to leave school. Prefer to make a donation to a local school or charity.
Note: Access to mosques is generally prohibited for non-Muslims, with the notable exception of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca.

How to Get to Morocco?
By Air
Morocco has several well-served international airports: Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, Fès, Tangier, Rabat, Oujda, Laâyoune, Dakhla, and others.

By Road or Sea
If you are in Europe, you can reach Morocco by car via Spain. Ferries connect Algeciras to Tangier or Ceuta. There are also connections from Sète (France) and Almeria (Spain).

Train and Bus
Trains connect major cities, with a highly used express line between Casablanca and Rabat. Buses (CTM, Supratours) serve almost the entire country, including more remote villages.

Practical Information
Customs
Travelers can enter Morocco with their personal belongings, but also:

1L of wine + 1L of strong alcohol (or 2L of alcohol total)
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars
A perfume or eau de toilette (max 1L)
Hunting equipment under certain conditions
Electricity
The voltage is 220 volts with the same plugs as in France. No adapter is required if you come from Europe.

Postal Services
Post offices are numerous and easy to find. In large cities, they are open continuously during the week, sometimes until 9 PM. In smaller towns or villages, expect a break at noon and closures on Friday afternoons.

Internet and Telephony
Major operators — Maroc Telecom, Orange, and INWI — provide good 4G coverage in most cities and even in many rural areas. However, in some mountainous or very isolated regions, the connection may be weaker or unstable.

Photography
Avoid photographing people without their consent, especially women. Taking photos of military sites, airports, or ports is strictly prohibited.

Safety and Assistance
Safety is generally good, with a visible police presence. The police, gendarmerie, and national security ensure the surveillance of cities and roads. The emergency number is 150 in most regions.

Politeness & Interactions
Moroccans are warm and welcoming. A smile, a handshake, or a few words in Arabic often suffice to establish contact. Don't overdo it: simplicity is often better received than excessive formality.