about morocco

Morocco is a meeting point where people from different backgrounds have created an homogeneous, attentive and open people. It is the Only country with access to both the Atlantic and Mediterranean, Immensely varied country: extensive,inaccessible coastlines or shorelines, plains and mountains rich cliffs, lakes, streams, desert, modern cities, traditional towns. Even the climate is varied: the eternal snow, the torrid zone, coastal winds wept and beautiful sunny regions. When one discovers a part of Morocco, he can only have the desire to know deeply this gorgeous country at a time when « close » to us and so different, where we already perceive the magic of great desert.

History
Morocco has been the home of the Berbers since the second millennium B.C. In A.D. 46, Morocco was annexed by Rome as part of the province of Mauritania until the Vandals overran this portion of the declining empire in the 5th century. The Arabs invaded circa 685, bringing Islam. The Berbers joined them in invading Spain in 711, but then they revolted against the Arabs, resenting their secondary status. In 1086, Berbers took control of large areas of Moorish Spain until they were expelled in the 13th century. The land was rarely unified and was usually ruled by small tribal states. Conflicts between Berbers and Arabs were chronic. Portugal and Spain began invading Morocco, which helped to unify the land in defense. In 1660, Morocco came under the control of the Alawite dynasty. It is a sherif dynasty-descended from the prophet Muhammad-and rules Morocco to this day.

• Almoravids: 1055-1147 who founded Marrakech.
• Almohades: 1147-1268 that will leave very fine works Art (Hassan ower, La Koutoubia Marrakech)
• Merinids: 1269-1465
• Saadi: 1549-1654
• Alawites: down with the current s.m ruler Mohammed VI.
• Morocco Became a French protectorate in 1912 and gained independence in 1956 under the reign of the late Mohammed V.
• Actual :
  
  • Population: 30 millions
  • Capital city: Rabat
  • People: 55% Arab, 44% Berber
  • Religion: Islam
  • Government: Constitutional monarchy
  • Head of State: King Mohammed VI

Discover the country
468 km of coastline on the Mediterranean, about 3000 Km Atlantic give this country an important seaboard. Inside the country, cons, alternate plains, plateaus and 4 mountain chains: The Rif to the north Then 3 Atlas in central and south. Rich tradition of all kinds, Morocco is an inexhaustible reservoir of cultural treasures. Rabat White, Meknes, green, Fez the mysterious and Marrakech the red, These cities form what is called the 4 great imperial cities. But what about the less small town nand the endless landscapes of the great South? The colorful teeming Medinas, blue men's of the desert, berber women with tattooed faces and silver jewelry with colorful dresses. Morocco is a kaleidoscope of images, smells, colors :country where the landscapes are beautiful and the people hospitality is unforgettable.

Useful Informations :
Languages
Arabic and French are official languages but English, Spanish and German are widely spoken.
Climate :
Variable across regions and landforms: Mediterranean on the North, Atlantic on the west, the desertic on the South and continental in the interior. Rain irregular decrease considerably from North to South and from West to East. Snow can remain several weeks between 1000 and 2000 meters. Beyond 2000 meters, it is present from 6 to 9 months per year. In the center of the deep south, there are significant differences between temperatures during day and night.

Marrakech, Agadir and Ouarzazate average temperatures and precipitations

Health / hygiene
No compulsory vaccinations. The water is drinkable in cities.

Currency
Dirham. 1 MAD = 0.10 EUR and 0.12 USD The import and export of the dirham is prohibited.

Bank / Exchange
Exchange offices are held in hotels, airports and banks. It is possible to change traveler's checks. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and shops. The Banks are open daily from 8:30 am to 3:45 p.m. except on Saturdays and Sundays.

Hotels
The quality of accommodation in Morocco is experiencing a certain continuous improvement and competing at the highest international level as La Mamounia in Marrakesh. 5 luxury hotels, 5 star and 4 as well as famous riads that offer excellent value quality- price and have a courteous staff.

Beaches
Miles of sandy beaches at the edge of the Mediterranean or the Atlantic, also equipped beaches just few meters from your hotel room. This is what 3500 km of Moroccan coast offer to you.

Gastronomy
International cuisine served in all hotels and restaurants in town. The traditional Moroccan cuisine is defined, rich and varied: couscous, pastilla, kebabs, tagines, Harira, delicious pastries and excellent local wine. The national drink is mint tea.

Shopping
It is customary to bargain purchases, especially for acquiring artisanal products of great diversity.