Some facts about Morocco:

• Morocco was a protectorate of France between 1912 and 1956.
• Mohammed VI is Morocco’s young progressive King
• The capital city is Rabat.
• Other major cities are Casablanca, Marrakech, Fes and the free port of Tangier.
• The official language is Arabic.
• English, French & Spanish are widely spoken in northern coastal regions.
• Morocco’s currency is the Dirham (MAD).

SCENERY AND CLIMATE IN MOROCCO

Inspired by its southern desert, a stereotype has developed around Morocco’s scenery and landscape. Often with squeals of delight tourists and property purchasers have disembarked on Morocco’s northern shore to be greeted by green rolling hills, trees and shrubs looking more like Scotland than North Africa.

Beautiful golden sandy beaches, many deserted and all totally unspoiled, stretch for hundreds of miles around the country’s coastline.

Temperatures on the North Coast may reach 35 degrees centigrade in the summer although a comfortable average of 20 degrees prevails throughout the year making the climate generally pleasant all year round.

Water supplies are plentiful with fresh water springs feeding down from the mountains offering clean supplies for drinking, sanitation & irrigation. Due to the relatively sparse population of Morocco’s coast the water shortages and desertification associated with nearby Spain do not apply.

PEOPLE AND CUSTOMS IN MOROCCO

A rich mixture of Arab, Berber, European and African influences and peoples has led to a uniquely cosmopolitan demographic which naturally welcomes and nourishes new arrivals from any part of the world. As such, the Moroccan people are renowned for their friendly welcoming attitude which is strongly prevalent in all areas. Even on a first visit to Morocco one cannot help but be struck by the sensation of homecoming and the warmth of this fabulous people

In Morocco it is impossible not to make friends and, when you do, you will be in for a shock. What may seem like a casual invitation for dinner to be accepted graciously will often develop into an unforgettable experience. A Moroccan family home is their inner sanctum and the impression you may have been given by seeing a simple whitewashed exterior will be totally altered when you are fortunate enough to enter the home of a Moroccan family.

Having been ushered through a large pair of oak doors into an interior courtyard you will then be shown into the main living area. This is usually a large room bursting with colour – ornate tapestries decorating the walls, hand crafted sofas low down on the floor strewn with soft cushions and rugs. A feast of colour and taste will be laid out in front of you and it will be considered very impolite not to eat huge portions of over 10 courses of the finest food you have probably ever tasted. You’ll love the challenge of reciprocating!
The above example is based on real life events and is a microcosm of the general attitude and culture of the Moroccan people. It may take many years to gain a full understanding of the ways of the Country but every moment will be truly fulfilling.
When you greet an old friend in Morocco everything starts with a handshake, followed by at least 30 seconds of pleasantries – usually in the form of a string of questions which do not require any answer! It is then customary to touch your heart with your right hand (arm across the chest). If this gesture is made to you, consider yourself truly honoured.

When greeting a group of people it is customary to shake hands with the person furthest to the right and work your way around the group from right to left. Interestingly enough, these customs are simply forms of politeness. It is not necessary to follow them and no offence will be caused if you don’t – but if you do, you may just be rewarded by a heart-warming smile

SHOPPING AND HAGGLING IN MOROCCO

Morocco is developing very quickly into a modern country meaning that large tesco style supermarkets are located in most major towns. If you prefer to nip in and pick up your weekly shop quickly it can be done very easily in such places. On the other hand, those who enjoy the hustle and bustle of the traditional medina will take delight in haggling over every last dirham for the best possible bargain on fresh fish, succulent fruit or vegetables, pottery, furniture, clothes or shoes. Everything is available at a good price – but remember – you have to haggle for a bargain.
It is customary for the vendor to ask for an inflated price when first discussing an article. It would be frowned upon to pay the first price asked of you. The joy of shopping in Morocco is the joy of bargaining, both for the vendor and for you. If you have the patience to play your part in the pantomime for 15 minutes you should reasonably expect to obtain the item for around 40% less than the original asking price.

THE KING OF MOROCCO

Since coming to power in 1999, King Mohammed VI has been a force for change in the Country. Already his whirlwind reforms and ambitious plans have begun to take root which has opened the doors to new prosperity only dreamed of 10 years ago.
The King is hugely popular amongst the Moroccan people, he has galvanised the whole Country to join in with his vision to an extent which would be unimaginable in Europe.
There is a general buzz in the atmosphere of Morocco which is strangely contagious and everyone seems to be pulling together to make the King’s vision a reality.

In short, the King has proposed the following (Known as Vision 2010 & Plan Azur):

10 million tourists to be attracted annually by 2010
[This is already becoming a reality – tourist figures have jumped from 4.2m to 7m]