Interesting Facts About Morocco

Corrected & Clarified Facts about Morocco

1. Morocco is located in the northwest corner of Africa.
2. The country’s official name is the Kingdom of Morocco.
3. Morocco’s population is about 37 million people (not 36 million, updated estimate).
4. The capital city is Rabat.
5. The largest city is Casablanca.
6. The official currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD).
7. Indigenous people are called Amazigh (Berbers).
8. Moroccans speak Darija (Moroccan Arabic), the Amazigh language, and French is widely used.
9. Mount Toubkal (4,167 m / 13,671 ft) is the highest peak in Morocco and North Africa.
10. The University of al‑Qarawiyyin in Fes, founded by Fatima al‑Fihri in 859, is recognized as the world’s oldest existing university.
11. Couscous is Morocco’s national dish, traditionally eaten on Fridays.
12. The most popular sport is football (soccer).
13. The official languages are Arabic and Amazigh (Berber).
14. Morocco celebrates Throne Day on July 30 each year.
15. Mint tea (green tea with mint and sugar) is the national drink.
16. Morocco has one of the largest economies in Africa (ranked 5th–6th depending on metrics).
17. Major exports include citrus fruits, phosphates, textiles, and fish.
18. The Tarfaya Wind Farm is among Africa’s largest wind farms.
19. Morocco is a major energy importer, though it is investing heavily in renewables.
20. Tourism is a key economic sector.
21. Morocco hosts Ouarzazate film studios, one of the largest in the world.
22. Marrakech is a top tourist destination.
23. Agadir, on the Atlantic coast, is a major urban center.
24. Agadir was destroyed by an earthquake in 1960 and rebuilt.
25. Souk El Had in Agadir is one of the largest markets, with thousands of stalls.
26. The Barbary lion is Morocco’s symbolic national animal (though extinct in the wild).
27. Morocco exports large quantities of dates, though not among the world’s top producers.
28. In traditional customs, a widow wears white for 40 days after her husband’s death.
29. Morocco shares borders with Algeria, Western Sahara, and Spain (via Ceuta & Melilla enclaves).
30. Morocco is the world’s largest exporter of sardines.
31. The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is the world’s 7th largest mosque and has the tallest minaret (210 m).
32. The traditional Moroccan garment is the djellaba.
33. Tangier is one of Morocco’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.
34. Morocco’s highest point is Jebel Toubkal (13,671 ft).
35. The lowest point is Sebkha Tah, a salt lake depression.

 Additional Noteworthy Facts

• Morocco was the first country to recognize U.S. independence in 1777.
• The country is famous for its imperial cities: Marrakech, Fes, Meknes, and Rabat.
• Morocco produces world‑renowned argan oil, used in cooking and cosmetics.
• The Blue City of Chefchaouen is one of the most photographed places in Morocco.
• Morocco’s Medinas (old towns) are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.