Top 10 Interesting facts about Morocco
Morocco –Interesting facts
I had been to Morocco about 6-7 times so far and it has become one of my
most favorite countries, like ever. I seriously cannot wait to go back, because
there are just so many fantastic places there I’m more than eager to visit AND
to re-visit. During this time I’m feeling nostalgic for the country I thought
to share some interesting facts with you all.
- The land of colors:
Morocco is a very special country and what could show this any better than
the fact that cities there have their own signature color? Casablanca is in
fact white, while Rabat white and yellow. Marakech is the classic example of
terracotta red while Fés is green and blue. Ourzazate is brown while
Chefchaouen is extremely blue. This extreme cacophony of colors just adds up to
the fact why Morocco is one of the most beautiful, unique and must-visit travel
destinations
- People are Muslim but...
Of course, as a Muslim country the majority of people are Muslim in Morocco
but, they are very natural about their religion, apart from some rare
extremists, the whole country is very relaxed about religion, perfectly
accepting non- Muslims per se. This is a place where you will see just as many
women without hijab than with hijab. There is music, there are discos, you can buy
alcohol freely in Morocco. Just do not get too much out of line, then you will
be alright with partying the same as in Europe
- Bet you didn’t know: that
Morocco has a rich Jewish cultural heritage too
Indeed Morocco has some of the biggest Jewish population out of all
Muslim-Arab countries. There are numerous cities where there are Jewish Mellahs
( Jewish districts) Jewish cemeteries too. Over the centuries Jewish people
have finely assimilated to numerous primarily Berber tribes.
- Thought French is spoken all across Morocco? Nope!
 |
| Medina life |
French is the primary foreign language that should be spoken in Morocco
besides the Moroccan Arab language, however the century long French occupation
which did not end so long ago ( back in the Sixties) have left a mark on the souls
of many, therefore to this day, lots of Moroccans straight refuse to learn
French. Apart from the primarily French speaking cities such as Casablanca or
Marakech, you won’t really find that many people speaking the language
elsewhere.
- But Spanish is an important language
Especially in the Northern regions of Morocco Spanish is widely spoken by
the locals. Tangier is a beautiful example to that. The city lies just a few
kms from Spain and this really shows in the whole atmosphere of this city.
- In fact Spain is inside of Morocco
To this day, Morocco has two cities which are held by the Spanish and as
such they are considered Spanish territory inside of Morocco: the cities of
Ceuta and Melilla which are fully governed by the spanish and even need EU visa
for locals to be able to visit.
7. Morocco is the biggest exporters of Marijuana
Indeed, there are tons of areas, especially in the high Atlas region which are closed from visiting because they are used for growing marijuana. This is something of an open secret. However smoking marijuana is severely punished by the law and don't even attempt to smuggle any of it out of the country, unless you would like to get to learn, how Moroccan jails look like from the inside.
8. There aren't only Arabs in Morocco
Morocco's main population is a large tribe collectively called as "Berbers" they still are the ones who mainly live in the mountain areas and on the Northeastern areas of Morocco, particularly around the Al Hoceima- Nador regions. They have their own cultural heritage and their own language. While Berbers are traditionally whiter than Arabs today the two have largely assimilated which means, that although Berbers will always differentiate themselves from Arabs ( and versa) they largely look the same like them. The word "Berbére" although accepted it's also considered ignorant if it's not someone from another nation calling them that. The word itself means" human". Berbéres themselves rather refer to themselves as Amazigh or Rifi ( referring to the largest tribal areas they come from).
9.) Morocco is the most geographically diverse country in Africa
From the snowly slopes of the High Atlas to the dryest desert of the Sahara, from the wild coasts of the Atlantic to the more swimming friendly Mediterranean, Morocco is really gifted with being the most geographically diverse country in Africa.
10.) Morocco was the first North African colony to regain its independence
Morocco regained its independence in 1956 and since then the country is governed by way of a constitutional monarchy headed by the popular and modernist king Mohammed VI and an elected government.
Please visit my Morocco Albums on Pinterest.
Please like, comment, share this article if you liked it. Ask me if you have any questions.
Comments
Post a Comment