| |
Morocco
is the tantalising lower lip on the mouth of the Mediterranean
Sea, a Muslim land so rich in mystique it seems to hover like
a magic carpet somewhere between myth and reality. Tangier,
Casablanca, Marrakesh...just the names of these cities and
towns should stir a hint of spice in the nostrils of the most
geographically challenged. Many Moroccan destinations have
been mythologised, and for good reason, but the more jaded
traveller may well moan about the extinction of the 'real'
Morocco. Still others will extol the country's unique living
history, its shimmering light, its art. The truth lies somewhere
in between.
Morocco
is the ideal starting point for the traveller to Africa. An
easy hop from Europe, it can be a friendly, hectic and stimulating
place to get around in. Open-air markets throughout the country
are piled high with rugs, woodwork, and jewellery. The country's
prime produce (if you don't count the hashish) is leather
- said to be the softest in the world.
Travellers
to Morocco should avoid political gatherings and demonstrations.
Those planning to travel through the disputed territory of
Western Sahara should note that armed clashes between the
Polisano Front and Moroccan authorities are a possibility.
Many areas of the Western Sahara are mined.
Full
country name: Kingdom of Morocco
Area: 447,000 sq km
Population: 29 million
Capital city: Rabat
People: 55% Arab, 44% Berber, 0.7% foreigners
Languages: Arabic (officially) with Berber dialects, as well
as French, Spanish and English.
Religion: 98% Muslim, 1% Christian, 1% Jew
Government: Constitutional monarchy
King: King Mohammed VI
Prime Minister: Abderrahmane El Youssoufi
GDP:
US$107 billion
GDP per head: US$3,200
Annual growth: 6.8%
Inflation: 6%
Major industries: Agriculture, manufacturing, fishing, tourism
Major trading partners: EU, US, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Brazil
Morocco
Flight from UK
|
