Marrakesh airport

11 Surprising Facts about Morocco

As per my usual style of world travel, before heading off to Morocco, I researched extensively online to prepare for Morocco’s climate, culture, cuisine and attractions. I certainly learned a lot and arrived quite well-prepared to dig into the very interesting Moroccan cities and culture.

Despite all that, I’ve learned many surprising things about Morocco since arriving, and that just adds to the fun & adventure.

Here are some facts about Morocco that really stand out for me…

1. Morocco is officially the Kingdom of Morocco

Morocco’s official country title is the Kingdom of Morocco. It’s a constitutional monarchy with an elected parliament, similar to England and Thailand.

The current King is Mohamed VI. The flag consists of a 5-pointed gold star on a field of red – very regal.

Bab Agnaou Gate – Marrakesh

2. Morocco has a prosperous modern economy

Morocco looks and feels prosperous.

City streets, plazas and the countryside are clean & well-maintained. There’s an excellent modern train and bus systems operating throughout the country as well as modern buses, and sometimes trams, in cities & towns. A ka-zillion modern apartment & condo complexes are situated all over the country.

There seems to be a large middle class. People are well-dressed, well-groomed and well-mannered.

Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city, is currently undergoing massive construction projects, including installation of a subway system, a modern art museum and dozens of new building projects. The entire city looks like one gigantic construction zone.

As it turns out, Morocco is Africa’s 5^th largest economy, ranked 61^st internationally. The government has implemented two major long-term economic growth projects, an overhaul of the financial sector, and privatization of many industries. The main economic sectors are tourism, agriculture and phosphate minerals, along with many minor sectors.

No wonder the country looks and feels so prosperous! It is.

immaculate streets in Marrakesh

3. Nowadays Morocco is very clean and fairly hassle-free

Apparently in previous years the cities of Morocco were notoriously dirty, messy and full of pesky aggressive touts, homeless people sleeping on the streets and beggars.

No more!

Apparently Morocco’s new clean, hassle-free cities are all part of a massive government project to promote and grow the tourist industry. The homeless have been moved off the streets (though I don’t know to where). Locals have been re-educated about their approach & outlook towards international visitors and harassing tourists has actually become illegal. And the city streets & alleys are now practically immaculate everywhere.

It certainly works for me! I’m loving it here.

snow covered Atlas Mtns seen from MAndarin Oriental Resort on the outskirts of Marrakech

4. Morocco’s Atlas Mountains have peaks over 4100 M / 13,000 ft

The extensive Atlas Mountain Ranges curve around the northeastern and northern coasts of Africa, crossing over three countries: Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. In Morocco, three sections of mountains run nearly the length of the country, divided into the Middle Atlas, High Atlas and Anti-Atlas ranges.

The highest Atlas mountain is Mt. Toubkal, at 4167 M / 13,750 ft, located in Morocco just south of Marrakech. It’s also the highest mountain in Northeast Africa.

Near Toubkal are several other mountains almost as high. All are located just 1-2 hours’ drive south of Marrakech and can be seen clearly from the city on clear days. The craggy / jagged peaks are snow covered most of the year, making spectacular views from Marrakech and various mountain resorts.

Such heights are comparable to the French Alps and are considerably taller than Japan’s Mt. Fuji, at 3776 M / 12, 800 ft. In other words, they are significant world mountains.

5. Morocco has snow and skiing

With such high, snow-capped mountains, it shouldn’t be too surprising that Morocco has some ski resorts. Apparently they aren’t nearly as well-developed as ski resorts in Europe or the USA, but they are in operation in a few key locations in the Atlas Mountains.

On the other hand, the resorts are very inexpensive and offer a unique skiing experience. Goats roam around the slopes and skiiers have the option to ride a donkey to the top of some slopes! How hilarious is that?!

The most developed and, subsequently, one of the most famous resort is situated about 2-hours’ drive south of Marrakech in the High Atlas range. Called Oukaïmeden, the resort has several ski chairs, instructors and equipment rentals. Various hotels & other types of accommodations are located near the small town.

6. Morocco is very cold winter

even on sunny winter days I have to bundle up in layers of warm clothes in Morocco

Morocco ins’t the kind of country one thinks of as cold. More like a very hot destination. And, truth be told, July and August are baking hot in many places around the country – 35-40 C / 95-105 F.

However, winters are a completely different story. Highs in Dec-Feb are about 60-65 F, while night time temps are just 40-50 F. That could be considered a mild winter compared to Europe or USA. However, Moroccan houses and buildings are all unheated. Trying to stay warm in 40 F unheated houses at night can be pretty challenging.

All the locals are bundled up in winter coats, heavy pants and/or the traditional long hooded wool cloaks, day and night, to stay warm. Visitors need to bring cold-weather clothing as well.

Temperatures up in the mountains are considerably colder.

7. Morocco is famous for olives

At my first meal in Marrakech, I was served a selection of marinated olives on a tiny metal plate. There were black, green, pale green, yellow, pink and beige olives. Each had a slightly distinctive flavor. All were delicious.

Subsequently, as I’ve been traveling around Morocco, I’m being served olives at nearly every meal, including breakfast. I also often see little shops selling nothing but olives in big bins or barrels.

When I started visiting luxury hotels for my assignment, I immediately noticed gnarled old olive trees on many properties. I learned that some resorts have been built in former olive groves and that centuries-old trees grace the resorts’ gardens, roads and walkways.

As it turns out, olive cultivation has been an integral part of Moroccan cuisine and culture for many centuries. Nowadays, Morocco is also the world’ 2^nd largest producer of table olives and 6^th supplier of very high quality olive oil!

avocado and almond juice

8. Avocado & Almond Juice

Avocado juice has long been one of my favorite fresh-made juices. It’s thick and creamy like a smoothy, filling and delicious. The only country I’ve ever found it in is Indonesia.

When I reached Morocco I was excited to find avocado juice at stalls & shops all over Marrakech. Even better, they make avocado juice blended with dates, almonds and other goodies. My favorite thus far is avocado & almond juice. It’s to die for!

9. Morocco is primarily a bread culture

Moroccan bakeries must serve just about every type of bread available on the planet!

They bake real French-style croissants, long French bread loaves, whole grain breads, Indian-style rotis and naans, many types of rolls, sweet breads and several types of Moroccan breads i’ve never seen before.

Moroccans buy their breads fresh daily to eat at breakfast as well as other meals.

After I spent more than one year suffering through Central American’s awful beans-n-rice cuisine, the frehsly baked breads here in Morocco are a great daily delight.

Moroccan train at station

10. Morocco has a fantastic modern train system

My travel friend, Melanie, tipped me off on Morocco’s train system to get between major cities. I’m sure glad she did – Morocc’s trains are fabulous!

In fact, the entire train system is excellent. Most train stations in main cities are huge, modern buidlings with restaurants, shops, clean public toilets and plenty of security officers & station attendants. Many stations have stunning architecture and interiors.

Train platforms are equally clean and tidy. Attendants help passgers access the corredt platforms. When trains are taking on passengers, often one train attendant stands at each car door to check tickets and admit passengers.

Train interiors are also very clean, with comfortable cushioned seats and big windows for enjoying the scenery. A drinks’ vendor passes through the cars en route, serving hot tea & coffee and an assortment of cold drinks.

Trains are blissfully quiet with no TVs or loud music blaring. Moroccans are quiet overland passengers, using headphones if they want to listen to music, and generally speaking rather quietly.

The whole train experience is wonderful. It actually reminds me of the excellent trains in Japan.

In addition, the city bus systems are equally clean, modern and efficient.

luxury hotel Palais Namaskar pools

11. Over-the-top Luxury Hotels

Prior to visiting Morocco, I’ve visited over 200 luxury & boutique hotels on assignment around Mexico and Central America. And prior to my hotel inspection job I used to visit luxury hotels regularly all over SE Asia, just because I love them so much.

I’ve certainly seen some absolutely gorgeous, super-luxurious hotels and resorts over the years in various countries.

But Morocco seems to have turned up the notch on ‘luxury’ a level or two. I’ve been completely blown away by several hotels I’ve visited thus far. I can hardly wait to see the famous lux hotels in Fes, Morocco’s oldest city and major tourist destination. I’m here in Fes now and will spend this week visiting my assigned boutique & luxury hotels, so stay tuned!

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