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Morocco is a Northern African country, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and the annexed Western Sahara. It is one of only three nations (along with Spain and France) to have both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines. [citation needed] A large part of Morocco is mountainous.
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Morocco, mountainous country of western North Africa that lies directly across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain.
The traditional domain of indigenous peoples now collectively known as Berbers (self-name Imazighen; singular, Amazigh), Morocco has been subject to extensive migration and has long been the location of urban communities that were originally settled by peoples from outside the region. Controlled by Carthage from an early date, the region was later the westernmost province of the Roman Empire. Following the Arab conquest of the late 7th century ce, the broader area of North Africa came to be known as the Maghrib (Arabic: “the West”), and the majority of its people accepted Islam. Subsequent Moroccan kingdoms enjoyed political influence that extended beyond the coastal regions, and in the 11th century the first native Amazigh dynasty of North Africa, the Almoravids, gained control of an empire stretching from Andalusian (southern) Spain to parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Attempts by Europeans to establish permanent footholds in Morocco beginning in the late 15th century were largely repulsed, but the country later became the subject of Great Power politics in the 19th century. Morocco was made a French protectorate in 1912 but regained independence in 1956. Today it is the only monarchy in North Africa.
Morocco borders Algeria to the east and southeast, Western Sahara to the south, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north. It is the only African country with coastal exposure to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Its area—excluding the territory of Western Sahara, which Morocco controls—is slightly larger than the U.S. state of California. Two small Spanish enclaves, Ceuta and Melilla, are situated on the country’s northern coast.
Britannica Quiz
Discover the best of Morocco with its diverse regions, cultures, and activities. Explore the videos, travel blog, and useful information to plan your trip.
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Morocco. Morocco ( Arabic: المغرب, Al-Maghrib; Berber: ⵍⵎⴰⵖⵔⵉⴱ, Elmaɣrib; French: Maroc) is the northwesternmost country in Africa. Morocco has, for most people, been the gateway to Africa. With plenty of attractive locations, historical sights, and unique cultural traditions, there's lots to see and do in this beautiful ...
- Plan your itinerary loosely and allow for changes. Research the places in Morocco you’d like to visit but leave wiggle room for changes along the way and enjoy the spontaneity that Morocco allows.
- Take public transport, especially in cities. Driving in cities such as Casablanca and Marrakesh is best left to the locals. Getting around Morocco is easy, even without a car.
- Book professional guides. To get the most out of your trip to Morocco, use a guide who has in-depth expertise and speaks your language. In cities, check with the local tourism office or your accommodations for recommendations for licensed guides in the area.
- Understand the written and unwritten rules of the road. In Morocco, you drive on the right side of the road and seatbelts are mandatory, even though some taxis don't have them.
Mar 29, 2024 · Explore the diverse and diverse country of Morocco, from its ancient cities and craggy mountains to its rolling deserts and deserted beaches. Discover the world's most intriguing experiences, from scaling Toubkal to surfing on the Atlantic coast, with tips on when to go, where to stay and how to plan your trip.
Explore Morocco's diverse attractions, from epic mountains and sweeping deserts to ancient cities and warm hospitality. Find tips on the best time and places to visit, as well as local expertise and travel tools.
