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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.
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Visas:
All visitors require a passport. Citizens of the UK, EU, US,
Australia and New Zealand do not need visas. Three-month visitor's
stamps can be extended by Immigration or Bureau des Etrangers in
most large towns.
Health risks: Malaria lurks in the northern coastal reaches
of Morocco, but generally the country is one of Africa's least
daunting healthwise. Medical treatment, however, can be very
expensive.
Time: GMT/UTC
Electricity: 220V, 50Hz (110V in some older places)
Weights & measures: Metric
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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
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