The Kingdom of Morocco is a country in western North Africa. The second name of the state is Maghreb. Despite the fact that part of the territory is occupied by the Sahara Desert, Morocco is considered the greenest country on the continent. The Mediterranean coast and the Atlantic Ocean merge in the west of the kingdom, the Atlas Mountains rise in the east, the sand dunes of the desert occupy the south - such a variety of landscape attracts many tourists and explorers to Morocco.
The story of al-Maghreb
Before gaining the status of an independent state, the lands of this country were ruled by the Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals and Byzantines. In the middle of the 11th century, Morocco was the center of the Arab state, and Islam became the main religion of the population. Internal conflicts and civil strife weakened Morocco, turning it into a pirate country, engaged in robbery and robbery of passing ships.
At the end of the 19th century, Spain, France and England claimed the lands of the Maghreb. Since 1860, almost the entire territory of the country was under Spanish rule. In 1904, France, with the consent of England, declared Morocco to be part of the French sphere of influence and occupied the territory. It was only after riots and a political crisis in 1956 that France recognized the independence of the Kingdom of Morocco, and a month later the Spanish part of the Maghreb gained freedom. Since June 2004, Morocco has enjoyed the status of North America's main non-NATO ally.
Geography and climate
The Mediterranean and Atlantic coast of Morocco is 1835 km of oases and beaches with the purest, soft, like flour, sand. In the south of the country there are huge vineyards, the harvest is exported to France and vintage wine is bottled there.
The Atlas Mountains are famous for their ski resorts, lakes and waterfalls. On the slopes there are groves of the most valuable argan trees. There are many trekking routes in the mountains.
The climate of the Moroccan Mediterranean coast is very mild, subtropical. In summer, the temperature is as comfortable as possible: 28-30 degrees, only occasionally the thermometer shows +35. In the southern part of the country, the climate changes to a sharply continental, and the temperature there can reach 40 degrees during the day.
Features of Morocco
The sun in Morocco is very active, and you should not leave the premises without a headgear. Always use sunscreen and, if possible, wear closed clothing. In the evenings it is quite cool, daily temperature drops can reach 20 degrees, so it makes sense to take a jacket with you when going on a long walk.
The landscapes and architecture in Morocco are very picturesque, photographers from all over the world come to this country to capture the ancient buildings and mind-blowing sunsets. But before taking a photo of a local resident, you must ask permission. Islam prohibits the creation of images of people and animals, and it can be a nuisance if photographs are sneaky and noticed.
Shopping in Morocco
The eastern mentality of the country is clearly manifested in local markets: it is considered impolite to buy something without bargaining.
Traditionally, ceramics and carpets, leather and wood products, and jewelry are brought from Morocco. Berber jewelry is made of silver with enamel, Arab jewelry is made of gold with a lot of stones.
The Moroccan souk (market) is a decorator's paradise. Designers from all over the world come to the kingdom in search of original interior elements. Copper teapots and lamps, oriental lamps covered with painted leather, caskets, plates and trays - all these souvenirs will remind you at home of a fabulous vacation in the kingdom of Morocco.
