The Kingdom of Morocco The direct neighbours are, in the north the Mediterranean Sea, to the east Algeria, to the south Mauritania and to the west the Altlantic Ocean. In the border area to Mauritania (Laayoune - Hausa) is the area earlier known as West Sahara, which was taken over by Morocco. It is also claimed by the Polisario (Seguia el-Hamra und Rio de Oro). Total Area: 458 730 square km (710 850 square km including West Sahara) Population: approx. 27,3 million inhabitants Time Zone: MEZ –1, -2 during the Summer period Official Languages: Arabic, French (the business second language) and Spanish (in the northern regions), numerous Berber dialects. Main Cities: (approx. number of inhabitants pro city)
Rabat (Capital) including Salé, 1.5 million inhabitants
Casablanca 4 million
Marrakech 1.5 million
Fés 1.5 million
Ouja 960.000
Tétouan 800.000
Meknès 476.000
Tanger 900.000 Public holidays: 1st and 11th of January
3rd march
1st and 23rd of May
9th July
14th and 20th August
6th and 18th of November Islamic holidays: 9th February Ramadan ends
3rd March Coronation Festival
18. April Sheep Festival
10th May New Year/Moon Year
9th July King Hassan II Birthday
19th July Prophet Mohammed Birthday Climate There are three climate areas in Morocco: The coasts are Mediterranean, inland Steppe climate and in the south a desert climate. There are four mountain ranges, stretching from the north east to the south west: The Rif (up to 2456 meters), Middle Atlas (3340 m), High Atlas ( 4164 m) and Anti-atlas (2531 m). To the north west of the Anti-Atlas there is a 200 km wide highland area up to 700 meters high. This slopes down to the Atlantic coast and is bordered to the north from the coastal Anti-Atlas chain. The coastal regions experience a sub-tropical climate where the average temperatures vary only lightly. In the winter months, from November to March, the average temperature is about 16° C. During this period it can be very rainy. During the summer the temperature ranges from between 24° to 26° C. The inner Highlands is a continental climate area with very hot, dry summers with between 30° to 32° C on average prevailing. The Temperature can often reach between 37° and 40° C. The best travel times are, for the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, between April and November, and Inland October to May. Clothing We suggest light, cool summer and sport clothing during the hot months. Don’t forget good sunglasses. During the winter period, an additional woollen coat and raincoat are sufficient. Morocco is an Islamic country, as such you should choose your clothing wisely and out of respect for the religious traditions. Food In Restaurants: Breakfast costs from about 25 Dirhams. Lunch and evening meals anywhere between 80 and 300 Dirhams. Service/Tips A 10% service fee is normally added the bill in hotels and restaurants. We recommend a tip of 2 Dirhams per luggage item for porters and for chambermaids, 30 Dirhams per week. Opening Times Banks - Monday through Friday 8.15 am to 11.30 am and 2.15 pm to 4 pm.
- In the summer, Monday through Friday 8 am to 3 pm.
Offices - Monday through Thursday 8.30 am to 12 am, 2.30 pm to 8.30 pm
- Friday 8.30 am to 11.30 am, 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm
Shops - Monday through Saturday 9 am to 12 am,
- Monday through Friday 3 pm to 7 pm.
Private Shops Often open up to 9 pm Opening Times during Ramadan The general opening times only until 3 pm. Voltage 110 and 220 Volts AC, 50Hz Washing and Dry Cleaning Services are available in larger cities and good hotels. Quick and good service. Water Tap water is strongly chlorinated and not suitable for drinking. | 
