Morocco, officially the Kingdom of Morocco (Arabic: is a country in North Africa with a population of 33,241,259. It has a coast on the Atlantic Ocean that reaches past the Strait of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean Sea. Morocco has international borders with Algeria to the east, Spain to the north (a water border through the Strait and land borders with two small Spanish autonomous cities, Ceuta and Melilla), and Mauritania to the south. Morocco is the only African country that is not currently a member of the African Union. However, it is a member of the Arab League, Arab Maghreb Union, the Francophonie, Organization of the Islamic Conference, Mediterranean Dialogue group, and Group of 77, and is a major non-NATO ally of the United States, the full Arabic name of Morocco, Al-Mamlaka al-Maghribiya, translates to "The Western Kingdom". Al Maghrib (meaning "The West") is commonly used. For historical references, historians used to refer to Morocco as Al Maghrib al Aq?? ("The Farthest West"), disambiguating it from the historical region called the Maghreb. The name "Morocco" in many other languages originates from the name of the former capital, Marrakech. History Of Morocco : In 1909, Spain made a start on the military conquest of the Rif in Morocco and two years later, Sultan Moulay Hafid called upon France to liberate Fez, which was besieged by rebellious tribes. Following French intervention, the Sultan was forced to accept a Protectorate Treaty signed on 30 March 1912, which stipulated that a sphere of influence be granted to Spain... Read More Moroccan History. Geography Of Morocco : Morocco is located at the northwest of Africa. It is bordered in the north by the strait of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean sea; to the south by Mauritania; to the east by Algeria and to the west by the Atlantic Ocean. The Moroccan coast extends over 3,500 km... Read More Moroccan Geography. Culture Of Morocco : The Arabic language was introduced into Morocco through successive stages: in the 7th century with the arrival of the troops of Oqba Ben Nafi; in the 9th century thanks to the new education centres namely the famous Karaouyine Mosque-university in Fez; in the 12th and 13th centuries, marked by the settlement in Morocco of the Hilalian and ... Read More Moroccan Culture Climate, Meteo And Weather Of Morocco : The dominating weather in Morocco is Mediterranean, weather, temperated in the west and the north by the Atlantic Ocean. Inside the country, the weather is more continental with significant differences of temperature. The Atlas area is very humid, it snows frequently. The south has a desert weather........ Read More Moroccan Weather. Capital Of Morocco Rabat. Largest City In Morocco Casablanca.
Rabat
Rabat's history began with a settlement, known as Chellah on the banks of the Oued Bou Regreg in the third century BC. In 40 AD, Romans took over Chellah and converted it to the Roman settlement of Sala Colonia. Rome held the colony until 250 AD when they abandoned it to Berber rulers. The Berbers played an important role in Muslim Spain. In 1146, the Almohad ruler Abd al-Mu'min turned Rabat's ribat into a full scale fortress to use as a launching point for attacks on Spain. In 1170, due to its military importance, Rabat acquired the title Ribatu l-Fath, meaning "stronghold of victory," from which it derives its current name. Yaqub al-Mansur (known as Moulay Yacoub in Morocco), another Almohad Caliph, moved the capital of his empire to Rabat. 
Casablanca
Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco, North Africa, the city of Casablanca is located on the Atlantic Ocean, it is also the economic Capital of Morocco, known for its international port trade activities, the port of Casablanca, Casablanca also hosts one of the largest airport in Africa, airport Casablanca Mohamed V Casablanca counts a population of over 3.3 million, 3.85 million in the "greater Casablanca" , Thus Casablanca is considered Morocco's largest city, it is the biggest and largest city in Morocco, the biggest city in North Africa, and the 6th biggest city in the entire continent of Africa, with a majority of the modern economic sector being based in the Casablanca region, and the Casablanca area being dominant in industrial and service sector activity.
Casablanca is often and justifiably referred to as the economic capital, although Morocco's political capital is Rabat. It is also the primary naval base for the Royal Moroccan Navy. Casablanca is the leading city hosting headquarters and main industrial facilities for the leading Moroccan and international companies based in Morocco. Industrial statistics show Casablanca retains its historic position as the main industrial zone of the country. The Port of Casablanca is considered as Morocco's chief port and as one of the largest artificial ports in the world. It is also the largest port of the Maghreb and North Africa.
El-Jadida
El Jadida is one of the important moroccan cities in the region of Doukala, Abda, Eljadida Morocco, is a port city on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, the population of El Jadida is estimated as 144,440 (2004 census) , the city is very close to Marrakech, Safi, and Casablanca, the city hosts a lot of portuguese monuments since the occupation, that's why the city of El Jadida has a very typic Moorish appearance; it has massive Portuguese walls of hewn stone. El Jadida is one of the important moroccan cities in the region of Doukala, Abda, Eljadida Morocco, is a port city on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, the population of El Jadida is estimated as 144,440 (2004 census) , the city is very close to Marrakech, Safi, and Casablanca, the city hosts a lot of portuguese monuments since the occupation, that's why the city of El Jadida has a very typic Moorish appearance; it has massive Portuguese walls of hewn stone. El Jadida as a fortified city was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, on the basis of its special status as a very outstanding example of the inter exchange of influences between European and Moroccan cultures, muslim and christian civ, and as an early example of the realisation of the Renaissance ideals integrated with Portuguese construction technology. According to UNESCO, the cistern, and the Manueline church of the Assumption are the most important buildings from the Portuguese rule period. Currently, the city of El jadida has a very rich agriculatural activity, the main exports are beans, almonds, maize, chick-peas, wool, hides, wax and eggs. It imports cotton, sugar, tea and rice. The presence of nearby ports and factories is responsible for the pollution of El Jadida's beaches
Tadla-Azilal
The Tadla-Azilal region in Morocco has an advantageous location in the center of road network linking the major urban poles of the country (Casablanca, Marrakech, Fes and Rabat). The region has well exploited its ideal climate, its arable lands, as well as the availability of water, to develop an important agriculture which represents the basis of its economy, the Tadla-Azilal region, composed of two provinces (Beni Mellal and Azilal) stretches over three different geographical formations: the fertile Tadla plain, the piedmont (Dir) which is abundant in forest resources and favourable to stock breeding, and the wonderful mountain rooted in the chain of the Medium and High Atlas ranges. The climate is Mediterranean with a rainy seaon lasting from November to March and a dry season from April to October. The average annual temperature is 18° C with peak periods of 38°C to 40°C in August and 3 to 4°C in January. The population is 66% rural, young and dynamic. The population less than 25 years old constitutes half the population which amounts to 1 450 519 inhabitants, In the middle ages, Tadla was regarded as a great economic metropolis. It was known for its massive agricultural production (huge exports of cotton crops) as well as of its precious mineral riches, copper in particular. From the Idrissid Dynasty in 788 AD to the Alaouite Dynasty in the year 1680 through Almoravids, Almohads, the Merinid Dynasty and the Saadi Dynasty, the Tadla-Azilal Region stood witness to the rule of each of these dynasties, In the period between the 17th and 19th centuries, Tadla was mentioned in the historical records of Leo Africanus and Charles de Foucauld, who describe the region’s mountainous villages, its Kasbahs and splendid vestiges.During the colonial period, the mountainous chains surrounding the Tadla-Azilal region stood as a resistance, In the year 1955, during the first administrative division of post-protectorate Morocco, the province of Beni Mellal formed a part of the country’s 13 provinces. It consisted of the major part of Tadla’s territories, plains and mountains. In 1974, Tadla region was divided up into two areas: the province of Beni Mellal, stretching over a large plain, and the mountainous province of Azilal,.the Tadla-Azilal region was first inhabited by the Amazighs (Berber people), the Zenata (they were farmers mostly living in plains), and the Haskur-Sanaga tribes (they were herders mostly living in mountains). It was in 686 AD that the Arabs first came into contact with the Berbers with the Arabization of the Maghreb under Uqba ibn Nafia, Since then Arabs started to settle in the region
Beni Mellal
Beni Mellal is a city in Morocco with 170,000 inhabitants (2005 estimate) along the foot of the Middle Atlas Mountains, overlooking the Beni Amir plain. It is the capital of Tadla-Azilal region with 1.45 million inhabitants (2004 estimate) and an area of 17,125 km², Beni Mellal is the market centre for a region producing a variety of agricultural products, like oranges, olives, figs and other fruits, along with livestock, Beni Mellal is well-connected by highways to other large urban centres like Fez, Marrakech and Casablanca, Beni Mellal is largely a modern town. The main attraction is the 17th century kasbah called Bel-Kush, next to the city entrance, The Tadla-Azilal region has an advantageous location in the center of road network linking the major urban poles of the country (Casablanca, Marrakesh, Fes and Rabat).
Essaouira
Essaouira is one of the famous moroccan cities, Essaouira is located in the western part of Morocco, the city is very known as a tourist resort and one of the top travel destinations in Morocco. Essaouira is known for it world sacred music festival, that takes place every year late June, Gnawa music festival and music of the world, Essaouira was formely known as "Mogador" , the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Listed city, as an example of a late 18th century fortified town, as transferred to North Africa. The port of Essaouira as not as imporant as so many neighboring ports, such as Safi port or casablanca port, the tourism activity is of a very growing importance, supporting boutique hotels established in traditional Moroccan riads, within the old town's ramparts, there is a lot of ancient houses transformed to riads and guest houses offering lodging for different budgets, and a number of modern purpose-built hotels, running along the beach. Essaouira is home to many small arts and crafts businesses, mainly wood crafts and notably cabinet making and 'thuya' wood-carving (using roots of the Tetraclinis tree), both of which have been practised in Essaouira for centuries. Essaouira is also renowned for its windsurfing, with the powerful trade wind blowing almost constantly onto the protected, almost waveless, bay. Several world-class clubs rent top-notch material on a weekly basis. Parasols tend to be used on the beach more as a protection against the wind and the blowing sand. Camel excursions are available on the beach and into the desert band in the interior.
Errachidia
Errachidia Morocco, Errachidia is one of the most famous and ancient Moroccan cities, the city of Errachidia is located in eastern Morocco, the city has a lot of wonderful places to visit, museums, ksars, valleys but has been so far a one or two days stop instead of being a tourist destination like other neighboring Moroccan cities such as, Ouarzazate. Errachidia is located in the Ziz Valley and north of Tafilalet valley, famous places are Erfoud, Rissani, Errachidia is also knows as Ksar Souk, and there is a lot of excursions that can be organized while in Errachidia. The city of Errachidia has a lot of monuments, Ksars, Palaces, the city is also known for its hospitality and the friendliness of people of the east part of Morocco, the city is a good place for gift shopping, local market products, and moroccan souvenirs, the market place is a very crowded mainly in the afternoon, the climate is good all year long. While in Errachidia, you will find out that there is some good quality hotels, confort is relatively available for a higher price, there is several moroccan restaurants and several fast food shops, European food can be ordered in Hotels. Errachidia can be reached easily from neighboring moroccan cities, such as ouarzazate, or from other eastern Moroccan cities, there is good connections in all four directions, buses, CTM and taxis as well.
Agadir
Agadir is a city in south of Morocco, capital of the Souss-Massa-Daraa region. It has a population of 678,596 (2004; census figures for the agglomeration include the near-by cities of Inezgane and Aït Melloul); the population of the city proper is estimated at 200,000. The mild winter climate (January average midday temperature 20°C/68°F) and good beaches have made it a major "winter sun" destination for Northern Europeans. The city is located on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean, near the foot of the Atlas Mountains, just north of the point where the Sous River empties into the sea, founded by the Portuguese around 1500, the city came under Moroccan control in 1526. In 1911, the arrival of a German gunboat (the Panther), officially to protect the local German community, triggered the Agadir Crisis between France and Germany that in 1913 caused France to establish a protectorate in Morrocco At 15 minutes to midnight on February 29, 1960, Agadir was almost totally destroyed by an earthquake that lasted 15 seconds, burying the old city and killing thousands, the death toll is estimated at 15,000. The earthquake destroyed the ancient Kasbah on the summit of Cap Ghir hill, which was built in 1540. On its front gate can still be read the following sentence in Dutch: "Fear God and honor thy King". Agadir today is a seaport (exporting cobalt, manganese and zinc) and seaside resort with a large sandy beach. Because of its large buildings, wide roads, modern hotels, and European-style cafés, some consider it not typically Moroccan. Agadir is famous for its sea foods and agriculture.
Ifrane
Ifrane Morocco, Ifrane is a town, north-central Morocco, the city of Ifrane was founded in 1929 and is situated in the Middle Atlas Mountains; Ifrane includes in its immediate environs the famous Morocco's premier winter and summer resort areas, it is also Morocco's first winter destination. Ifrane is located at an elevation of about 5,400 feet, nearly 1,650 metres above the sea level, the modern town of Ifrane caters to international tourists, the city of Ifrane is a nice place with pseudo-Alpine villas and large suburban streets, it is one of the cleanest cities in Morocco and there is an interesting pre fabricated feel about the place, the city is ull of life and full of enterprising spirit, ifrane is not that far from the famous city of Fez, or Meknes, the city is a gateway to the magnificent waterfalls and a refreshing portal on the famous Ain vital. Here, hikers, athlets, cyclists, anglers and rock climbers have a world of choices for adventure and challenge. Lodging and dining are sumptuous in Ifrane, for lodging there is a lot of choices at different prices, modern hotels are in place, for restaurant you have a veriety of choices including Moroccan cuisine, European Cusine and some fast food restaurants.
Asilah
Asilah Morocco, this small trading town, over 3,600 years old, is situated on the northwest tip of Morocco. Until 1978 the town was deteriorating behind the ancient defensive walls that still enclose it. That situation was soon changed by the ideas of one man, Mohammed Benaissa, by his belief in culture as an invaluable resource and his dreams for his hometown. Through the efforts of Benaissa and his colleague, another local resident, Mohammed Melehi. The annual cultural festival of Asilah was created to fund the rehabilitation of the town, an effort continuing today. The rehabilitation project is heavily intertwined with the creation of the festival and the story of the two men. In 1989 the town won an Aga Khan Award for its rehabilitation efforts. Asilah has been granted a whole new life but raises issues related to the continuing development of the town and its inhabitants. Asilah is located 42 km southeast of the town of Tangier on the Atlantic coast. The town is completely surrounded by Portuguese defensive walls that were erected in the 15th century. (Images 1 & 2) There are extensive beaches and a natural harbor on the northwest side of the town. Farmlands surround the town and there are no factories in the immediate area., to the north of Asilah lie beach resorts and to the southeast lie squatter settlements called mixik. This northern Atlantic coastal area falls into the Mediterranean climate zone bringing mild wet winters and dry warm summers. The presence of the Atlantic creates more rainfall than in the other Mediterranean areas. Asilah's history stretches back to around 1500 BC, since then it has changed hands several times. The significance and morphology of the town is linked to its natural harbor. The Phoenicians called it Silis or Zilis and used the town mainly as a trading post. Being at a favorable location at the crossroads between the East and West, it was later occupied by the Carthaginians, Byzantines, and the Romans. In the 9th century it was occupied by the Arabs and the Normans. In 1471, Asilah was occupied by the Portuguese who built the town's fortifications. It was voluntarily returned to Morocco in 1550, but was absorbed by the Spanish as they took control of Portugal in the late 16th century. In 1692 the town was recaptured by the Moroccans under the leadership of Moulay Ismail. In the 19th and 20th centuries Asilah was a base for piracy. In 1911 Spain took the northern portion of Morocco as their protectorate which included Asilah. The country finally gained its independence in 1956.
Larache
Larache is one of the oldest Moroccan cities, it is a harbour town located in the region of Tangier Tetouan, in the north of Morocco, the city of Tetouan was founded back in the 7th century when a group of Muslim soldiers from Arabia extended their camp at Lixus onto the south bank of the Loukos River. As of 1471 the city of Larcahe was inhabited untill Sultan Mohamed esheikh Essadi, decided to repopulate it and build a stronghold on the plateau above river Loukos, Sultan Mohamed esheikh Essadi constructed a fortress at the entrance to the port as a means of controlling access to the river. The Kasbah which was built in 1491 by Moulay en Nasser, later became a pirate stronghold, the year 1610, the town of Larache passed to Spanish hands who stayed there unitl 1689 but mainly used the ports as trading stops and never really administered the town. Sulatn Moulay Ismail finally retook iLarache in 1689, the Province of Larache was created on October 14, 1985, it belongs to Wilaya of Tétouan which belongs to the economic area of Tangier-Tétouan, the city of Larcahe is bordered in the North by the Province of Tétouan and the Province of Tangier-Asilah. In the South by the Province of Kénitra, and the East by the Province of Chefchaouen, and it is also bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the west. The Province of Larache covers a surface around 2.783 km². Its population is of order of 431.476 (Census of 1994), including 201.485 in the urban communes and centres, and 229.991 in the rural communes. The rate urbanisation is located at 46,7%. As for the average density, it is of 155 habitants/km² The sectors commercial and industry are considered among the economic activities most significant of the Province. This sector is cantered mainly on agro-food while an adapting with the geo-economics structure of the area. Indeed, the agricultural and maritime vocation of the Province, caused an implantation of industrial fabric rich and diversified to emphasize the agricultural produce and the products of the sea. The Province of Larache enjoys rich natural potentialities and significant tourist assets. The following table presents some statistical data on the major capacity of the sector.
Fes
Fez, Fès is one of the most known travel destination in Morocco, the city of Fès, known also as Fez, is the fourth largest city in Morocco, after Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech, with a population of 946,815 , Fez is the capital city of the region Fez Boulemane. Fez is one of the "imperial Moroccan cities, such as Marrakech, Rabat, Meknes and Tangier, the city is devided in two major areas, the old city of Fez called Fez El Bali, meaning the old medina and the walled part, and there is the second major area of Fez which is Fes Jdid or Fes Ejdid meaning the new city or the new medina of Fez, Fez also has the French-created, newest section of the city of Fez. Fez el Bali, or Fes el bali is the largest part of the city, and is believed to be the largest contiguous car-free urban area in the world, the old part of Fez "Fez el Bali" is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fez was a prime manufacturing location for leather goods such as the Adarga. the city of Fez is one of the most religious cities in Morocco where we can see the strong presence of mosquss, menarets, it is home of al karawiyine one of the oldest islamic universities in the world, Fez was the capital of Morocco at various times in the past, the last such period ending in 1912, when most of Morocco came under French control and Rabat was chosen to be the capital of the new colony, Fez is an increasingly popular tourist destination and many non-Moroccans are now restoring traditional houses (riads and dars) as second homes in the Fez medina. The city of Fez hosts every year a week long festival, is held of sacred musical traditions from different parts of the world, Performers like Ravi Shankar, Indonesian Gamelan and folk music from Central Asia. The 2007 festival has a new Director : Cherif Khaznadar bringing a new perspective to the program, the festival was founded in 1994 by the Moroccan scholar and philanthropist Faouzi Skali and is sponsored by the World Bank.
Meknes
Meknes is one of the most famous moroccan cities and top travel destination in Morocco, the city is located in northern Morocco, 130 Km from Rabat, the capital and 60 Km from the city of Fez, the city is served by the A2 express way between those two cities and by the corresponding railway. Meknes was the capital of Morocco under the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail between 1672 and 1727, before it was relocated to Rabat, the city of Meknes counts a population of 950,322 inhabitants and is the capital city of the region «Meknes Tafilalet» , the city got its name from the berber tribe called miknasa, : the medieval Arabic sources. Meknes has a lot of monuments and places for tourists to visit, the city wall, the city gates, museums, mosques, as well as the old medina of Meknes, other places to visit in and around the city of Meknes are listed below. Meknes City Gate : With its intricate horseshoe shape and beautifully decorated detail, ab al Mansour gate in Meknes is the most beautiful in Morocco-and one of the most iconic in the Muslim world. Bab Al-Mansour Ruins in Meknes : The ruins that surround the gate of Bab al-Mansour stretch out for miles along the town walls, see the towers and adjacent complexes that once formed the heart of the town's defences. Heri es Souani Maknes : The ancient granaries and vaults that were once designed as a state of the art project under imperial supervision may be overgrown with foliage, but they haven't lost their impressive architectural features. The Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail : Meknes The most famous leader of Meknes, and the creator of much of its architectural splendour, is revered and remembered in this stylish, solemn mausoleum. Jamai Palace Meknes : Built as the residence of a vizier, this delicate palace within the town's medina (old quarter) now houses the fascinating collection of the Museum of Moroccan Arts. Moulay Idriss Zerhoun Meknes : From Meknes, rolling green hills extend towards Mount Moulay Idriss Zerhon, where the holy city of Moulay Idriss lays perched against a slope, famous for its green rooftops, it offers one of the most picturesque views of Moroccan town life. The Volubilis : Not far from Meknes the Volubilis is the most important Roman site in this part of North Africa, built back in AD 40, this formerly imposing and sophisticated Roman town, inhabited not just by Romans but also by Greeks, Berbers, Jews and Carthaginians, built its wealth and power on the wheat trade.
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