Country Profile - MOROCCO

General Information

Area: 710,850 sq km (274,461 sq miles).

Population: 28,705,000 (official estimate 2000).

Population Density: 40.4 per sq km.

Capital: Rabat. Population: 1,385,872 (1994).

GEOGRAPHY: Morocco is located on the westernmost tip of north Africa, bordering Algeria to the east and Mauritania to the south and southeast, the Atlantic ocean to the west and the Mediterranean to the north. Running through the middle of the country is the Atlas mountain range, which leads to the fertile plains and sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast. The Middle Atlas range sweeps up from the south, rising to over 3000m (9850ft), covered with woodlands of pine, oak and cedar, open pastureland and small lakes. The Rif Mountains run along the north coast. The ports of Ceuta (Sebta) and Melilla on the north coast are administered by Spain.

Government: Constitutional monarchy since 1956. Gained independence from France in 1956. Head of State: King Mohammed VI since 1999. Head of Government: Prime Minister Driss Jettou since October 2002.

Language: The official language is Arabic, but Berber is spoken by a large minority. French is widely spoken throughout the country, except in the northern regions where Spanish is more predominant. English is also understood, particularly in the north and the main tourist areas.

Religion: Predominantly Muslim with Jewish and Christian minorities. Morocco’s population and culture stems from a cross-section of origins including Berbers, Arabs, Moors and Jews.

Time: GMT.

Electricity: 110/220 volts AC, 50Hz, depending on age and location of building.

Communications:

Telephone: Telephone: IDD is available. Country code: 212. Outgoing international code: 00.

Mobile telephone: GSM 900 networks exist. Main operators include Itissalat Al-Maghrib SA (website: www.onpt.net.ma) and Medi Telecom (website: www.meditel.ma). Coverage is mainly available in the cities in the west of Morocco.

Fax: Available in hotels.

Telegram: Facilities are available throughout the country at main post offices.

Internet: Access is widely available in business centres, hotels and in Internet cafes. ISPs include Jaweb (website: www.jaweb.ma) and Menara (website: www.casanet.net.ma).

Post: Airmail to Europe takes up to 1 week and can be unreliable. Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1200 and 1430-1830, Sat 0830-1400.
Press: Daily newspapers are published in French and Arabic. The main French newspapers are: Al Bayane (website: www.casanet.ma/albayane), Le Matin du Sahara et du Maghreb (website: www.lematin.press.ma) and L’Opinion. The main Arabic newspapers are Al Alam and Al Maghrib. A monthly magazine, Success, is published in English.

Radio: BBC World Service (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice) and Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov) can be received. From time to time the frequencies change and the most up-to-date can be found online.

Passport/Visa

Passport Required? Visa Required? Return Ticket Required?
British Yes No Yes
Australian Yes No Yes
Canadian Yes No Yes
USA Yes No Yes
OtherEU Yes No Yes
Japanese Yes No Yes

PASSPORTS: Passport valid for at least 6 months from date of entry required by all.

Note: (a) Children up to and including 16 years may travel on their parents’ passport, but must have photographs included in these passports by the relevant passport authorities. (b) All temporary travel document holders need to get clearance from Morocco, and this may take up to 2 months. Apply at nearest Consulate or Consular Section of Embassy for further details.

VISAS: Required by all except the following:

(a) nationals of countries shown in the chart above for stays of up to 3 months;

(b) nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bahrain, Brazil, Chile, Congo (Rep), Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Korea (Rep), Kuwait, Libya, Liechtenstein, Mali, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Niger, Norway, Oman, Peru, The Philippines, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Venezuela for stays of up to 3 months;

(c) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within 24 hours provided holding onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.

Types of visa and cost: Single-entry: £16; Double-entry or Multiple-entry (both business only): £25. Prices may fluctuate in accordance with the exchange rate and must be paid by postal order only.

Validity: Entry visas are valid for 3 months; visitors wishing to stay longer should apply to the local police station within 15 days of arrival. For other visa enquiries, contact the Embassy (see Contact Addresses section).

Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Contact Addresses section.

Application requirements: (a) One completed application form. (b) Four passport-size photos taken within the previous 6 months. (c) Passport (valid for at least 6 months from date of exit out of Morocco, and with at least one blank page), with a photocopy of the relevant data pages. (d) Fee, payable by postal order only. (e) Evidence of employment, enrolment as a student or bank statements. (f) Photocopy of flight ticket(s). (g) Photocopy of hotel reservation. (h) Self-addressed, stamped, registered envelope for postal applications (for those living outside London only).

Working days required: Normally 3, upon receipt of all necessary documents. Some nationals should note that their application forms are sent to Morocco for clearance and processing can take up to 2 months.

Money

Currency: Moroccan Dirham (Dh) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of Dh200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of Dh10, 5 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 centimes.

Currency exchange: Moroccan Dirhams can only be obtained in Morocco. National currencies should be exchanged at official bureaux de change only (identified by a golden sign); changing money in the street is illegal. There is no commission charge and visitors will be issued with a receipt which they must keep in order to exchange Moroccan currency back into the original national currency upon departure. Money can be withdrawn in banks with a credit card and a cheque book or directly from an ATM in some larger towns.

Credit & debit cards: Some credit cards are accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Travellers cheques: To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.

Currency restrictions: The import and export of local currency is prohibited; all local currency must be reconverted prior to departure. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited but must be declared if in excess of the equivalent of Dh15,000. Upon production of bank vouchers, half the Moroccan currency purchased during a visitor’s stay may be re-exchanged for foreign currency (subject to some limitations) and all of it if the stay is less than 48 hours.

Exchange rate indicators: The following figures are included as a guide to the movement of the Moroccan Dirham against Sterling and the US Dollar:

Date Aug ’03 Nov ’03 Feb ’04 May '04
£1.00= 15.58 15.89 16.21 16.41
$1.00= 9.76 9.36 8.90 9.19

Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0815-1130 and 1415-1715.

Duty Free

Duty-Free: The following goods may be imported into Morocco without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 400g of tobacco; 1l of spirits and 1l of wine; 5g of perfume.

Restricted items: A special permit is required for sporting guns and ammunition which is obtainable upon arrival from the police authorities for passengers holding a permit from their country of origin.

Public Holidays

Public Holidays: Jan 1 2004 New Year’s Day. Jan 11 Manifesto of Independence. Feb 2 Aïd al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice). Feb 22 Fatih Mouharram (Muslim New Year). May 1 Labour Day. May 2 Aïd al-Mawlid (Prophet’s Birthday). Jul 30 Feast of the Throne. Aug 14 Fête Oued Eddahab (Oued Eddahab Allegiance Day). Aug 20 Révolution du Roi et du Peuple (The King and the People’s Revolution Day). Aug 21 King Mohamed’s Birthday. Nov 6 Marche Verte (Anniversary of the Green March). Nov 14-16 Aïd al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). Nov 18 Fête de l’Indépendence (Independence Day). Jan 1 2005 New Year’s Day. Jan 11 Manifesto of Independence. Jan 21 Aïd al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice). Feb 10 Fatih Mouharram (Muslim New Year). Apr 21 Aïd al-Mawlid (Prophet’s Birthday). May 1 Labour Day. Jul 30 Feast of the Throne. Aug 14 Fête Oued Eddahab (Oued Eddahab Allegiance Day). Aug 20 Révolution du Roi et du Peuple (The King and the People’s Revolution Day). Aug 21 King Mohamed’s Birthday. Nov 3-5 Aïd al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). Nov 6 Marche Verte (Anniversary of the Green March). Nov 18 Fête de l’Indépendence (Independence Day).

Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Aïd al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Aïd al-Fitr itself. Aïd al-Fitr and Aïd al-Adha may last anything from 2 to 10 days, depending on the region. For more information, see the World of Islam appendix.

Health

Special Precautions Certificate Required?
Yellow Fever No No
Cholera No No
Typhoid and Polio 1 N/A
Malaria 2 N/A

1: Vaccination against polio and typhoid is advised.

2: A minimal malaria risk, exclusively in the benign vivax form, exists from May to October in rural areas of the following provinces: Al Hoceima, Taounate and Taza.

Food & drink: Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of stay. Drinking water outside main cities and towns may be contaminated and sterilisation is advisable. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other risks: Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present in small foci. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water; swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Soil parasites are also present; visitors should wear shoes. Hepatitis A and E also occur. Immunisations are sometimes recommended for hepatitis B, tuberculosis and diphtheria. Tungiasis and Lassa fever also occur, although rarely.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

Health care: There are good medical facilities in all main cities, including emergency pharmacies (sometimes in the Town Hall) outside normal opening hours. Government hospitals provide free or minimal charge emergency treatment. Full health insurance is essential.

Travel – International

Note: Following the series of terrorist attacks that took place in Casablanca on 16 May 2003, all travellers are advised to be vigilant and to avoid crowds and public places crowded with other foreigners. The situation should be closely monitored and further advice sought from a relevant official body.

AIR: Morocco’s national airline is Royal Air Maroc (AT) (website: www.royalairmaroc.com). Other airlines serving Morocco include Air France, Alitalia, British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa and SWISS. There are frequent direct flights from all major European cities, from North America and from the Middle East.

Approximate flight times: From Casablanca to London is 3 hours; from Tangier is 2 hours 30 minutes. From Casablanca to New York is 6 hours 30 minutes.

International airports: Casablanca (CMN) (Mohammed V) is 30km (19 miles) south of the city (travel time – 35 minutes). Airport facilities include outgoing duty-free shop, post office, banking and bureau de change facilities, restaurant, bar and car hire facilities (Avis, Europcar and Hertz). There are taxi services into Casablanca and train services available to Rabat.
Tangier (TNG) (Boukhalef Souahel) is 12km (7.5 miles) from the city (travel time – 20 minutes). Airport facilities include outgoing duty-free shop, banking and bureau de change facilities, restaurant, bar and car hire facilities (Avis, Moroccan Holidays, Omnium and Starc-Hertz). Bus and taxi services are available into Tangier.

Other international airports include Fez (FEZ), Marrakech (RAK) and Rabat-Salé (RBA).

Departure tax: None.

SEA: Principal ports are Tangier, Casablanca and Ceuta. Lines serving these ports are Bland Line (from Spain and Gibraltar), Comanav (from France, Spain and Italy), Compañía Trasmediterránea, Limadet, Polish Ocean Lines (from Northern Europe) and Transtour.

Car/passenger ferries: Ferry operators include FerriMaroc (website: www.ferrimaroc.com) and Trasmediterranea (website: www.trasmediterranea.com). There are cheap and regular car- and passenger-ferry links between southern Spain and Tangier and the Spanish enclaves on the north Moroccan coast. Most links are roll-on, roll-off car ferries except where shown. The routes are from Algeciras to Ceuta (Sebta) (car ferry); Algeciras to Tangier (hydrofoil and car ferry); Tarifa to Tangier (hydrofoil only); Gibraltar to Tangier (hydrofoil and car ferry); Almería to Melilla (car ferry); Málaga to Melilla (car ferry) and Almería to Nador (car ferry).

There are also car ferries between Sète on the French coast (between Béziers and Montpellier on the Golfe du Lyon) and Tangier run by Compagnie Marocaine de Navigation.

RAIL: Rail links between Morocco and Algeria are currently suspended. The main international routes are from Oujda to Algiers or from Oran to Algiers.
ROAD: The best road link is from southern Spain or France via passenger/car ferries (see above under Sea). The road link on the north Algerian border is currently closed. Eurolines, departing from Victoria Coach Station in London, serves destinations in Morocco. For further information, contact Eurolines (4 Cardiff Road, Luton, Bedfordshire L41 1PP; tel: (08705) 143 219; fax: (01582) 400 694; website: www.eurolines.com or www.gobycoach.com).

Travel – Internal

AIR: Royal Air Maroc (AT) operates regular services from Casablanca airport to Agadir, Dakhla, Fès, Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Oujda and Tangier. There are cheaper deals for those under 26 years of age depending on their destination in Morocco. Contact Royal Air Maroc for further details. There is also a new airline company, Regional Airlines (FN).

RAIL: The Moroccan rail system is all standard gauge and, run by Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF) (website: www.oncf.org.ma), provides regular and cheap services with first-class travel available between major centres. Rail fares are amongst the cheapest in the world, although a supplement must be paid for air-conditioned trains. Sleeping cars and restaurant cars are available. The network runs from Oujda in the northeast to Casablanca on the west coast, Tangier on the north coast and Fès and Marrakech in the interior. The main routes include: Marrakech–Casablanca–Rabat–Meknes–Fès–Oujda; Marrakech–Casablanca–Rabat; Marrakech–Casablanca– Meknes–Fès; and Casablanca–Rabat–Tangier. The most useful route is from Fès to Rabat and Casablanca, with five daily and two overnight trains. There are also two daily trains and one overnight train (without sleepers) which run from Casablanca to Marrakech. Also, from Monday to Friday, a train runs every 30 minutes from Kenitra to Rabat.

Cheap fares: Children under 4 travel free and children from 4 to 12 may travel for half fare. The European Inter-Rail pass is valid in Morocco; holders may be entitled to a discount on the fare of a ferry ticket – check with the company concerned for details. Discounts of up to 30 per cent are available for groups of more than 10. First- and second-class seats can be reserved in advance. For more information, contact Rail Europe (tel: (08705) 848 848; website: www.raileurope.co.uk).

ROAD: Traffic drives on the right. The major Moroccan roads, particularly those covering the north and northwest of the country, are all-weather highways. In the interior, south of the High Atlas Mountains, road travel becomes much more difficult, especially across the Atlas Mountains in winter. Coach: The main centres are connected by a wide variety of coach services, many of which are privately run. The two largest firms are CTM (covering the whole country) and SATAS (between Casablanca, Agadir and south of Agadir). Bus: Connections between most major towns and villages are regular and frequent, although buses can be very crowded and it may be wise to buy tickets in advance and arrive well before departure to secure a seat. The price of tickets is very low, especially with some of the smaller local bus companies. It is customary to tip the guard for loading luggage. For charter purposes, air-conditioned motor coaches are available from several companies. Taxi: Those available in major towns, the petits taxis, are metered (see below under Urban). Other larger taxis, usually Mercedes cars, are used for travel to areas outside towns. These can be shared, but fares should be agreed before departure. Car hire: Avis, Hertz and other major hire companies have offices in major towns and cities, including Agadir, Casablanca, Essaouira, Fès, Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Oujda, Rabat and Tangier. Car hire is generally expensive. Documentation: Foreign driving licences are accepted, as well as International Driving Permits. Third Party insurance is required. A Green Card is also necessary. Insurance can be arranged locally.

URBAN: There are extensive bus services in Casablanca and other main towns. Pre-purchase tickets are sold. Urban area petits taxis are plentiful and have metered fares. Taxi drivers expect a 10 per cent tip.

Travel times: The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Casablanca to other major cities/towns in Morocco.
Air Road Rail
Rabat 0.30 1.30 1.00
Marrakech 0.30 4.00 4.00
Agadir 0.55 9.00 -
Fès 0.40 5.00 5.00
Meknès - 2.30 4.00
Tangier 0.50 6.00 6.00
Oujda 1.05 12.00 12.00
Laayoune 1.30 20.00 -
Er Rachidia 1.35 12.00 -

Accommodation

HOTELS: Morocco has 100,000 hotel beds to cater for its thriving tourist market. There is quite a wide choice of accommodation in all sizeable centres. The upper end of the market is represented by internationally known hotels in most main towns, notably Agadir, Marrakech and Tangier. For more information, contact the Fédération Nationale de l’Industrie Hôtelière, Angle avenue Nador et rue 3, Quartier Polo, Casablanca 20550 (tel: (22) 800 487; fax: (22) 800 315, e-mail: fnih@iam.net.ma; website: www.fnih.ma).

Grading: Hotels are rated from 1 to 5 stars.

SELF-CATERING: Self-catering apartments are available in Agadir, Marrakech and Tangier. Full details are available from the Moroccan National Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses section).

CAMPING/CARAVANNING: There are established campsites with good facilities in many parts of Morocco. Full details are available in a brochure from the National Tourist Office.

YOUTH HOSTELS: There are hostels in Asni, Azrou, Casablanca, Fès, Ifrane, Meknes and Rabat. Up-to-date information is available from the Fédération Royale Marocaine des Auberges de Jeunes, BP 15998, Casa Principale, Parc de la Ligue Arabe, Casablanca 21000 (tel: (22) 470 952; fax: (22) 227 677). There is also an International Youth Hostel, 6 Place Abmed Al Bidaoui, Ville Ancienne, Casablanca (tel: (22) 220 551; fax: (22) 227 677).

Sport & Activities

Morocco’s varied landscapes, which range from a 3500-km (2170-mile) coastline to the forests, rivers and mountains of the Middle and High Atlas and the Sahara Desert, offer a wide choice of sports and leisure activities.

Golf: This is very popular in Morocco, partly because King Hassan II was an internationally ranked practitioner of the game. Some of the best-known of the country’s 16 golf courses are located at the Royal Dar es Salaam Golf Club in Rabat, which has three courses and annually hosts the internationally renowned Hassan II Trophy. Agadir has three courses: the Agadir Royal Golf Club is a par 36 while the beautiful Dunes Golf Club has three 9-hole par 36 courses (designed by a disciple of Robert Trent Jones). The third course, set around lakes, palm trees and eucalyptus, is the 5-star Golf du Soleil, which is a 27-hole par 72. The Marrakech Royal Golf Club is an 18-hole par 72 course located at the foot of the Atlas mountains. Marrakech has two other 18-hole courses: the Palmeraie Golf Club, designed by Robert Trent Jones in a setting with views of the Atlas mountains as well as easy access to the Atlantic beaches nearby; and the Amelkis Golf Club. Other 18-hole courses include Ben Slimane and El Jadida (both near the Atlantic coast), Mohammedia Royal Golf Club (near Casablanca) and the Tangier Royal Golf. Apart from the Hassan II Trophy (see above), the Moroccan Open and Hassan II Challenge are noteworthy tournaments. The Mohammed VI Golf Trophy is held at Dar es-Salaam Royal Golf Course in Rabat at the end of March.

Altogether, there are approximately 30 golf courses in the country, including several new ones. A useful golf brochure and information on golfing holidays can be obtained from the Moroccan National Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses section).

Hiking and trekking: With its four distinct mountain ranges – the Rif, the Middle Atlas, the High Atlas and the Anti-Atlas – Morocco offers outstanding opportunities for hiking and trekking. Various trekking tours can be organised through the Moroccan National Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses section). Specialist tour operators offer a variety of treks including guided horse trekking in the mountains, and camping trips. One of the most popular treks in the High Atlas is the ascent of Jebel Toubkal (4167m/6668ft), North Africa’s highest peak. The Toubkal area is about a 1 hour drive from Marrakech and the usual starting point for this trek is the picturesque village of Imlil. Official mountain guides with mules are recommended for trips lasting longer than one day; guides are widely available in Imlil. Accommodation is provided in refuges, gîtes (resting places) and small hotels along popular trails. Trekking is possible all year round, but the best time is from April to October. The canyons and gorges are best tackled from June to October (in summer, storms can make the gorges impassable).

Watersports: Sandy beaches offer safe swimming, although the Atlantic can be cold even in summer. Mohammedia, Agadir, El Jadida, Oualidia, Safi and Essaouira are all good bathing resorts. The Mediterranean coast in the north, opposite Spain, is being developed, and resorts such as Cabonegro (14km/23 miles from Tetouan) offer superb swimming and diving. Other dive sites can be found at Agadir and Essaouira. The rivers in the High and Middle Atlas ranges, particularly the Oum-er-Rbia, offer whitewater rafting throughout the year (visitors are strongly advised to use experienced guides). Fishing permits are necessary for trout streams, lakes and pike lakes, and are issued by the Waters and Forests Department or local clubs. Several ports are equipped for deep-sea fishing, such as Dakhla in the Sahara and Mohammedia near Casablanca.

Skiing: This is possible for several months each year. Ifrane in the Middle Atlas and Oukaïden in the High Atlas (70km/44 miles from Marrakech) offer skiing facilities. Other ski resorts include Mischliffen in the Middle Atlas, on the doorstep of Fès and Meknes. Mount Tidiquin in the Ketama district and Djebel Bou Volane in the Middle Atlas are popular areas for expedition-type skiing and walking trips (with few amenities).

Riding: There are horse riding clubs in all major towns, notably Agadir, Casablanca, Fès, Marrakech and Rabat. Several clubs organise pony treks in the Middle Atlas. The combination of travelling by mule and skiing (known as mule-skiing) is characteristic to the High Atlas and can be carried out from February to April. A useful brochure, The Great Trek through the Moroccan Atlas, is available from the Moroccan Ministry of Tourism or the Moroccan National Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses section). Camel riding (méharrées) is also available, both in the Atlas mountains and around the Sahara Desert area in the southwest.

Other: Also available throughout Morocco are 4-wheel-drives, incorporating visits to natural and cultural sights such as the 300m (984-ft) deep Gorge of Todra, the massive sand dunes of Merzouga and the Berber region of Ouarzazate. Most of these tours feature typical Moroccan feasts and barbecues. The famous Paris-Dakar motor rally passes through Morocco every year.

Social Profile

Food & Drink: Morocco’s traditional haute cuisine dishes are excellent and good value for money. They are often exceedingly elaborate, based on a diet of meat and sweet pastries. Typical specialities include: harira, a rich soup, and pastilla, a pigeon-meat pastry made from dozens of different layers of thick flaky dough. Couscous, a dish based on savoury semolina that can be combined with egg, chicken, lamb or vegetables, is a staple Moroccan dish. Tajine is a stew, often rich and fragrant, using marinated lamb or chicken. Hout is a fish version of the same stew, while djaja mahamara is chicken stuffed with almonds, semolina and raisins. Also popular are mchoui, pit-roasted mutton, and kab-el-ghzal, almond pastries. Hotel restaurants usually serve French cuisine. Restaurants offer a good selection of food, including typical Moroccan dishes, French, Italian or Spanish meals. The three-course fixed menus are not expensive. Many of the souks have stalls selling kebabs (brochettes) often served with a spicy sauce. Most restaurants have waiter service.

The national drink is mint tea made with green tea, fresh mint and sugar. It is very refreshing and its consumption is an integral part of Moroccan social courtesy. Coffee is made very strong, except at breakfast. Bars can have either waiter or counter service. Laws on alcohol are fairly liberal (for non-Muslim visitors) and bars in most tourist areas stay open late. Wines, beers and spirits are widely available. Locally produced wines, beers and mineral waters are excellent and good value, but imported drinks tend to be expensive.

Nightlife: Morocco offers a variety of entertainment from casinos, bars, discos, restaurants and nightclubs, often with belly dancing. There are modern nightclubs in all the cities and resorts around the country. There are casinos in Marrakech, Mohammedia, Tangier and Agadir. Traditional Moroccan entertainment, such as folk dancing, can be seen in every town.

Shopping: The co-operative shops of Moroccan craftsmen, coopartim, operate under state control selling local handicrafts at fixed prices and issue an authenticity receipt or a certificate of origin for customs when exporting. Souks are also worthwhile places to visit for local products. Special buys are leather, tanned and dyed in Fès; copperware; silver; silk or cotton garments; and wool rugs, carpets and blankets. Bargaining is essential, and good buys generally work out at around a third of the asking price. In the south, there are Berber carpet auctions, especially in Marrakech, Taroudannt and Tiznit. Visitors will need a guide to make the best of these occasions. Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0830-1300 and 1430-1930 (Mon-Sat 0830-1200 and 1400-1900 in Tangier); souks (traditional markets) are open Mon-Sun 0830-1300 and 1430-1800.

Special Events: Festivities often mark the seasons and celebrate local resources. Festivals are dedicated to popular art and tradition while mousseums are large gatherings paying homage to a holy figure. Events are often organised at the last minute and largely depend on the lunar calendar. For further information, contact the Moroccan National Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses section).

The following is a selection of special events celebrated annually in Morocco:
Feb Almond Tree Blossom Festival, Tafraout. Apr Sand Marathon, Ouarzazate. May Wax Candle Feast, Salé; Honey Feast, Immouzzer; Rose Festival, Kelaa M’Gouna; Mousseum of Sidi Mohammad M’a al-Anim. Jun Desert Symphony Feast, Ouarzazate; Guinean Singers and Dancers, Essaouira; Cherry Feast, Séfrou; Sacred Music Festival, Fès. Jul Camel Feast, Guelmim. Jul 3-6 Popular Arts Festival, Marrakech. Aug Asilah Cultural Festival. Sep Engagement Feast, Imilchil; Horse Festival, Tissa. Oct Date Festival, Erfoud. Dec Agadir Festival.

Social Conventions: Handshaking is the customary form of greeting. Many of the manners and social customs emulate French manners, particularly amongst the middle class. The visitor may find, in some social situations, that patience and firmness will pay dividends. Often visitors may find themselves the centre of unsolicited attention. In towns, young boys after money will be eager to point out the way, sell goods or simply charge for a photograph, while unofficial guides will always be offering advice or services. The visitor should be courteous but wary of the latter. Normal social courtesies should be observed in someone’s home. Casual wear is widely acceptable, although swimsuits and shorts should be confined to the beach or poolside. Smoking is widespread and it is customary to offer cigarettes. Tipping: Service charges are usually included in hotel bills; it is customary to tip hairdressers, cinema usherettes and waiters Dh1-2.

Business Profile

Economy: Agriculture employs one fifth of the working population, the principal crops being cereals, vegetables and citrus fruits (of which Morocco is one of the world’s largest exporters), and accounts for about 40 per cent of GDP. Livestock farming produces enough meat to fulfil domestic needs. Fishing is vital to both the domestic and export markets, as well as for the revenue accruing from the sale of licences allowing foreign fleets to fish in Moroccan territorial waters. Mining is the country’s principal industry. Morocco is the world’s largest exporter of phosphate rock, both in raw and processed form (such as fertilisers), and this is the principal source of export revenue. It has substantial other mineral assets including iron ore, coal, lead, zinc, cobalt, copper, silver and manganese. Morocco has small reserves of oil and gas, but must import the bulk of its needs. The main components of the manufacturing sector are food processing, textiles and the production of leather goods. In the service sector, tourism has grown rapidly and is now worth almost US$2 billion annually. The tourism industry has benefited from Morocco having one of the best infrastructures on the African continent; this is also an important consideration for foreign investors.

Remittances from Moroccan workers abroad (mostly in Europe) are another major source of revenue. During the last ten years, the government has introduced a series of IMF-sponsored reforms, including trade liberalisation and public expenditure cuts in exchange for successive assistance programmes. This has reduced the size of the public sector and contributed towards easing Morocco’s huge foreign debt but at the cost of increased unemployment. Almost half the workforce are officially unemployed. Expected GDP growth for 2003 is 5.5 per cent, an increase on the 2002 figure of 4.4 per cent. A trade agreement with the EU was signed in 1995 under which all tariff barriers will be removed by 2012. Morocco is also part of a planned Free Trade Zone (also including Jordan, Tunisia and Egypt) which will offer preferential access to EU markets. The Moroccan government has been negotiating a free trade agreement with the US, but has encountered difficulties with the EU which objects to some of its terms. Finally, Morocco is now the largest single recipient of aid from the EU. Morocco is also a member of the African Development Bank, the Islamic Development Bank and a founder member of the Union of the Arab Maghreb. Morocco’s main trading partner is France, followed by other EU countries. Spain, Germany and the USA are Morocco’s main suppliers. Morocco’s principal exports are phosphates, seafood products and fertilisers.

Business: Businesspeople should be of a smart appearance, although a suit is not necessary in very hot weather. Appointments should be made in advance. Negotiations often involve a great deal of bargaining and a visitor should expect to deal with a number of people. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1200 and 1430-1830.

Commercial Information: The following organisation can offer advice: La Fédération des Chambres de Commerce et d’Industrie du Maroc, 6 rue d’Erfoud, BP 218, Hassan-Rabat (tel: (37) 767 881 or 767 051; fax: (37) 767 076; e-mail: fccism@ccis.ma).

Conferences/Conventions: The Pullman Conference Centre in Marrakech provides meeting facilities for up to 5000 people. Additional facilities can be found at the Palais de Congrés. Further information and a special brochure on conferences and conventions, Morocco, A Feast for the Senses, can be obtained from the Moroccan National Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses section).

Climate

Climate: The climate varies from area to area. The coast has a warm, Mediterranean climate tempered on the eastern coast by southwest trade winds. Inland areas have a hotter, drier, continental climate. In the south of the country, the weather is very hot and dry throughout most of the year, with the nights coolest in the months of December and January. Rain falls from November to March in coastal areas. Mostly dry with high temperatures in summer. Cooler climate in the mountains. Marrakech and Agadir enjoy an average temperature of 21°C (70ºF) in the winter.

Required clothing: Lightweight cottons and linens are worn during summer, with warm mediumweights for the evenings during winter and in the mountains. Waterproofing is advisable in the wet season, particularly on the coast and in the mountains.