Morocco is one of Africa’s most fascinating countries—a place where snow-capped mountains, vast deserts, ancient cities and Hollywood film sets exist side by side. Here are some quick facts that make Morocco stand out:
🏔️ 1. Morocco Has Snow
The High Atlas Mountains receive heavy snowfall during winter. You can even go skiing around 90 minutes from Marrakech.
🇪🇸 2. Europe Is Just 14km Away
Morocco is separated from Spain by the Strait of Gibraltar, with the two continents only about 14 kilometres apart at their closest point.
🦁 3. The Barbary Lion Is Extinct in the Wild
The Barbary lion, once native to North Africa, is extinct in the wild. However, the lion remains an important national symbol of Morocco.
🐐 4. Goats Climb Trees
In Morocco’s argan-growing regions, goats are famously known for climbing argan trees to feed on their fruit.
🎓 5. Home to an Ancient University
The University of Al Quaraouiyine in Fez, founded in 859 AD, is traditionally recognised as one of the world’s oldest continuously operating centres of higher learning.
🇺🇸 6. Morocco Recognised the United States in 1777
Morocco was the first country to formally recognise the United States after its independence, establishing a diplomatic connection that has lasted for centuries.
🏙️ 7. Morocco Has Had Four Imperial Capitals
Fez, Marrakech, Meknes and Rabat have all served as important royal or imperial capitals at different points in Moroccan history.
🚶 8. Fez Has a Huge Car-Free Medina
The ancient medina of Fez is renowned for its intricate maze of narrow streets, many of which are too narrow for cars.
👑 9. The Alaouite Dynasty Has Ruled Since 1666
The current Moroccan royal family, the Alaouite Dynasty, has ruled the country since the 17th century.
🍵 10. Mint Tea Is a Symbol of Hospitality
Moroccan mint tea is so deeply embedded in social life that it is sometimes jokingly called “Moroccan whisky.” It is traditionally poured from a height into small glasses.
🍲 11. Tagine Is Named After Its Cooking Pot
The famous Moroccan tagine is both a dish and the distinctive conical clay pot traditionally used to prepare it.
🎬 12. Morocco Is a Major Filming Destination
The desert city of Ouarzazate is home to major film studios and has served as a backdrop for international productions, including Gladiator and The Mummy.
🌿 13. Morocco Is Famous for Argan Oil
The country is a major source of argan oil, which is widely used in cosmetics, skincare and cooking.
🌹 14. Morocco Has a Famous Rose Valley
Around Kalaat M’Gouna, Damask roses are harvested seasonally and used to produce rose water, perfumes, and other products.
🏃 15. The Sahara Hosts an Extreme Marathon
Morocco hosts the Marathon des Sables, a multi-day ultramarathon across the Sahara that has become one of the world’s most challenging desert races.
Morocco is more than deserts and camels. 🇲🇦
It is a country where Africa meets Europe, ancient scholarship meets modern tourism, and snowy mountains rise above landscapes that lead into the Sahara.
Which of these Morocco facts surprised you the most?
This explainer was compiled by our intern, Jeremiah-Peter Nelson, an undergraduate of Covenant University, Otta.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.