Located in North Africa and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Morocco is a stunning country with a history and culture that date back thousands of years. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some fun facts about Morocco that you may not have known.
Fun Facts About Morocco
Morocco Is Home To The World’s Oldest University
The University of Al Quaraouiyine, located in the city of Fez, is considered the oldest continuously operating university in the world. Founded in 859 AD by Fatima al-Fihri, it has played a significant role in Islamic scholarship and education ever since. Additionally, the university has maintained its reputation as a center of academic excellence for over a thousand years. Furthermore, generations of scholars have graduated from its halls, and it continues to attract students from all over the world.
Morocco Is A Land Of Contrasts
Morocco is a country of stark contrasts, ranging from the snow-capped Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert. Moreover, from the ancient medinas of Fez and Marrakech to the modern cities of Casablanca and Rabat, the diversity of landscapes and cultures is astounding. These contrasts make Morocco a unique and fascinating destination for travelers, offering a wealth of experiences to discover.
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Morocco Is A Film Lover’s Paradise
Morocco has been the backdrop for many famous films, including Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and The Bourne Ultimatum. The country’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage make it an ideal location for filmmakers.
Morocco Has A Long And Fascinating History
For thousands of years, people have inhabited Morocco. And its rich and diverse history has seen various dynasties ruling over the country, including the Phoenicians, the Romans, and the Arabs. It was also an important center of Islamic scholarship and culture during the Middle Ages.
Morocco Is Home To Some Amazing Architecture
Morocco’s architecture is a blend of various styles, including Islamic, Berber, and European. The country is home to many stunning buildings and structures. For example, there is the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca and the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech. And the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis.
Morocco Is A Shopper’s Paradise
Morocco is famous for its markets, known as souks. In these souks, you can find everything from spices and textiles to pottery and jewelry. Moreover, the souks are a colorful and vibrant part of Moroccan culture. Therefore, they’re a must-visit for anyone traveling to the country.
Morocco Is A Land Of Music And Dance
Moroccan traditional music and dance significantly enrich the culture of Morocco. The country is known for its traditional music, such as the Gnawa and the chaabi, as well as its modern pop music. Moroccan dance is also popular, with styles like the chaabi and the belly dance.
Amazing Fun Facts About Morocco
- Morocco boasts stunning natural beauty in the form of the High Atlas Mountains, home to snow-capped peaks, shimmering lakes, and wandering wildlife.
- The four imperial cities of Morocco – Rabat, Marrakesh, Meknes, and Fez – offer a glimpse into the country’s rich history through their labyrinthine medinas and historic landmarks.
- Jemaa El-Fna Square in Marrakesh is a bustling hub of food stalls, souks, and street performers, perfect for testing your haggling skills and immersing yourself in local culture.
- Morocco’s architecture is a visual feast, featuring Islamic and Hispano-Moorish-inspired designs on palaces, mosques, and other historic landmarks.
- The Sahara desert in Morocco’s southeast offers miles of undulating sand dunes and camel tours for a unique and awe-inspiring experience.
- Shopping in Morocco’s souks is a must-do experience, featuring a maze of colorful lanes filled with local crafts and trinkets.
- The Jewish Museum in Casablanca offers a unique perspective on the history and culture of the country, and it is the only dedicated Jewish museum in the Arab world.
- Morocco holds a significant place in the history of the United States. Firstly, in 1777, it became the very first nation to acknowledge the United States as a self-governing country. As a result, American ships were authorized to safely navigate through the Atlantic Ocean. Furthermore, the Moroccan-American Friendship Treaty of 1876 is the longest-standing agreement of its kind, marking yet another important moment in the country’s history.
- With over 44 million active cell phones in use, Morocco’s population of 35 million is very tech-savvy. Access to the internet is primarily through mobile phones, making it the most common way to go online.
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Interesting Fun Facts About Morocco
- Standard Arabic and Standard Berber are the official languages of the country, and schools teach and widely speak French. The native dialect, Moroccan Arabic or Darija, and Spanish are spoken in the northern region due to historic ties.
- The country also boasts breathtaking beaches along its two stunning coastlines, one on the Atlantic Ocean and the other on the Mediterranean Sea.
- Morocco’s mountainous terrain in the Atlas and Rif ranges features many impressive elevations, including Oukaimeden, the highest ski resort in Africa. At an altitude of over 10,000 feet, skiers flock to the snow slopes here.
- The Noor Power Plant project covers an area of 2,500 hectares in the Agadir district. Holds the distinction of being the world’s largest concentrated solar power plant. The region receives some of the highest levels of sunlight anywhere around the globe, making it an ideal location for the plant.
- Morocco’s national soccer team, the Lions of Atlas, was the first Arab team to make it to the second round of the World Cup in 1986, with their traditional rivals being Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt.
- Spain is only 15 miles away, across the Strait of Gibraltar, making it visible on a clear day.
- Morocco is definitely a cat country, with hundreds of stray cats found everywhere on the streets. Locals generally love and care for these furry friends, while dogs are a rare sight.
- The Idrisid dynasty founded Morocco in 786 under the leadership of Prophet Muhammad’s great great-great grandson, Idris I.
- Morocco has many festivals and holidays. In fact, the country celebrates three New Year’s celebrations. One is based on the Gregorian Calendar. Additionally, there is the Amazigh New Year or Yennayer. Finally, there is the Islamic New Year, Fatih Muharram.
Surprising Fun Facts About Morocco
- Morocco is the only African country that is not a member of the African Union. It left the organization in 1984 over the dispute over Western Sahara, which it claims as its own territory.
- Morocco is the world’s largest exporter of phosphates, which are used in fertilizers and other industrial products. It has about 75% of the world’s phosphate reserves.
- Morocco is the only country in the world where the national sport is not soccer, but rather a form of polo called “Fantasia.” This sport involves horseback riders charging in unison while firing rifles into the air.
- Argan trees grow and argan oil is produced exclusively in Morocco, making it the only country in the world where this occurs. People use this oil in cosmetics and also consume it as food.
- Morocco has a rich Jewish heritage and history, with several historic Jewish communities still thriving in cities like Casablanca, Marrakech, and Essaouira.
- Morocco has a unique and diverse cuisine, with influences from Berber, Arab, Jewish, and French cultures. Some famous Moroccan dishes include couscous, tagine, and harira soup.
- Local beauty product manufacturers harvest beautiful rose flowers every year in the Valley of Roses, also known as the M’Goun Valley.
- Marrakesh, also known as the Red City, and Chefchaouen, the Blue City, are two of the country’s most iconic and picturesque cities.
- The Barbary Lion, the only species native to Northern Africa, is the national animal of Morocco and was once found in the country’s forests and mountains but is now extinct.