Morocco Travel info
The geography of Morocco spans from the Atlantic Ocean, to mountainous areas, to the Sahara desert. MOROCCO IS A NORTHERN AFRICAN COUNTRY, BORDERING THE NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN AND THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA, BETWEEN ALGERIA AND THE ANNEXED WESTERN SAHARA. IT IS ONE OF ONLY THREE NATIONS (ALONG WITH SPAIN AND FRANCE) TO HAVE BOTH ATLANTIC AND MEDITERRANEAN COASTLINES.History:
The area of present day Morocco has been inhabited by several civilizations: Roman, Phoenician, Vandal, Byzantine and Portuguese. Numerous sites they attest: the ruins of Volubilis, Lixus Tamusida-the "Battle of the Three Kings". Morocco was a French protectorate from 1912 to 1956.Moroccan independence (2 March 1956).Culture
Morocco has a rich culture and civilization mostly due to its ethnic diversity. The different civilizations in the region’s history have impacted Moroccan social structures. There are regional differences that contribute to the overall culture. The country has protection of diversity as one of its top priorities.Currency:
1 euro is about 10 Dirham's; 1US-Dollar is 8 DH The dirham is a restricted currency and can't be taken out of the country, is not traded, and theoretically isn't available abroad. Dirham is normally purchased within Morocco, and can be obtained from bureau de change in airports, major banks and hotels, or from cash machines, which are widely available in major towns and cities and will take most credit and debit cards. Using a debit card at an ATM is often the easiest and cheapest method. In any case we suggest to our Clients to inform their bank before you travel if you intend to use a card, to stop them declining any transaction as an anti-fraud measure. For currency exchange use: www.xe.comCLIMATE IN MOROCCO
The country’s Mediterranean climate is similar to that of southern California, with lush forests in the northern and central mountain ranges of the country, giving way to dryer conditions and inland deserts further south east. The Moroccan coastal plains experience remarkably moderate temperatures even in summer, owing to the effect of the cold Canary Current off its Atlantic coast.In the Rif, Middle and High Atlas Mountains, there exist several different types of climates: Mediterranean along the coastal lowlands, giving way to a humid temperate climate at higher elevations with sufficient moisture to allow for the growth of different species of oaks, moss carpets, junipers, and atlantic fir which is a royal conifer tree endemic to Morocco. In the valleys, fertile soils and high precipitation allow for the growth of thick and lush forests. Cloud forests can be found in the west of the Rif Mountains and Middle Atlas Mountains. At higher elevations, the climate becomes Alpine in character, and can sustain ski resorts. CULTURALLY SPEAKING, MOROCCO HAS ALWAYS BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN COMBINING ITS BERBER, JEWISH AND ARABIC CULTURAL HERITAGE WITH EXTERNAL INFLUENCES SUCH AS THE FRENCH AND THE SPANISH AND, DURING THE LAST DECADES, THE ANGLO-AMERICAN LIFESTYLES.