Fact File: Morocco

LANGUAGE

The official language is Arabic but French is the dominant business language in central and southern Morocco and something you can get along with about anywhere. Spanish is often spoken in the north. English is fairly widely spoken. The Berber languages, once dominant throughout Morocco, have declined in importance, and in the early 1990s about 25 percent of the people used Berber as their first language.

RELIGION

Islam is the established state religion of Morocco. Almost the entire population is Sunni Muslim. The monarch is the supreme Muslim authority in the country. About 1 percent of the population is Christian, and less than 0.2 percent is Jewish.

CUSTOMS

You can temporarily bring to Morocco, without formalities, the majority of your personal businesses in quantities corresponding to a current tourist activity. When in doubt, ask the nearest Moroccan diplomatic representation.

There are regulations on:

- alcohol (1 wine bottle and 1 alcohol bottle or 2 wine bottles by adult) and the tobacco (200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 G of tobacco per adult).

- weapons and the ammunition (50 cartridges per rifle) of hunting. The rifled guns are prohibited.

- the material of catches of sight professional. But not of concern for your stereotypes memories.

We remind to you that it is interdict to import or to export Dirhams.

CLIMATE

The sun is virtually guaranteed to shine at any time of the year in Morocco with temperatures varying from mild in winter months (cool nights) to hot in the summer.

ACCOMMODATION

There is an overwhelming variety of accommodation to choose from. Whether five-star camping, self-catered accommodation or a riad, there is one thing you can be sure of: the quality of the welcome.

HOTELS AND RIADS

In the country's major cities, the top names among Western hotel chains have been established for a long time. And numerous establishments across all categories offer a great range of choices. Comfort and quality of welcome can be expected at any of them. Not to mention the Riads, the traditional houses around a courtyard which have been refurbished as hotels, where you can rediscover the best of Moroccan art of living. In this land of traditions, hospitality remains a key value.

AUTHENTIC TRIPS

Moroccan hospitality is confirmed by the welcome reserved for travellers in self-catered accommodation and bed-and-breakfasts. Whether in a city or the countryside, this type of accommodation will enable you to get to know local life better. The basic self-catered accommodation and bed-and-breakfasts are wonderfully authentic. Spending a couple of nights in one of these establishments is an unforgettable experience.

CAMPING

Camping in Morocco is a unique experience: from the best surfing spots to wild and tranquil beaches, contact with the local population is always warm. Nearly 90 camping sites are available across the country. Most are located in natural surroundings: beaches, clearings, woodland. Some offer accommodation in a bungalow or in a traditional tent. They often have small restaurants and general stores.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

When travelling the body can be more sensitive before it soon adapts. Remember to wash your hands frequently, do not consume water which has not been opened in front of you and avoid ice cubes. As everywhere else in the world, stomach upsets come from water or food which is not cooked enough or badly washed. -Take precautions against insect bites and sunburn. If necessary, tourist offices and major hotels can put you in touch with doctors who speak English, French or other languages. Make enquiries before swimming in a Wadi or a lake.

INOCULATIONS

No vaccination certificate is required for visitors coming from Europe or America. An anti-cholera vaccination certificate may be required for visitors coming from areas where this disease is prevalent. Anti-malarial treatment is not necessary.

RESPECTFUL TOURISM

Whereas Morocco is resolutely committed to the path of progress, the modern customs of young people should not make them more familiar and less respectful. Contact should occur with a spirit of openness and respect for traditional customs.

SIMPLE RULES

As for any journey, prepare photocopies of your identity papers and keep them separately. Also keep a list of useful telephone numbers, in case you loose your credit card for example. It is always useful to know the details of diplomatic contacts for your country. They can point you towards health professionals. Respect customs, applicable laws and regulations.

Relax but be prudent: Safety rules to be observed are common sense. Your valuables and money must be discreet â€“ always try to keep them in pockets close to your body. The safety of tourists is a priority here. The vigilance of the police and the severity of prosecutions represent an effective and highly dissuasive system. Morocco knows how to take care of its guests.

ELECTRICITY

220 volts. Power points are of the French type.

TIME CHECK

GMT + 00:00

VISA

British passport holders do not currently require a visa to enter Morocco for a stay of up to three months.

COMMUNICATIONS

The network of telephone boxes extends to the smallest villages. As well as these, stores offering private telephone booths operated using coins are springing up across cities. You will be able to spot them from their signs. Most cell/mobile phone operators have a network here, but ask before you leave. Top tip: don't forget pre-paid cards. Warning: rates charged by hotels are sometimes high.

The International Dialling Code for Morocco 212.

POSTAL SERVICES

The extensive network of post offices makes it easy for you to send telegrams, parcels and faxes wherever you are. In the case of a simple postcard, you can find stamps in newspaper kiosks, cigarette stores and some hotel receptions.

INETRNET

CybercafÃ©s and internet stores abound in Morocco, particularly in cities. They offer a good connection for an often modest sum.

FEASTS GALORE

Non-religious public holidays are related to the country's history (including Independence Day on November 18th, and Throne Day on July 31st) or shared with other nations (January 1st and May 1st). On these days, most stores and restaurants remain open.

Religious festivals meanwhile follow the lunar calendar and therefore change slightly each year. There are five of these:

Muharram (New Year),

Mouloud (birth of the prophet Mohammed),

The start of Ramadan,

The AÃ¯d es-Seghir (end of Ramadan)

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim calendar and marks the start of the revelation of the Koran to the prophet Mohammed. Muslims fast for this entire month from sunrise to sunset; the evening is therefore a time for gatherings and feasts. Be aware however tourists are not obliged in any way in relation to this fast: they will be served even during the day, and can bathe and carry on as normal. Public parties to celebrate saints' feast days are organized throughout the year, across all regions.

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