What is Morocco known for? 20 interesting facts why tourists love it

What is Morocco known for? Morocco is known for many things, including being the only African country with coastal exposure to both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Discover more about the country, including its rich culture and unique geographic features.

Key takeaways

• Tea is considered the most important beverage in Morocco.
• It is home to al-Qarawiyyin (Al-Karaouine), the world’s oldest university.
• Morocco is a bridge country between Europe and Africa, due to its geographical location.
• Barbary lion is the country's national animal.

What is Morocco known for?

Morocco is one of the most attractive destinations for travellers from across the globe. The country is home to a diverse range of scenic and natural treasures. Here are some interesting facts about Morocco.

1. Tea is the most essential beverage in Morocco

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Tea, especially Maghrebi mint tea, holds a special place in Moroccan culture. This tea is made from spearmint leaves, green tea, and sugar. In most areas, the man of the house traditionally makes the tea and serves it to guests as a sign of hospitality, highlighting its importance in their daily lives.

2. Morocco has two official languages

One of the most interesting facts about Moroccan culture is that it has two official languages, Moroccan Arabic (Darija) and Berber.

Therefore, travelling to Morocco requires a basic knowledge of these two languages, as few locals speak English, Italian, German and Dutch. However, most of the country's inhabitants speak more than one national language. For instance, some locals in the northern regions also speak French due to proximity to France.

3. Morocco has the world’s oldest university

Morocco is home to the world’s oldest university, the University of al-Qarawiyyin (Al-Karaouine). This prestigious institution is located in Fez, Morocco and was originally founded as a mosque in 859 AD by Tunisian-born Fatima al-Fihri before developing into an educational centre of the Islamic Golden Age.

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4. Morocco is a bridge to Europe

Morocco lies directly across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain, hence serving as a bridge country between Europe and Africa, with only 14 kilometres separating the two at the Strait of Gibraltar.

The proximity between Europe and Morocco has greatly influenced cultural and commercial exchanges between Africa and Europe.

5. It has some amazing ski slopes

The High Atlas mountain, about 90 minutes south of Marrakech, offers a skiing experience. There are several ski resorts in the High Atlas, including Oukaïmeden, Africa’s highest ski resort. It is just 50 miles (80km) from Marrakesh, in the High Atlas Mountains.

6. It has two ethnic groups, Berbers and Arabs

The Berbers, also known as the Amazigh, are the indigenous residents of Morocco. According to WorldAtlas, they have lived in Morocco for over 4 thousand years. Before the Arab invasion in the 7th Century, they were Christian or Jewish, but they converted to Islam after Arab' invasion.

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7. Islam is Morocco's official state religion

Morocco is a sovereign Muslim state, and Islam is the religion of the state, with more than 99% of the population being Muslims. The largest subset of Muslims in Morocco is Maliki Sunni.

The royal house, the ʿAlawite dynasty, which has ruled since the 17th century, bases its claim to legitimacy on descent from the Prophet Muhammad, a Muslim religious leader.

8. Morocco is located between two water bodies

Morocco is positioned between two water bodies. It is the only African country with coastlines on both the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The two water bodies meet near Tangier, creating a stunning natural spectacle.

9. Has the second-oldest ruling dynasty in the world

Morocco has the second-oldest ruling dynasty in the world, after Japan. Mohammed VI, the current King of Morocco, is the twenty-third sovereign of the Alawi dynasty.

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The political leader ascended to power in July 1999, following the death of his father, King Hassan II. The royal family has been in power since 1631.

10. Lunch is the most important meal in Morocco

Lunch is the day's most substantial meal. Sandwiches, pasta, and tajines of different varieties are usually served during this time. Breakfast is simple in most homes: bread with olive oil and tea. Dinners are usually lighter and served late.

11. Morocco's flag is red with a green star at the centre

The flag is red with an open green star, which has five points, at the centre. Adopted in 1915, red in the flag represents strength, bravery and hardiness, while green symbolises hope, peace, love, wisdom and joy. The five-pointed star symbolises the five pillars of Islam.

12. Morocco is rich in natural resources

Phosphate is the most common natural resource in Morocco and constitutes two-thirds of the world's phosphates. They are mainly used in plant fertilisers and in making chemical compounds.

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13. Morocco is the main exporter of argan oil

Morocco is the world’s largest exporter of argan oil, an ingredient in cosmetic products such as hair conditioners. However, in Morocco, it is also often used for cooking. According to Horizon, the argan oil market is expected to reach a projected revenue of $97 million by 2030.

14. Morocco bagged the Blue Flag award

According to Morocco World News, the country was awarded Blue Flag certification to 33 Moroccan sites during the 2025 summer season. The sites include 28 beaches, four marinas, and one mountain lake.

15. It has Africa's high-speed train

The country has Africa's fastest high-speed rail line, Al Boraq. The train was launched by King Mohammed VI in November 2018. It can reach 320 km/h and has significantly reduced travel time between the country's two largest cities, Tangier and Casablanca, since 2018.

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16. Morocco has distinct food etiquette for dining

In Moroccan culture, the right hand is considered clean and appropriate for eating, while the left hand is considered unclean. Moroccans considered it rude to serve or handle food with your left hand.

17. Morocco has had four capital cities

Marrakech, Fez, Rabat, and Meknes were once capitals of various dynasties and empires in the Kingdom of Morocco. Fez was the first capital city of Morocco until 1912. Rabat is currently the capital city of Morocco and is located on the Atlantic coast.

18. The national animal of Morocco is the Barbary lion

The national animal of Morocco is the Barbary lion. It is commonly seen on clothing featuring the colours of the flag. The coat of arms has two lions holding up the shield. They have long been a symbol of strength and nobility. This lion is now extinct in the wild mountainous regions, but is present in conservation sites.

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19. Couscous is the most loved delicacy served on Fridays

Couscous, a tiny, grain-like pasta, is traditionally served on Friday after prayer, bringing together family and friends around a communal dish. In 2020, this delicious food was inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

20. Football is the most popular sport in Morocco

Football is the most common sport in Morocco. In 1976, the Moroccan national football team won the African Cup of Nations. They have also won two African Nations Championships.

Moreover, they have participated in the FIFA World Cup six times. In 2022, they became the first African team to reach the semi-final.

What is Morocco also known as?

It is also called the Kingdom of Morocco. It has been ruled by the Alawite dynasty since the 17th century.

What are 5 interesting facts about Morocco?

Some of the five interesting facts about the country are that it loves football, the main food served on Fridays is couscous, it has had four capital cities, it has the second-oldest ruling dynasty in the world, and tea is the most essential beverage in the country.

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Is Morocco a rich or a poor country?

Morocco is a lower-middle-income country. According to World Bank Group data, the country's GDP is alleged to be over 154 billion. Morocco's primary resources are phosphate minerals, agriculture, and tourism.

What is Morocco known best for?

The country is known for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, delicious couscous, and historic landmarks.

The above are some of the interesting facts about Morocco. The country is located in northwest Africa and boasts a rich history, a thriving culture, diverse landscapes, and an engaging culture.

Yen.com.gh published an article featuring some fun facts about Argentina. Argentina, also known as the Land of Silver, is a country with an extensive history, diverse landscapes, and a rich culture.

For instance, it has several stunning landscapes, distinct cultural styles, and, most significantly, its people. Discover more details about its history, culture, and location.

Source: YEN.com.gh