What is Morocco famous for?

Its medinas and souks (Marrakesh, Fes), the Sahara desert, mint tea and tagine, the blue city Chefchaouen, argan oil, and being Africa's most-visited country with around 19.8 million visitors in 2025.

What is the most interesting fact about Morocco?

The University of al-Qarawiyyin in Fes, founded in 859 AD by Fatima al-Fihri, is recognized as the world's oldest continuously operating university.

Was Morocco the first country to recognize the United States?

Yes - Morocco recognized the independent United States in 1777, and the two countries share one of the oldest unbroken friendship treaties.

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40 Interesting Facts About Morocco

Think you know Morocco? From the world's oldest university to goats that climb trees, here are 40 facts that surprise even seasoned travelers.

Records and Geography

1. Morocco became Africa's most-visited country, welcoming around 19.8 million visitors in 2025 - ahead of Egypt.
2. It is the only African country with both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines.
3. Spain is just 14 km away across the Strait of Gibraltar.
4. Mount Toubkal (4,167 m) is North Africa's highest peak - and you can ski in Morocco.
5. The Sahara's Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga rise up to 150 metres.
6. Morocco is one of the world's largest exporters of phosphates - and of argan oil, which comes from a tree growing nowhere else.
7. Goats really do climb argan trees to eat the fruit.

History and Culture

8. The University of al-Qarawiyyin in Fes (859 AD) is recognized as the world's oldest continuously operating university - founded by a woman, Fatima al-Fihri.
9. Morocco was the first country to recognize the independent United States, in 1777.
10. The Fes el-Bali medina is the world's largest car-free urban area.
11. Moroccans speak Darija, an Arabic so distinct that Middle Eastern Arabic speakers often can't follow it (languages guide).
12. Amazigh (Berber) is an official language, written in the ancient Tifinagh alphabet.
13. Couscous is UNESCO-listed intangible heritage - and traditionally a Friday dish (Moroccan food).
14. Mint tea is nicknamed "Moroccan whisky" - and Morocco is among the world's biggest green-tea importers.
15. The traditional hammam visit is a weekly family ritual, not a tourist invention.
16. First names must be approved by the civil registry - see the official list of Moroccan names.

Places and Colors

17. Chefchaouen is painted blue - theories range from mosquito repellent to spiritual symbolism.
18. Marrakesh is the "Red City"; Casablanca means "white house" in Spanish.
19. The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca has a 210 m minaret - among the tallest religious structures on Earth - and stands partly over the ocean.
20. Ait-Ben-Haddou starred in Gladiator and Game of Thrones; Ouarzazate hosts one of the world's largest film studios.
21. Morocco has nine UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Volubilis' Roman ruins.
22. Ifrane looks like a Swiss alpine town - and once recorded Africa's lowest temperature (-23.9 C).
23. Near Ouarzazate stands one of the world's largest solar power complexes (Noor).
24. Jemaa el-Fna square is UNESCO-listed for its storytellers and performers - a living oral heritage.

Daily Life

25. The dirham is a closed currency - you can't officially buy it abroad (money guide).
26. Morocco runs Africa's first high-speed train, Al Boraq (320 km/h).
27. Petit taxis are color-coded by city: ochre in Marrakesh, red in Casablanca, blue in Rabat (taxi guide).
28. Bread (khobz) is sacred - dropped bread is picked up, kissed and set aside, never trashed.
29. The left hand is considered unclean for eating and greeting (etiquette guide).
30. Friday couscous, Sunday souks: weekly rhythms still shape life outside the big cities.
31. Morocco won hearts as the first African and Arab nation to reach a FIFA World Cup semi-final (2022).
32. It will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.

Nature and Curiosities

33. The Ouzoud falls drop 110 m - with wild Barbary macaques in the trees.
34. Barbary macaques in the Middle Atlas cedar forests are Europe-and-Africa's only wild monkey north of the Sahara.
35. Morocco's rose valley (Kalaat M'Gouna) harvests tons of Damask roses each May for perfume.
36. Saffron grows in Taliouine - among the world's most expensive spices.
37. The Marathon des Sables, run in the Moroccan Sahara, is called the toughest footrace on Earth.
38. Dakhla's lagoon, where desert meets ocean, is a world kitesurfing mecca.
39. Some southern towns still announce iftar during Ramadan with a cannon shot.
40. Morocco is only about 14 km, 1 hour by ferry, from Europe - yet feels like another world. That's rather the point.

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