Morocco is located in the northwestern corner of Africa. The Atlas Mountains (which run across Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia) separate the Sahara Desert (the largest subtropical desert on Earth which stretches over 9.2 million square km, or 3.5 million square miles) from the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Morocco, along with Spain and France, are the only countries to have both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines. 

The Grand Atlas (or High Atlas), located in central Morocco, is one of the highest mountain ranges in Africa. The Atlas Mountains are mostly inhabited by the Berbers (the Amazigh), an indigenous civilization of North Africa whose culture is one of the oldest in the world. 

99% of Morocco's population is Sunni Muslim. At the end of Ramadan, Morrocans celebrate Eid al-Fitr, one of the most important holidays of the Islamic calendar. It is tradition to eat couscous, tagine, seafood pastille, and roasted chicken. 

Sweets are also an important part of the festivities. Fekkas (twice-baked cookies), Kaab el Ghzal (crescent-shaped almond pastries), Ghriba (cookies), and Baghrir (a light and airy pancake soaked in butter and honey) are household staples. All of this is always accompanied by mint tea, Morocco’s national beverage. 

While Moroccan Arabic is the official language of Morocco, the Berber dialects, Tachelhit or Chleuh (Souss region), Tarifit (Rif Mountains) and Tamazight (central Atlas) are spoken by many people in the country. French is a non-official language spoken by more than half the population. This is due to the French protectorate in place from 1912 to 1956. French architectural influences are also still present in many cities. 

Morocco has four majestic, imperial cities: Fez, Marrakesh, Meknes, and Rabat. All of them served as capital of the country at one point during its history, but Rabat is the current capital. 

Fez has the oldest continually working university in the world. The University of Al Quaraouiyine was established in 859. 

Marrakesh’s iconic Jemaa el-Fna Square is one of the world’s most famous and busiest squares and markets, filled with food and surrounded by musicians playing traditional Moroccan music. Marrakesh is also known as the ‘Red City’ due to the clay and red sandstone used to construct many of the old buildings. On the other hand, Chefchaouen is known as the Blue Pearl (or ‘Blue City’) of Morocco because the entire medina and a large portion of the town is painted pale blue.

The Moroccan Djellaba is one of the most popular forms of traditional Moroccan clothing. It’s a long garment with sleeves and a hood that comes in dozens of different styles and can be worn by everyone. While it is still commonly worn by people all over the country, it is now often reserved for special occasions and festivities.

Did you know that Morocco has deep, long-lasting ties with the United States? In 1777, Morocco was one of the first countries to recognize the United States as a sovereign nation. In 1786, the U.S. and Morocco signed a peace and friendship treaty and it remains the longest unbroken relationship in U.S. history.