Morocco is a fascinating territory comprising a part of North Africa, located specifically in the Maghreb region. An exceptional situation on the map in which it coexists to the north with the Mediterranean Sea and to the west with the Atlantic Ocean. To the east and southeast is Algeria and in the south Mauritania. With an area of 710,850 km2, in this article we will understand how it is divided and what are its main geographical features.
How history has influenced Morocco’s geography?
We have to go back in time to understand some of Morocco’s current characteristics. And also to be aware that the country, because of its location, is a step between Europe and Africa and this gives it certain special characteristics. In fact, its culture is a mixture of Berber, Arab, Sub-Saharan and European influences.
Morocco’s geography stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the mountainous areas up to the Sahara desert.
If we visit the north, we are struck by the Roman ruins of the city of Volubilis. If we visit Rabat, we are surprised by some architectural remains of the former French presence. Among other influences, the dynasties made their way through the Kasbah, the extensive gardens and the many traditions that accompany the routine life of the Moroccans.
Another fact is that from 1912 until 1956, Morocco was divided into two protectorates: the Spanish and the French. Something that influenced greatly until its liberation. Even so, Spain currently owns the cities of Ceuta and Melilla, as well as other small enclaves such as the island of Alboran, the Chafarinas Islands and the rocks of Al Hoceima and Velez de Gomera.
What is Morocco’s climate and geography like?
As we mentioned at the beginning of the article, Morocco has a unique location and this also influences its territory and landscapes. The Mediterranean climates and the winds of the Sahara, as well as the power of the Atlantic Ocean, form enchanting landscapes surrounded by a rich heterogeneous culture. Morocco is one of the only 3 countries, together with France and Spain, to have both an Atlantic and a Mediterranean coast.
If we go deeper, we know that the climate is Mediterranean in the north, Atlantic and temperate in the west, more continental in the interior, desert in the south and humid in the Atlas area. So there are many climatic contrasts depending on the area you visit.
Morocco is largely mountainous. It has four mountain ranges: the Rif, the Middle Atlas, the High Atlas and the Anti-Atlas, being the Toubkal the highest mountain with 4,162 meters of altitude. The popular Atlas Mountains are located mainly in the center and south of the country. And, the Rif Mountains are located in the north of Morocco. Both mountain ranges are inhabited mainly by the Berber people.
In much of the southeastern part of the country, you will find the incomparable Sahara Desert, which is sparsely populated. To the south, you will find the Western Sahara.
Morocco’s flora is one of the richest in North Africa, with nearly 4,200 species. On your visit to the country, be sure to observe and be amazed by its rich flora and varied fauna.
Population of Morocco
The country has more than 36 million inhabitants. The political capital is Rabat and the economic capital is Casablanca. Even so, there are many cities with high population densities, with Casablanca occupying the first place, followed by: Rabat, Fez, Salé, Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier and Meknés.
The main languages spoken in Morocco are classical Arabic and Berber or Tamazight. French is another official language and the most common in commerce and higher education. Moroccans usually speak other languages such as English and Spanish. However, if you are going on an organized trip or excursion, it is more than likely that the driver and/or guide will speak your language. Having this option greatly facilitates the trip in Morocco as you can make the most of the visits and better understand the places.
If you want to know more details, you can consult the guide of Morocco that we offer you.
Plan which areas of Morocco you want to visit
The location and history of Morocco make it a destination full of contrasts, with two millennia that tell its history and that the traveler is always worth discovering. With this article, you have been able to get a basic idea of what the territory of Morocco is like. But we encourage you to visit the other pages of our blog to continue discovering many other details and consult the offer in excursions and trips, so you can start planning all the areas and corners you want to visit.
Being such a vast and varied country, planning will be key to optimize your time and be able to nourish yourself with the true essence of the country.
