Morocco Flag Description.
Red with a green pentacle (five-pointed, linear star) known as Sulayman’s (Solomon’s) seal in the center of the flag; red and green are traditional colors in Arab flags, although the use of red is more commonly associated with the Arab states of the Persian gulf; design dates to 1912.
Just the facts:
To ensure you get the most from your visit to Morocco, it is important to have a few basic facts on hand before you arrive. From currency to transport, from newspapers to business hours, you’ll find the information you need:
| Meaning of Country’s name | It’s full Arabic name is al-Mamlaka al-Maġribiyya, which translates to ‘The Western Kingdom’ |
| Capital | Rabat |
| Largest Cities | Casablanca, Rabat, Fez, Marrakech, Agadir, Tangiers, Meknes, Oujda, Kenitra |
| Population | 31,993,00 (2009 est) |
| Country Code | 212 |
| Internet Country Code | .ma |
| Area | 172,414 sq mi (446,550 km sq) |
| Area-Comparative | Slightly larger than California |
| Bordering Countries | Algeria, Western Sahara, Spain |
| Date of Founding (Current State) | April 7, 1956 |
| Type of Government | Constitutional Monarchy |
| Languages Spoken | Arabic, English, Spanish, Berber Languages |
| Religions Practiced | Islam (99,7%), Christianity (0.3%), Judaism and Baha’i (<0.1%) |
| GDP per Capita | $4,604 (2009 est) (USD) |
| Latest GDP Growth Rate | 5.1% (2009 est) |
| Top Exports | Clothing, Textiles, Electric Components, Inorganic chemicals, Crude Minerals, Petroleum Products, Citrus Fruits, Fish |
| National Holidays | New Year’s Day – January 1, Manifesto of Independence – January 11, Aid al-Mawlid (Prophet’s Birthday) – February 26, Labor Day – May 1, Feast of the Throne – July 30, Fete Oued Eddahab (Oued Eddahab Allegiance Day) – August 14, Revolution du Roi et du Peuple (Anniversary of the King and the People’s Revolution) – August 20, King Mohammed’s Birthday – August 21, Aid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) – September 10, Marche Verte (Anniversary of the Green March) – November 6, Aid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) – November 16, Fete de I’Independance (Independence Day) – November 18, Faith Muharram (Muslim New Year) – December 7 |
| Money Currency | Moroccan dirham (MAD) |
| National Sports Teams | Morocco National Cricket Team, Morocco Davis Cup Team, Morocco Fed Cup Team, Morocco National Futsal Team, Morocco National Football team, Morocco National Rugby League Team, Morocco Men’s National Water Polo Team, Morocco National Rugby Union Team |
| Random Fact | Morocco is the 10th richest country in Africa |
Electricity:
220 volts in new buildings, 110 volts in the old ones. Inquire on the spot before using appliances.
Passports and visas:
For European Union citizens, a valid passport for individual, non-package tours, or a national identity card (valid for any person traveling with an organized package tour- with a hotel reservation voucher issued by a travel agency). For certain nationalities, a visa is required. Please note that unlike Europeans, British Citizens do not have National Identification cards. As such, they require a passport to enter Morocco.
Vaccination:
No vaccination certificate is needed.
The cuisine:
Considered to be the leading Arab cuisine, it is universally known and appreciated. Each region has its ouw specialities, which include couscous, the ultimate national dish, roast lamb mechoui, tagines, pastille and all the pastries made of almonds and honey…
You are offered mint tea at any time of day. Milk accompanied by dates, the symbol of Moroccan hospitality, provides a welcome for distinguished visitors.
Emergency numbers:
Royal Gendarmerie: 177
Police: 19
Firebrigade/Ambulance: 150