Language

The official language of Morocco is Arabic, but French is used very often in the country. Some of the locals speak English and Spanish. Spanish is especially spoken in the vicinity of the city of Fes.

Religious Features

The main religion of the country is Islam. The number of Sunni Muslims is 99%, Christians – 0.8% and Jews – 0.2%.

Moroccans are a very hospitable nation, which is not surprising, because religion obliges them to treat the guest with special respect, giving the best that is in the house, and also surround him with attention and care.

Access to mosques, with rare exceptions, for non-Muslims is prohibited.

Population

According to Countryaah, the population of the country of Morocco has more than 34 million people, of which about 55% are Arabs, 44% are Berbers and only 0.7% are foreigners.

Behavior rules

The country has a certain number of rules of conduct not only for the hospitable hosts of the house, but also for the guest invited by them. Also, a person who first came to the country or is going to live in it must definitely know about these rules.

In public, it is not customary to hug and show other strong emotions.

The annoying harassment of “guides” or street vendors is one of the serious problems for foreign tourists, which should be answered with a firm but polite refusal.

It is not recommended to appear in too bold clothes on the street. This mainly applies to women.

Photo and video filming of people in military and police uniforms, as well as military installations, is prohibited in the country.

When talking, it is customary to ask and answer questions in detail about business, personal life, health, etc., this is a manifestation of friendliness and courtesy in Morocco.

Refusing an invitation to a cafe or a visit can be a serious reason for resentment. Before the start of dinner, a bowl of “pink” hot water is often served to wash the hands.

When eating food, you should not touch it with your left hand, it is customary to eat with three fingers of your right hand, folding them into a pinch. Bread is a symbol of prosperity, which should be consumed with dignity and very sparingly.

Most likely, at a party you will have to drink at least three cups of mint tea: you can refuse the fourth one without risking appearing impolite to the hosts.

Clothing

Most women in Morocco wear national long dresses of various colors, which is more a tribute to national fashion than religiosity. The scarf that covers the head of Moroccan women is rarely seen on the streets, in about 50% of cases.

Muslim upbringing still does not allow women to expose themselves, so in the country it is very rare to see a girl in a mini.

Public holidays in Morocco

January 1 – Celebration of the European New Year.
January 11 – Independence Manifesto Day.
March 3 – The day when King Hassan II ascended the throne.
May 1 – Labor Day.
May 23 – National holiday.
July 9 – Youth Day is celebrated.
August 20 – Revolution Day.
November 6 – Memorable day of the Green March.
November 18 – Independence Day.

Religious holidays

• End day of Ramadan.
• Eid al-Kabir, the sacrifice of Ibrahim.
• First day of Muharram (Muslim New Year)
• Ashura, the holiday of the poor and children.
• Mawlid, the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.

The date of religious holidays changes annually and depends on the lunar calendar. Check agooddir for recent history of Morocco.

The month of Ramadan falls between December and February. In these months, before sunset, it is forbidden to eat and drink, and the consumption of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited (even for tourists). During the day, shops operate on a reduced working schedule or do not work at all.