Morocco is a country in northwestern Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It is well known for its vibrant medinas, Sahara Desert landscapes, and rich Berber and Arab cultural heritage. The Atlas Mountains run through the country's interior, shaping both its climate and its diverse ways of life.
- Capital
- Rabat
- Continent
- Africa
- Region
- Northern Africa
- Area
- 446,550 km²
- Coordinates
- 32° N, 5° W
Country facts
- Morocco is home to the University of al-Qarawiyyin in Fez, founded in 859 CE and widely regarded as one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world.
- The country has three official languages: Arabic, Tamazight (Berber), and French.
- Morocco is the world's largest exporter of phosphates, a mineral essential for fertilizers.
- The Argan tree, which produces oil prized in cooking and cosmetics, grows almost exclusively in southwestern Morocco.
- Morocco was the first country to formally recognize the United States as an independent nation, in 1777.
Capital facts
- Rabat was established as a capital city by the Almohad dynasty in the 12th century.
- The city is home to the Hassan Tower, an unfinished minaret begun in 1195 that remains one of Morocco's most iconic monuments.
- Rabat's medina and historic sites were collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012.
- The Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a striking example of Moroccan architecture, stands adjacent to the Hassan Tower and honors the king who led Morocco to independence.
- Rabat sits at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River, directly across from the sister city of Salé.