Moving to Morocco: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

35,561,654

Population Growth Rate

1.04%

Urban Population

57.000000

Population in Major Urban Areas

• Casablanca 3.046 million
• RABAT (capital) 1.843 million
• Fes 1.088 million
• Marrakech 939,000
• Tangier 810,000
• Agadir 805,000

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Age Structure

26.080000

Median Age

27.700000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

19

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

4.78

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

2.17

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

67.4%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

67.4%

Mean Age for Mother's First Birth (age 25-49)

25.4

Mother's mean age at first birth

25.4

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.050000

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

-3.56

Ethnic Groups

Arab-Berber 99.1%, other 0.7%, Jewish 0.2%

Language Note

The official language is Arabic, and the Moroccan dialect of Arabic, called Derija, is the most widely spoken tongue.

Derija is quite different from the classical Arabic of the Qur’an (koran), the scriptural text of Islam.

Berber is the native language of about 35 % of the population, and it also includes several dialects.

Other dialects are Rif, Tamazight and Shluh.

French is widely spoken, especially in business, government, and higher education.

Spanish can still be heard in the north, which was formerly under Spanish control.

English is gaining popularity.

Nationality Noun

Moroccan(s)

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Literacy - total population

52.3%

Literacy - male

64.1%

Literacy - female

39.4%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

5.4%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

11.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

76.310000

Infant Mortality Rate

25.490000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

25.490000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

100

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

.62

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

1.1

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

6%

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

16.4%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

98.500000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

84.500000

Underweight - percent of children under five years

3.1%

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Economic Overview

• Overview: Morocco has experienced steady economic growth over the past few decades, driven by diversified sectors such as agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and services. According to the World Bank, the Moroccan economy expanded by an average of 4% annually in the decade leading up to 2022, displaying resilience despite global economic uncertainties. Key
• Sectors: Agriculture: Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the Moroccan economy, employing a significant portion of the population and contributing to both GDP and exports. The country is a major producer of cereals, citrus fruits, vegetables, and olives, with a strong focus on modernizing agricultural practices and improving productivity.
• Tourism: Morocco's enchanting landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture make it a popular destination for tourists worldwide. The tourism sector contributes significantly to GDP and employment, and investments in infrastructure and promotion campaigns aim to further bolster the industry.
• Manufacturing: Morocco has emerged as a manufacturing hub, particularly in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, textiles, and electronics. The country's strategic location, skilled labor force, and preferential trade agreements have attracted foreign investment, establishing numerous industrial zones and export-oriented industries.
• Services: The services sector, encompassing finance, telecommunications, and retail, is vital in driving economic growth and employment generation. Casablanca, Morocco's economic capital, hosts a thriving financial district and a regional hub for trade and commerce. Recent
• Developments: In recent years, Morocco has undertaken various reforms to enhance its business environment, attract investment, and promote sustainable development. Initiatives such as the National Pact for Industrial Emergence and the Green Morocco Plan aim to stimulate economic diversification, improve infrastructure, and boost competitiveness.

Industries

phosphate rock mining and processing, food processing, leather goods, textiles, construction, tourism

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$8,300.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

4.9%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$259,420,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$8,300.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

4.9%

GDP - official exchange rate

$103,100,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 60.2% government
• consumption: 19.1% investment in fixed
• capital: 28.5% investment in
• inventories: 2.6% exports of goods and
• services: 34.4% imports of goods and
• services: -44.8%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

13.8%

GDP by Sector- Industry

29%

GDP by Sector- services

57.2%

Industrial Growth Rate

4.4%

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Inflation Rate

2.5%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

Moroccan dirham (MAD)

Currency Name and Code

Moroccan Dirham (MAD)

Fiscal Year

calendar year

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

6.3%

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Labor Force

11,630,000

Unemployment Rate

9.8%

Major Industries

phosphate rock mining and processing, food processing, leather goods, textiles, construction, tourism

Agriculture Products

barley, wheat, citrus, wine, vegetables, olives; livestock

Population Below Poverty Line

15%

Child Labor - # of children ages 5-14

500,960

Child Labor - % of children ages 5-14

8%

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Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

44.6%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

19.8%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

35.5%

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Annual Budget

$23,420,000,000 (USD)

Public Debt (% of GDP)

72.3%

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-8%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

24.9%

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Full Country Name

Kingdom of Morocco

Country Name

Morocco

Local - Long

Al Mamlakah al Maghribiyah

Local - Short

Al Maghrib

Former Name

French Protectorate in Morocco, Spanish Protectorate in Morocco, Ifni, Spanish Sahara, Western Sahara

Etymology- history of name

the English name "Morocco" derives from, respectively, the Spanish and Portuguese names "Marruecos" and "Marrocos," which stem from "Marrakesh" the Latin name for the former capital of ancient Morocco; the Arabic name "Al Maghrib" translates as "The West"

Independence

2 March 1956 (from France)

National Holiday

Throne Day (accession of King MOHAMMED VI to the throne), 30 July (1999)

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Government Type

parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Constitution

• history: several previous; latest drafted 17 June 2011, approved by referendum 1 July 2011; note - sources disagree on whether the 2011 referendum was for a new constitution or for reforms to the previous constitution
• amendments: proposed by the king, by the prime minister, or by members in either chamber of Parliament; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by both chambers and approval in a referendum; the king can opt to submit self-initiated proposals directly to a referendum

Legal System:

mixed legal system of civil law based on French civil law and Islamic (sharia) law; judicial review of legislative acts by Constitutional Court

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: King MOHAMMED VI (since 30 July 1999)
• head of government: Prime Minister Aziz AKHANNOUCH (since 7 October 2021)
• cabinet: Council of Ministers chosen by the prime minister in consultation with Parliament and appointed by the monarch; the monarch chooses the ministers of Interior, Foreign Affairs, Islamic Affairs, and National Defense Administration
• elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch from the majority party following legislative elections

Legislative Branch:

• Description: bicameral Parliament consists of: House of Councillors or Majlis al-Mustacharine (120 seats; members indirectly elected by an electoral college of local councils, professional organizations, and labor unions; members serve 6-year terms) House of Representatives or Majlis al-Nuwab (395 seats; 305 members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote and 90 directly elected in a single nationwide constituency by proportional representation vote; members serve 5-year terms);
• Note: 60 seats reserved for women and 30 seats for those under age 40 in regional multi-seat constituencies, with the seats divided proportionally among the 12 regions by population size of the region
• Elections: House of Councillors - last held on 5 October 2021 (next to be held by 31 October 2027) House of Representatives - last held on 8 September 2021 (next to be held by 30 September 2026)
• Election Results: House of Councillors - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - RNI 27, PAM 19, PI 17, MP 12, USFP 8, UGIM 6, CDT 3, PJD 3, UC 2, UMT 2, Amal 1, FDT 1, MDS 1, PRD 1, independent 1; composition as of October 2021) men 105, women 15, percent of women 12.5% House of Representatives - percent of vote by party NA; seats by party - RNI 102, PAM 87, PI 81, USFP 34, MP 28, PPS 22, UC 18, PJD 13, MDS 5, other 5; composition as of July 2022 - men 305, women 90, percent of women 24.1%;
• Note: overall percent of women in Parliament 21.4%

Judicial Branch:

• office: Supreme Court judges appointed by the Superior Council of Judicial Power, a 20-member body presided over by the monarch, which includes the Supreme Court president, the prosecutor general, representatives of the appeals and first instance courts (among them 1 woman magistrate), the president of the National Council for Human Rights (CNDH), and 5 "notable persons" appointed by the monarch; judges appointed for life; Constitutional Court members - 6 designated by the monarch and 6 elected by Parliament; court president appointed by the monarch from among the court members; members serve 9-year nonrenewable terms
• subordinate courts: courts of appeal; High Court of Justice; administrative and commercial courts; regional and Sadad courts (for religious, civil and administrative, and penal adjudication); first instance courts

Regions or States:

12 regions; Beni Mellal-Khenifra, Casablanca-Settat, Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab, Draa-Tafilalet, Fes-Meknes, Guelmim-Oued Noun, Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra, Marrakech-Safi, Oriental, Rabat-Sale-Kenitra, Souss-Massa, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima note: effective 10 December 2020, the US Government recognizes the sovereignty of Morocco over all of the territory of former Western Sahara

Political Parties and Leaders:

• Action Party or PA [Mohammed EL IDRISSI]
• Amal (hope)
• Party [Mohamed BANI]
• An-Nahj Ad-Dimocrati or An-Nahj or Democratic Way [Mustapha BRAHMA]
• Authenticity and Modernity Party or PAM [Abdellatif OUAHBI]
• Constitutional Union Party or UC [Mohamed JOUDAR]
• Democratic and Social Movement or MDS [Abdessamad ARCHANE]
• Democratic Forces Front or FFD [Mustapha BENALI]
• Environment and Sustainable Development Party or PEDD [Karim HRITANE]
• Federation of the Democratic Left or FGD [Abdesalam EL AZIZ]
• Green Left Party or PGV [Mohamed FARES]
• Istiqlal (Independence)
• Party or PI [Nizar BARAKA]
• Moroccan Liberal Party or PML [Isaac CHARIA]
• Moroccan Union for Democracy or UMD [Jamal MANDRI]
• National Democratic Party [Moussa SAADI]
• National Rally of Independents or RNI [Aziz AKHANNOUCH]
• Neo-Democrats Party [Mohamed DARIF]
• Party of Development Reform or PRD [Abderrahmane EL KOHEN]
• Party of Justice and Development or PJD [Abdelilah BENKIRANE]
• Party of Liberty and Social Justice or PLJS [Miloud MOUSSAOUI]
• Party of Progress and Socialism or PPS [Nabil BENABDELLAH]
• Popular Movement or MP [Mohammed OUZZINE]
• Renaissance and Virtue Party or PRV [Mohamed KHALIDI]
• Renaissance Party [Said EL GHENNIOUI]
• Renewal and Equity Party or PRE [Chakir ACHEHABAR]
• Shoura (consultation) and Istiqlal Party [Ahmed BELGHAZI]
• Socialist Union of Popular Forces or USFP [Driss LACHGAR]
• Unified Socialist Party or GSU [Nabila MOUNIB]
• Unity and Democracy Party [Ahmed FITRI]

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: no citizenship by descent
• only: the father must be a citizen of Morocco; if the father is unknown or stateless, the mother must be a citizen dual citizenship
• recognized: yes residency requirement for
• naturalization: 5 years

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Capital Name

Rabat

Capital - geographic coordinate

34 01 N, 6 49 W

Capital Time Difference

UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Daylight Savings Time

+1 hr, begins last Sunday in April; ends last Sunday in September

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International Organization Participation:

• ABEDA
• AfDB
• AFESD
• AIIB
• AMF
• AMU
• AU
• CAEU
• CD
• EBRD
• FAO
• G-11
• G-77
• IAEA
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICC (national committees)
• ICRM
• IDA
• IDB
• IFAD
• IFC
• IFRCS
• IHO
• ILO
• IMF
• IMO
• IMSO
• Interpol
• IOC
• IOM
• IPU
• ISO
• ITSO
• ITU
• ITUC (NGOs)
• LAS
• MIGA
• MONUSCO
• NAM
• OAS (observer)
• OIC
• OIF
• OPCW
• OSCE (partner)
• Pacific Alliance (observer)
• Paris Club (associate)
• PCA
• SICA (observer)
• UN
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNHCR
• UNIDO
• UNOCI
• UNOOSA
• UNSC (temporary)
• UNWTO
• UPU
• WCO
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO

International Law Organization Participation:

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Puneet TALWAR (since 4 October 2023)
• Embassy: Km 5.7 Avenue Mohammed VI, Souissi, Rabat 10170
• Mailing Address: 9400 Rabat Place, Washington DC 20521-9400
• Telephone: [212] 0537-637-200
• FAX: [212] 0537-637-201
• Website: https://ma.usembassy.gov/
• Consulate(s) General: Casablanca

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Youssef AMRANI (since 27 February 2024)
• Chancery: 3508 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
• Telephone: [1] (202) 462-7979
• FAX: [1] (202) 265-0161
• Email: washingtonembmorocco@maec.gov.ma
• Consulate(s) General: New York

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Geographic Location

Africa

Geographic Coordinates

32 00 N, 5 00 W

Total Area

172,413 Square Miles 446,550 Square Kilometers

Land Area

172,316 Square Miles 446,300 Square Kilometers

Water Area

97 Square Miles 250 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

1,254 Miles 2,018 Kilometers

Border Countries

Algeria 1,559 km, Western Sahara 443 km, Spain (Ceuta) 6.3 km, Spain (Melilla) 9.6 km

Coastline

1,140 Miles 1,835 Kilometers

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Terrain

northern coast and interior are mountainous with large areas of bordering plateaus, intermontane valleys, and rich coastal plains

Highest Point

4,165 Meters

Highest Point Location

Jbel Toubkal 4,165 m

Lowest Point

-55 Meters

Lowest Point Location

Sebkha Tah -55 m

Natural Resources

phosphates, iron ore, manganese, lead, zinc, fish, salt

Irrigated Land

5,734 Square Miles 14,850 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Daylight saving time

+1 hr, begins last Sunday in April; ends last Sunday in September

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Climate

The High Atlas are snow-capped and collect moisture from the Atlantic Ocean which climate patterns distribute over the western part of Morocco.

Because this region lies between the Atlantic and the mountains, it enjoys a temperate climate.

The Atlas range cannot, however, shut out an occasional shergui, the hot easterly wind from the desert.

The eastern slopes of the High Atlas have a semi-desert aspect and a rigorous pre-Saharan climate.

In the north, and separate from the Atlas ranges, the Rif Mountains loom up sharply along the Mediterranean coast.

Here, also, a mild climate prevails, which permits agriculture typical of the Mediterranean region.

Terrain

northern coast and interior are mountainous with large areas of bordering plateaus, intermontane valleys, and rich coastal plains

Location

Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Western Sahara

Total Area

172,413 Square Miles 446,550 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

Algeria 1,559 km, Western Sahara 443 km, Spain (Ceuta) 6.3 km, Spain (Melilla) 9.6 km

Environment - Current Issues

• land degradation/desertification (soil erosion resulting from farming of marginal areas, overgrazing, destruction of vegetation)
• water supplies contaminated by raw sewage
• siltation of reservoirs
• oil pollution of coastal waters

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

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Exports

$14,490,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$34,190,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

clothing, fish, inorganic chemicals, transistors, crude minerals, fertilizers (including phosphates), petroleum products, fruits, vegetables

Major Imports

crude petroleum, textile fabric, telecommunications equipment, wheat, gas and electricity, transistors, plastics

Top Export Partners

France 25.9%, Spain 14%, UK 7.8%, Germany 5.7%, Italy 5.5%, US 4.7%

Top Import Partners

France 21.1%, Spain 12.7%, Italy 6.4%, Germany 5.6%, US 4.6%, UK 4.1%, Saudi Arabia 4.1%

Export Partners

France 25.9%, Spain 14%, UK 7.8%, Germany 5.7%, Italy 5.5%, US 4.7%

Import Partners

France 21.1%, Spain 12.7%, Italy 6.4%, Germany 5.6%, US 4.6%, UK 4.1%, Saudi Arabia 4.1%

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Country Description

Morocco is a constitutional monarchy with a bicameral parliament and independent judiciary; historically, the king has been the dominant authority.

The population is estimated to be almost 34 million.

While Morocco has a developing economy, modern tourist facilities and means of transportation are widely available, though the quality may vary depending on price and location.

Safety & Security

The potential for terrorist violence against U.S. interests and citizens exists in Morocco.

Moroccan authorities continue to disrupt groups seeking to attack U.S. or Western-affiliated and Moroccan government targets, arresting numerous individuals associated with international terrorist groups.

With indications that such groups still seek to carry out attacks in Morocco, it is important for U.S. citizens to be keenly aware of their surroundings and adhere to prudent security practices such as avoiding predictable travel patterns and maintaining a low profile.

Establishments that are readily identifiable with the United States are potential targets for attacks.

These may include facilities where U.S. citizens and other foreigners congregate, including clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, movie theaters, U.S. brand establishments, and other public areas.

Such targets may also include establishments where activities occur that may offend religious sensitivities, such as casinos or places where alcoholic beverages are sold or consumed.

All U.S. citizens are urged to remain alert to local security developments and be vigilant regarding their personal security and report any suspicious incidents or problems immediately to Moroccan authorities and the U.S.

Embassy or Consulate.

Demonstrations occur frequently in Morocco and are typically focused on political or social issues.

During periods of heightened regional tension, large demonstrations may take place in the major cities.

During most of 2011, many large cities in Morocco had weekly demonstrations ranging in size from several hundred to tens of thousands of demonstrators.

In September 2012, demonstrations took place near the U.S.

Consulate General in Casablanca, as well as other cities in response to a YouTube video.

By law, all demonstrations require a government permit, but spontaneous unauthorized demonstrations, which have greater potential for violence, can occur.

In addition, different unions or groups may organize strikes to protest an emerging issue or government policy.

Travelers should be cognizant of the current levels of tension in Morocco and stay informed of regional issues that could resonate in Morocco and create an anti-American response.

Avoid demonstrations if at all possible.

If caught in a demonstration, remain calm and move away immediately when provided the opportunity.

The Western Sahara is an area where the legal status of the territory and the issue of its sovereignty remain unresolved.

The area was long the site of armed conflict between government forces and the POLISARIO Front, which continues to seek independence for the territory.

A cease-fire has been fully in effect since 1991 in the UN-administered area.

There are thousands of unexploded mines in the Western Sahara and in areas of Mauritania adjacent to the Western Saharan border.

Exploding mines are occasionally reported, and they have caused death and injury.

There have been sporadic reports of violence in the cities of Laayoune and Dakhla stemming from sporting events and from political demonstrations.

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Crime

Crime in Morocco is a serious concern, particularly in the major cities and tourist areas.

Aggressive panhandling, pick-pocketing, purse-snatching, theft from occupied vehicles stopped in traffic, and harassment of women are the most frequently reported issues.

Criminals have used weapons, primarily knives, during some street robberies and burglaries.

These have occurred at any time of day or night, not only in isolated places or areas less frequented by visitors, but in crowded areas as well.

It is always best to have a travel companion and utilize taxis from point to point, particularly at night and when moving about unfamiliar areas.

Residential break-ins also occur and have on occasion turned violent, but most criminals look for opportunities based on stealth rather than confrontation.

Women walking alone in certain areas of cities and rural areas are particularly vulnerable to assault by men.

Women are advised to travel with a companion or in a group when possible and to ignore any harassment.

Responding to verbal harassment can escalate the situation.

The best course of action is generally not to respond or make eye contact with the harasser.

Travelers should avoid soccer stadiums and environs on days of scheduled matches as large groups of team supporters have been known to become unruly and harass and even assault bystanders.

Joggers should be mindful of traffic and remain in more heavily populated areas.

It is always best to have a jogging companion and avoid isolated areas or jogging at night.

The use of headphones while jogging is discouraged for personal safety reasons.

Taxis in Morocco are generally crime-free, although city buses are not considered safe.

Trains are generally safe, but theft, regardless of the time of day, sometimes occurs.

Avoid carrying large sums of cash and be particularly alert when using ATM machines.

In the event you are victimized by crime or an attempted crime, or experience any security-related incident during your stay in Morocco, please report the incident to the local police and the U.S.

Consulate General in Casablanca as soon as possible.

Fraud in Morocco may involve a wide range of situations from financial fraud to relationship fraud for the purpose of obtaining a visa.

If you believe you are the victim of a fraudulent scheme, you may wish to consult with an attorney to best determine what your options are under Moroccan law.

Since fraud can involve a wide range of circumstances, it is difficult to provide general guidelines on how to pursue criminal charges in these issues.

There have been instances in which a U.S. citizen has met a Moroccan online and come to live with or visit him or her in Morocco and found themselves in financial or otherwise difficult situations while in country.

If you are concerned about a family member or friend who is visiting someone he or she met online, you can contact American Citizens Services at the U.S.

Consulate General in Casablanca at 212-522-26-71-51.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available.

Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Morocco you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own.

In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

If you break local laws in Morocco your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not wherever you go.

Arrest Notifications in Morocco: While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case.

To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas.

Languages The official language is Arabic, and the Moroccan dialect of Arabic, called Derija, is the most widely spoken tongue.

Derija is quite different from the classical Arabic of the Qur’an (koran), the scriptural text of Islam.

Berber is the native language of about 35 % of the population, and it also includes several dialects.

Other dialects are Rif, Tamazight and Shluh.

French is widely spoken, especially in business, government, and higher education.

Spanish can still be heard in the north, which was formerly under Spanish control.

English is gaining popularity.

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Medical Facilities

Adequate medical care is available in Morocco’s largest cities, particularly in Rabat and Casablanca, although not all facilities meet Western standards.

Specialized care or treatment may not be available.

Medical facilities are adequate for non-emergency matters, particularly in the urban areas, but most medical staff will have limited or no English skills.

Most ordinary prescription and over-the-counter medicines are widely available.

However, specialized prescriptions may be difficult to fill and availability of all medicines in rural areas is unreliable.

Travelers should not ask friends or relatives to send medications through the mails or FedEx or UPS since Moroccan customs will impound the delivery and not release it to the recipient.

Emergency and specialized care outside the major cities is far below U.S. standards, and in many instances may not be available at all.

Travelers planning to drive in the mountains and other remote areas may wish to carry a medical kit and a Moroccan phone card for emergencies.

In the event of vehicle accidents involving injuries, immediate ambulance service usually is not available.

The police emergency services telephone number is 190.

Traffic Safety

While in Morocco, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The information below concerning Morocco is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Traffic accidents are a significant hazard in Morocco.

Driving practices are very poor and have resulted in serious injuries to and fatalities of U.S. citizens.

This is particularly true at dusk during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, when adherence to traffic regulations is lax, and from July to September when Moroccans resident abroad return from Europe by car in large numbers.

Congested streets are characteristic of urban driving.

Drivers should also exercise extreme caution when driving at night due to poor lighting systems along roads.

Traffic signals do not always function, and are sometimes difficult to see.

Modern freeways link the cities of Tangier, Rabat, Fez, Casablanca, and Marrakesh.

Two-lane highways link other major cities.

Secondary routes in rural areas are often narrow and poorly paved.

Roads through the Rif and Atlas mountains are steep, narrow, windy, and dangerous.

Maximum caution should be exercised when driving in the mountains.

Pedestrians, scooters, and animal-drawn conveyances are common on all roadways, including the freeways, and driving at night should be avoided, if possible.

During the rainy season (November - March) flash flooding is frequent and sometimes severe, washing away roads and vehicles in rural areas.

Often Moroccan police officers pull over drivers for inspection within the city and on highways.

Confiscation of a driver’s license is possible if a violator is unable or unwilling to settle a fine at the time of a traffic stop.

In the event of a traffic accident, including accidents involving injuries, the parties are required to remain at the scene and not move their vehicles until the police have arrived and documented all necessary information.

The police emergency services telephone number is 190.

While public buses and taxis are inexpensive, drivers typically exhibit poor driving habits, and buses are frequently overcrowded.

The train system has a good safety record.

Trains, while sometimes crowded, are comfortable and generally on time.

Foreign driver’s licenses are valid for use in Morocco for up to one year.

After that, foreign residents must pass the Moroccan driver’s test and obtain a Moroccan driver’s license.

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Airports - total

55

Airports with Paved Runways

31

Heliports

1

Railways

1,284 Miles 2,067 Kilometers

Roadways- total

36,285 Miles 58,395 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

25,548 Miles 41,116 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Agadir, El Jadida, Casablanca, El Jorf Lasfar, Kenitra, Mohammedia, Nador, Rabat, Safi, Tangier; also Spanish-controlled Ceuta and Melilla

Transportation Note

Few Moroccans own cars. Bus lines serve nearly all parts of the country. Highways and government-owned railroad link the major cities as well as important mining and farming areas.

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Pipelines: Gas

587 Miles 944 Kilometers

Pipelines: Oil

168 Miles 270 Kilometers

Pipelines: Refined Products

109 Miles 175 Kilometers

7 facts — expand for details.

Telephones

3,516,000

Cell Phones

20,029,000

Internet Users

7,300,000

Internet Country Code

.ma

Internet Hosts

277,793

Broadcast Media

• 2 TV broadcast networks with state-run Radio-Television Marocaine (RTM) operating one network and the state partially owning the other
• foreign TV broadcasts are available via satellite dish
• 3 radio broadcast networks with RTM operating one
• the government-owned network includes 10 regional radio channels in addition to its national service

Telephone System

• assessment: good system composed of open-wire lines, cables, and microwave radio relay links; principal switching centers are Casablanca and Rabat; national network nearly 100% digital using fiber-optic links; improved rural service employs microwave radio relay; Internet available but expensive
• domestic: fixed-line teledensity is roughly 10 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular subscribership exceeds 100 per 100 persons
• international: country code - 212; landing point for the Atlas Offshore, Estepona-Tetouan, Euroafrica, Spain-Morocco, and SEA-ME-WE-3 fiber-optic telecommunications undersea cables that provide connectivity to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Arabsat; microwave radio relay to Gibraltar, Spain, and Western Sahara; coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Algeria; participant in Medarabtel; fiber-optic cable link from Agadir to Algeria and Tunisia

11 facts — expand for details.

Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

20,780,000,000

Electricity Imports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

3,429,000,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

19,780,000,000

Natural Gas Consumption - Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

560,000,000

Natural Gas Imports- Cubic Meters (cu m)

150,000,000

Natural Gas Production- Cubic Meters (cu m)

60,000,000

Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m)

1,444,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

203,600

Oil Imports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

122,900

Oil Production- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

300

Oil Reserves- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

680,000

3 facts — expand for details.

Anthem History

Adopted upon independence in 1956, new words were given to the original melody in 1970. The words are by Ali Squalli Houssaini the music by Léo Morgan

Anthem Lyrics

Hymne Cherifien ARABIC Lyrics Manbit Allahrah Masriq Alanwar Munta da Alsu'dad Wahamah Dumt Muntadah Wahamah Isht Filawtan Lilala Unwan Mil' Kull Janaaan Thikr Kull Lisan Bilrooh Biljasad Habba Fataak Labbaa Nidaak Fi Fammee Wa Fi Dammee Hawaak Thar Noor Wa Naar Ikhwatee Hayyaa Lilala Saayeea Nushid Addunya Anna Huna Nuhayya Bisha'aar Allah AlWatan AlMalek.

Anthem Lyrics English

Fountain of Freedom, Source of Light Where sovereignty and safety meet, Safety and sovereignty May you ever combine!

You have lived among nations With title sublime, Filling each heart, Sung by each tongue, Your champion has risen And answered your call.

In my mouth And in my blood Your breezes have stirred Both light and fire.

Up! my brethren, Strive for the highest.

We call to the world That we are here ready.

We salute as our emblem God, Homeland, and King.