Morocco - Useful information for your trip

Morocco is a country located in North Africa, its coasts are lapped by the Mediterranean Sea and Strait of Gibraltar on the North, and by the Atlantic Ocean on the West.

Its territory is characterized by two mountain ranges: Rif mountains are located near the Mediterranean coast, while the Atlas Mountains extend along the whole state and include the highest peaks of the country. Morocco also feautures several rivers, lakes and lagoons. The rivers are often poor of water because of rare precipitation, this is why they are not suitable for navigation. Anyway, they are used to irrigate the nearby fields and produce hydroelectric energy. Due to the large extension of this land, Morocco's regions have different weather conditions.

The Moroccan population is made up two main ethnic groups: Berber and Arab, but some areas, such as the imperial cities and the coastal regions are inhabited by Moriscos, European Muslims expelled from Spain in the 17^th century.

One of the most interesting feautures of the Moroccan culture is architecture, especially religious. Many are the mosques, buildings where the Muslims meet to pray, and the madrasas, builidings set near the mosques where the islamic law and religion are taught. Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is famous worldwide: it is an imponent and majestic building decorated with Carrara marble and Murano chandeliers located on a promontory and overlooking the ocean; its minaret is the highest in the world.

Unmissable spots in Morocco are the imperial cities, such as Marrakech, boasting a beautiful Medina and lively squares, where everyday acrobats, snake charmers, dancers, musicians, comic actors and storytellers meet in order to entertain people. In Fez, a stronghold of culture, it is possible to find every kind of markets, where brassy tools, pressworks and many clothes are sold. Rabat, the capital city of Morocco, is a real jewel, rich in colonial buildings and pictoresque alleys.