About Morocco A gateway to Africa and a country of great cultural diversity

ABOUT MOROCCO

MOROCCO, A LAND OF HISTORY AND TRADITIONS!

FOUNDATION OF MOROCCO

It is in the 4^th century BC, in the north-west of Morocco, that the first political organization of the country appeared: the kingdom of Mauretania, formed by the alliance of different Berber tribes. Over the centuries, the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Vandals, the Byzantines and finally the Arabs came to populate this territory.

Idris 1st, commonly is considered as the founder of the Moroccan state in the middle of the 8^th century, and is also the founder of the city of Fez.

Marrakech is playing a main role as a crossroads city. It is, therefore, a real attraction for tourists, and it became the capital of several dynasties. This city is also very appreciated by the tourists during their journey in Morocco.

THE MODERN MOROCCO (SINCE 1956)

On the 2^nd March, in 1956, the sultan (future King Mohammed V) and the French government officially announced the independence of Morocco, ending 44 years of French and Spanish protectorate. In 1957, the sultan took the title of king with the name of Mohammed V. His son Hassan II succeeded him in 1961, and then, his grandson Mohammed VI, in 1999.

A UNIQUE GEOGRAPHIC DESTINATION

Morocco has a real proximity to the Mediterranean Sea in the northeast, with the Atlantic Ocean in the west, and the Sahara in the south-west. Because of these varied influences, the Moroccan climate is both Mediterranean and Atlantic, with a warm dry season and a cold, wet season. The presence of the sea decrease the temperature differences and tempers the seasons, giving to Morocco a pleasant climate.

Morocco is the first seaside destination of the Maghreb because of all its beaches. During your journey to Morocco, you will discover the beaches of the Atlantic, which are particularly suitable for surfing.

The mountains represent more than two thirds of the Moroccan territory and reach high heights. Several summits cross the 4000 meters. Djebel Toubkal is the highest peak in the country, with 4 167 meters high.

At the north of the country, there are the Rif mountains, which are bordering the Mediterranean. 3 large mountain ranges stand out: the High Atlas, the Middle Atlas and the Anti-Atlas. The presence of these mountains makes possible the practice of winter sports, especially in the stations of Oukaïmeden (High Atlas) or Michlifen (Middle Atlas).