15 Interesting Facts You May Not Know About Morocco
1. Morocco is home to the world’s largest continuous irrigation system, allowing it to cultivate vast areas of land despite being mostly desert.
2. The country has two official capitals: Rabat, the political capital, and Casablanca, the economic hub.
3. Morocco is known for its distinctive cuisine, which includes tagine, couscous, and pastilla, reflecting the country's rich history of Arab, Berber, and European influences.
4. The country has the world’s oldest continuously operating library, the Al-Qarawiyyin Library in Fez, which was founded in 859 AD.
5. Morocco is the only country in Africa that has both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines.
6. The famous blue city of Chefchaouen is painted entirely in various shades of blue, a tradition believed to have been introduced by Jewish refugees in the 1930s.
7. The Atlas Mountains, which run across Morocco, are home to rare species of wildlife, including the Barbary lion, which is now extinct in the wild.
8. Morocco has a long history of producing high-quality leather, particularly from the tanneries of Fez, where ancient techniques are still used.
9. The Sahara Desert, which covers much of Morocco’s southern region, is home to some of the most stunning sand dunes in the world, including the famous Erg Chebbi dunes.
10. Morocco is one of the few African countries with a significant Jewish population, with a history dating back to the Roman Empire.
11. The country is home to one of the world’s most stunning gardens, the Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech, which was created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later owned by Yves Saint Laurent.
12. Morocco is a major producer of argan oil, which is used in cosmetics, cooking, and traditional medicine. The trees that produce it are found primarily in the country’s southwestern region.
13. The country’s royal family, the Alaouite dynasty, has been in power since the 17th century and is one of the longest-ruling dynasties in the world.
14. Morocco has one of the few remaining intact examples of medieval Arab architecture, with the city of Marrakech offering visitors a glimpse into the past with its mosques, palaces, and souks.
15. The country is famous for its vibrant and colorful souks (markets), where you can find everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and ceramics, often bargaining for the best price.
