13 shocking things about Morocco, home of the team facing Portugal in the quarter-finals

1. High Atlas Mountains

The nearly 100km-long, heavenly High Atlas Mountains are a place of breathtaking scenery. Visitors often climb them to explore villages, valleys, snow-capped peaks, wildlife and glowing mountain lakes.

2. Morocco used to have 3 capitals

Cities such as Rabat, Marrakesh, Meknes and Rabat were all once capitals of Morocco. The unique architecture of the old capitals resembles a maze, and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Many writers, poets and filmmakers come here to find inspiration for their works.

3. Jemaa El-Fna Square

In the heart of the old town of Marakkesh, Jemaa El-Fna square is a magical maze of winding streets, food stalls, spice markets… When the sun sets, fortune tellers, snake charmers, musicians, dancers, magicians appear on the streets, creating a very lively atmosphere.

4. The most diverse country in the world

Morocco is one of the most diverse countries in the world, with many different ethnic groups living here. The Berbers (indigenous people of northwestern Africa) and the Arabs (who conquered Morocco in 705 and spread Islam) are the two main groups in Morocco. There are also large populations of Spaniards, Romans, French, and Jews.

5. Unique architecture

From iconic mosques to colorful street corners, eye-catching architecture is everywhere. Islamic and Hispano-Moorish-inspired designs grace the palaces, fountains, kasbahs (historic fortresses), ceramics, and tiles.

6. Medina bans cars

The medina in Fes is car-free because it has 10,000 narrow alleys that are difficult for cars to navigate, just wide enough for horse-drawn carts to carry handicrafts to the markets.

7. Walking in the Sahara Desert

You can stand in the middle of the Sahara Desert. Part of the Sahara Desert is in Morocco and you can admire the beautiful rolling sand dunes. Time seems to stand still here, the only sound is the footsteps of camels.

8. Souk

The souk is more than just a market, it is a place where city and village meet. Souks represent the melting pot of Morocco, including diverse cultures, a passion for craftsmanship, handicrafts and an abundance of raw materials.

9. Diverse food

Moroccan food is diverse, with influences from the Arab, Mediterranean, and European regions. Expect couscous, taktouka (tomatoes, olive oil, peppers, and parsley), and tagine (a simmering lamb stew with a tomato-like sauce and spices).

10. Africa's highest ski resort

You can find Africa’s highest ski resort here. About 80km from Marrakesh, nestled 2,600m above sea level in the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, is the ski resort of Oukaimeden. It has picturesque slopes, surrounded by towering mountains and the African sun.

11. Casablanca

Casablanca is home to the only Jewish museum in the Arab world. In the port city of Casablanca (on Morocco’s east coast), you can find the only museum dedicated to Jews in the Arab world. It celebrates Jewish-Muslim culture and the mutual influences between the two religions.

12. Many beautiful beaches

Bordering the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, Morocco's 1,930 km coastline has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The fine white sand and crystal clear waters make for a perfect summer vacation.

13. Moroccans are very hospitable

Moroccans are incredibly hospitable, from taxi drivers to waiters and shopkeepers, they treat you like a long-lost relative. They happily answer your questions and share little-known secrets about Morocco.

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