Whether you’re learning about Morocco or you’re planning to travel to Morocco, here are several fascinating Morocco facts for kids. Morocco, officially known as the Kingdom of Morocco, is a country in North Africa with coastlines along the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. It’s a land of vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning landscapes.
Morocco is just across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain. On a clear day, gaze northward from Morocco’s northern coast and Spain is right there in sight. Morocco also claims some Spanish areas like Ceuta, Melilla, and several small islands off its coast. About 37 million people live in Morocco.
Here is a map of Morocco showing its location and borders:
🌍 Kids On Earth – MOROCCO | A Fun & Educational Journey! 🇲🇦
Geography and Climate
Morocco is located in the northwest corner of Africa and is bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Algeria and Western Sahara are the land borders to the south and east. Morocco is about the same size as California. The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world, and Morocco has a piece of it.
Much of Morocco is mountainous. The Atlas Mountains are in the center and south, and the Rif Mountains are in the north. They are North Africa’s highest mountain range. The highest peak is called Mount Toubkal and is 4,167 meters high. These mountains are mainly home to the Berber people. The longest river is the Draa river.
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Morocco's climate is mostly "hot summer Mediterranean" and "hot desert." The central mountains and the cold Canary Current off the Atlantic coast create different climate zones. Coastal lowlands have a Mediterranean climate. Higher up, it's more humid, allowing forests to grow. Southeast of the Atlas mountains, the climate is very dry with long, hot summers. This is because the mountains block rain.
Here is a breakdown of the different climate zones:
- Mediterranean: Found along the Mediterranean coast and parts of the Atlantic coast.
- Oceanic: Cooler summers and mild, wet winters.
- Continental: Hotter summers and colder winters, with more temperature changes between day and night. Dominates mountainous regions.
- Alpine: Found in parts of the Middle and High Atlas Mountains. Summers are warm, and winters are long, cold, and snowy.
- Semi-arid: In the south and east, with less rainfall.
People and Culture
Moroccan culture is a mix of Arab, Berber, African, and European influences. People have lived in the area that is now Morocco for over 300,000 years. The main groups are Arabs and Berbers. Most Moroccans are Amazigh, also called Berber. Amazigh are the indigenous people of North Africa. The Berbers have been in North Africa for centuries. Many of the Berber people live in the mountains and still speak the Berber language, but today they are moving to cities to find work. Arabs are the largest group, making up 65% to 80% of the population. Berbers, also called Amazigh, make up 30% to 35%.
Islam is the main religion, and Arabic and Berber are the official languages. French and a Moroccan dialect of Arabic are also widely spoken. The official language of Morocco is Classical Arabic, but many dialects are spoken in the country. You’ll hear a mix of languages here.
Moroccans enjoy drinking mint tea sweetened with sugar. Your trip to Morocco isn’t complete without experiencing the national drink: mint tea. The people take their time making tea and sipping it with family and guests.
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When you walk Moroccan streets, you’ll likely see locals wearing djellabas and kaftans.
Moroccans are passionate about soccer. You can see football all over Morocco from children playing it to adult leagues. There is even an annual competition called Botola Pro.
Take a stroll down any street, and you’re bound to notice that cats are everywhere.
Just 13% of Moroccan’s are over the age of 55.
Here are some popular Moroccan dishes:
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- Couscous: Couscous is served as a steamed grain that is somewhat like rice in other countries.
- Tagine: This is a slow-cooked meal that is made with meats and vegetables.
- Harira: This favorite soup is uniquely Moroccan. It’s a tomato basil soup made with chickpeas and lentils.
Cities and Landmarks
Rabat is the capital of Morocco. It has the nation’s most popular museum and has a population of about 1.6 million people. Each of these cities has had its turn as the nation’s capital.
Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco. Casablanca is home to 3.3 million people. Casablanca is home to the largest mosque in Morocco, the Hassan II mosque.
Marrakech is known as the “Red City” because the buildings are made from red clay. Marrakesh is the cultural capital of the country. It has lots of markets and beautiful buildings. It is one of the smaller large cities in Morocco with just under 100,000 residents.
Fez is the second-largest city in Morocco. Step into Fez’s medina, and you’re walking through the world’s largest active medieval city. It’s like time travel, but real. Al Quaraouiyine University in Fes is not only the oldest in Morocco but the whole world. Al-Qarawiyyin University is the oldest university in the world and it is located in Fez. Get a sense of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship at the Chouara Tannery in Fes.
Tangier is the first city you’ll reach when you cross the Strait of Gibraltar from Europe.
Chefchaouen is famous for its blue buildings. Your eyes don’t deceive you; the buildings in Chefchaouen really are different shades of blue.
Here is a table of the major cities in Morocco and their populations:
| City | Population |
|---|---|
| Casablanca | 3.3 million |
| Fez | Approx. 1 million |
| Rabat | 1.6 million |
| Marrakech | Under 100,000 |
Film buffs will recognize Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s stunning and has set the scene in Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Ouarzazate is your go-to destination for film buffs.
Hassan II is the 7th largest mosque in the world and is located in Casablanca, Morocco. It has the largest minaret in the world.
Morocco is home to nine UNESCO sites and every one of them tells a story about Morocco’s culture and heritage.
A souk is an open-air market where vendors sell their goods.
Nature and Wildlife
Possibly the most famous animals in Morocco are the tree-climbing goats. It’s quite a sight to see a tree full of goats snacking away on the fruits and leaves.
These one humped, desert loving creatures are called dromedaries (they are part of the camel family though).
Morocco is also famous for its citrus fruit. Oranges and lemons and limes grow well there.
Morocco isn’t just about spices; it’s also a major player in olive production.
Morocco has many different kinds of plants and animals. It is part of the Mediterranean basin, an area with many unique species that are losing their habitats. Morocco is home to 454 bird species.
Here are some animals you can find in Morocco:
- Camels
- Sheep
- Goats
- Barbary macaque monkey
- Wild boar
- Desert fox
- Desert hedgehog
- Jerboa
History and Government
People have lived in Morocco for a very long time, possibly as far back as 315,000 years ago. Morocco’s early peoples included Berber tribes. Traders from the Middle East began arriving in North Africa more than 2,000 years ago. The Roman Empire controlled the region in the 300s ce.Arab armies arrived in 692. Many people converted to Islam. Islamic Berber kingdoms ruled Morocco from the 1000s to the 1200s. They also ruled much of Spain and North Africa.
By the end of the 1600s Morocco was a strong and independent Islamic kingdom. The Moroccan monarchy has seen it all and stood the test of time for over three and a half centuries.
In 1912 France took control of most of Morocco. Morocco gained independence from both France and Spain in 1956.
Every August 20th, Morocco celebrates Revolution Day with a day of remembrance.
Morocco is a constitutional monarchy with an elected parliament. The chief of state in Morocco is King Mohammed VI and he has ruled since 1999.
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