Morocco Facts
Capital: Rabat
Government Type: Constitutional monarchy
Currency: MAD
Population: 32,649,130
Total Area: 172,413 Square Miles
446,550 Square Kilometers
Location: Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Western Sahara
Language: Arabic (official), Berber dialects, French
Languages
Arabic (official), Berber dialects, French. The official language is Arabic, and the Moroccan dialect of Arabic, called Derija, is the most widely spoken tongue. Derija is quite different from the classical Arabic of the Qur’an (koran), the scriptural text of Islam. Berber is the native language of about 35 % of the population, and it also includes several dialects. Other dialects are Rif, Tamazight and Shluh. French is widely spoken, especially in business, government, and higher education. Spanish can still be heard in the north, which was formerly under Spanish control. English is gaining popularity.
The Morocco People
Shaking hands is the common greeting between people. To show one's pleasure to see the other person one might touch the heart often after shaking hands. Children kiss the right hand of their parents to show respect. The most common general greeting is "Assalam Oualaikoum" (Peace be upon you) which is used as "Hello". Titles are typically used to address people that are not as well known. Friends address each other by first name.
Where to find more out about Morocco
Kingdom of Morocco
Ministry of Commmunication