Morocco is a North African country with coastlines along both the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It shares borders with Mauritania to the south, Algeria to the east, and the Spanish North African territories of Ceuta and Melilla along the northern Mediterranean coast.
Ethnically, Morocco is primarily composed of Arabs and Berbers, or a mix of the two. Significant numbers of Berbers reside mainly in the country's mountainous areas, which have long served as refuges where they have maintained their language and culture. Some segments of the population are descendants of refugees from Spain and Portugal who escaped the Reconquista, the Christian reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula, which lasted until the 15th century.
Morocco's struggle for independence from France culminated in 1956. That same year, the internationalized city of Tangier was handed over to the newly independent nation. In 1975, Morocco annexed a large portion of the Western Sahara, which had been occupied by Spain.
Key sectors of the Moroccan economy include agriculture, phosphates, tourism, and textiles. Major development challenges include persistent widespread corruption and the need to improve the education system.
In Morocco, the voltage is 220 V, and the outlets use the two-pin Europlug, common in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America, Central Asia, and the former Soviet republics. Most international plug adapter kits include Europlugs.
If you're bringing American or Canadian appliances, be aware they are designed for 110 V and may be damaged if plugged into a 220 V socket, even with an adapter. Check if your appliance is "dual-voltage" (designed for both 110 and 220 V); if not, you'll need a power converter in addition to an adapter.
The biggest event in Morocco is Ramadan, when Muslims fast during the day and break their fast at sunset. Many restaurants close for lunch (except those catering to tourists), and things generally slow down. Traveling is possible, and non-Muslims aren’t required to fast, but it's respectful to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during the day.
At the end of Ramadan is Eid al-Fitr, a major holiday when most businesses close for up to a week, and transportation is crowded as people travel home.