Morocco

Morocco is a country in the northwest corner of Africa. It has the Sahara Desert, the Atlas Mountains, and vibrant cities with bustling markets. Morocco is known for its colorful tiles, tasty food, and the city painted entirely blue.

Land and People

About 37 million people live in Morocco. The capital is Rabat. Morocco has the Atlas Mountains, Sahara sand dunes, and Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. The city of Chefchaouen is famous because all its buildings are painted blue.

Ancient Roman ruins standing in the hills of Morocco.
Ancient Roman ruins standing in the hills of Morocco. (Subhros / Wikimedia Commons)

Culture and Fun Facts

Moroccan markets called souks are full of spices, leather goods, and carpets. Tagine is a slow-cooked stew named after the clay pot it cooks in. Mint tea is served everywhere and pouring it from high up makes it frothy. Morocco is a mix of Arab, Berber, and European cultures.

Fun Facts

  • Chefchaouen in Morocco is called the Blue City because nearly every building is painted blue.
  • Morocco is only 8 miles from Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar.
  • The University of al-Qarawiyyin in Morocco is the oldest university in the world, founded in 859 AD.

Did You Know?

The University of al-Qarawiyyin in the city of Fez, Morocco was founded in 859 AD, making it the oldest university in the world that is still running. It was started by a woman named Fatima al-Fihri over 1,100 years ago.