Morocco covers 710,850 square kilometers, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the west, Mauritania to its south and Algeria to the east. Three large mountain ranges, the Atlas and the Sahara Desert give Morocco a diversity of climates and some superb landscapes. The country is mountainous in the north and desert in the south, penetrating into the Sahara.
Contains two Spanish enclaves within its territory
Ceuta and Melilla.

Status
Independent since March 22, 1956

Government
Monarchy; Islamic state with personalized power; parliamentary regime with a king (Hassan II) who names the prime minister as well as a house of representatives consisting of 306 members

Capital
Rabat

Currency
Dirham

Languages spoken
Arabic is spoken everywhere; Spanish is spoken in the north, and English and French are used in business. The oldest remnants of the Berber culture remains in the dialects.

Principal industries
World's second-largest phosphate producer; 12th largest silver producer; 8th largest lead producer.
Agriculture
wheat, oranges, barley, fishing; hashish
Tourism
Fluctuates

Formalities
Don't forget your passport and check that it is valid. If your trip has been organized by a travel agency, an identity card may be enough (flight + 3 nights hotel minimum.) Some nationalities require a visa. Check with the Moroccan consulate in your country. Tourist stays are limited to 3 months.

If your pet is accompanying you, you need to bring a certificate of good health issued within the last 10 days, as well as proof of vaccination against rabies.

Customs
You can temporarily bring into Morocco most personal belongings in quantities appropriate for the length of your stay. If in doubt, check with the Moroccan consulate.

Vaccinations
No vaccination certificate is required for travelers from Europe or America.
Anti-cholera vaccination certificates may be required for travelers coming from regions where cholera is present. Anti-malarial treatments are not required.

Health
Morocco is a clean country, however take some precautions, particularly in the south:

• avoid water from wadis and street sellers. Quench your thirst with the excellent bottled spring water - Sidi Harazem, Imouzzer and Sidi Ali are still; Oulmès is sparkling.
• If you're prone to intestinal problems, bring some medication with you.
• Check before swimming in a wadi or lake.
• Protect yourself against insect bites and sunburn.
• If necessary, tourist offices and major hotels can put you in touch with English or French-speaking doctors.

Electricity
220 V. Plugs are similar to those in France.

Prayer
Prayers are said everywhere five times a day, at the call of the muezzin from the top of the mosque's minaret.

La Villa des Orangers
At the crossroads of the souks and the Royal Palace, who could have imagined that a former palace with beautiful patios adorned with fragrant orange trees lies tucked away behind a huge gate fashioned out of cedar wood. You can enjoy the pool on the roof overlooking the old town or relax in Moroccan salons soothed by the sound of the fountains. A magical setting from which to explore the red city of Marrakech.
6, rue Sidi Mimoun, 40000 Marrakech
Phone + 212 (0)44 384 638; orangers@relaischateaux.com