Morocco's Mediterranean coast has a subtropical climate tempered by oceanic influences that give the coastal cities moderate temperatures. Temperatures at Essaouira average 16° C (61° F) in January and 22° C (72° F) in August. In the interior, winters are colder and summers warmer. The mean temperature in Fès is 10° C (50° F) in January and 27° C (81° F) in August. Mountain peaks are covered with snow during most of the year, and temperatures of less than -18° C (less than 0° F) are common in the higher elevations.
Rain falls mainly in winter and most heavily in the northwest. Average annual precipitation is about 96 centimeters (38 inches) in Tangier, 43 centimeters (17 inches) in Casablanca, 28 centimeters (11 inches) in Essaouira, and less than 10 centimeters (4 inches) in the Sahara.
Government & Economy
Morocco is a Muslim kingdom governed since 1999 by King Mohamed VI, son of
the late King Hassan II. The political structure is a social democratic
and constitutional monarchy.
Agriculture: Exports include fruits (oranges, tomatoes, figs), early
vegetables, flowers (roses), preserved food ...
Minerals: Three-quarters of the world's stock of phosphates, but energy has
to be imported.
Population
The original people of Morocco are the Berbers. The Arab population is
today concentrated in the North and in the cities.
The population of Morocco is estimated at 27 million people.
Language
Moroccan Arabic is the official first language of the Kingdom, although
many people speak dialects of the Berber language, especially in and south
of the High Atlas.
French is the second language, commonly used alongside Arabic on signposts,
menus and in shops. English, German, Spanish or Italian is understood in
many hotels or markets or wherever tourists are found.
Clothing
Between November and March, medium-weight clothing with a raincoat.
Light-weight clothes are needed in summer.
In DeLuxe hotels, guests usually change into more formal clothes for dinner.
Religion
Islam is the state religion. However, the country has always been tolerant
towards the other religions. The largest Jewish community of the Arab world
lives in Morocco.
Money
The Moroccan dirham (DH) is nominally divided into 100 centimes. It may not
be imported or exported. Visitors can import as much foreign currency (in
cash or traveller's cheques) as they wish. but should keep their exchange
receipts for change back to foreign currency before departure. Visa,
American Express and Dinner's credit cards are accepted in most hotels and
shops.
Tipping
Taxi drivers should not be tipped. Restaurant waiters generally expect a tip, which varies from 10 percent in more expensive restaurants to a few dirham in cafés.
Electricity
Current is 220 volts AC, 50 Hz for newer buildings, 110 volts AC, 50 Hz for older ones. European-style, two-pin plugs are standard.
Local Time
G.M.T. the whole year.
Electricity
Generally 220 volts supply. European plugs.
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