In the first millennium BC, Moroccan lands belonged to Carthage.
The history of the region is built mainly on the relationship between the Berbers, who inhabited it since ancient times, and various conquerors. The first foreign conquerors were the Phoenicians, who founded in the XII century BC. several colonies on the Mediterranean coast. Later, these colonies passed to the Carthaginians, and from the II century BC, after the conquest of Carthage by the Romans, Roman rule began in North Africa.
In 429, the territory of modern Morocco (the Roman province of Mauritania Tingitana) was captured by the Vandals, and a hundred years later, by the Byzantines.
In 682, the Arab conquest of North Africa began. The Arab state reached its greatest prosperity during the dynasties of the Almora-vids and Almohads in the XI-XII milestones. Under the Admo-hads, Morocco was the center of a vast empire that occupied the territories of modern Algeria, Libya, Tunisia and the vast territories of Spain and Portugal. However, with the fall of the Almohad dynasty, the empire also collapsed. The revival of Morocco occurred in the XVI-XVU centuries, especially under Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour al-Dhahabi, whose rule is called the “golden age” of the country.
From the beginning of the 15th century, several port cities were under the control of the Portuguese and Spaniards, but by the 15th century. most of the cities were again in the power of the Moroccan sultan. In the 16th-19th centuries, Morocco was considered a pirate state, since in many cities the actual power was in the hands of sea pirates.
In 1859-1860, Spain captured Morocco, but France also claimed the country, which in 1904 received part of the country’s territory, and in 1912 France gained most of the territory of Morocco.
In March 1956, France recognized the independence of Morocco, and in April, Spanish Morocco also gained independence, although several cities remained with the Spaniards. Morocco is a member of the UN, ILO, IMF, WHO, Organization of African Unity, Arab League.
According to PICKTRUE, Morocco is one of the most picturesque countries in Africa. Until the first century AD, the territory of the state was occupied by boundless savannah. However, the Sahara gradually advanced from the north. It has displaced part of the savannah. However, Morocco is the greenest state in North Africa. The landscape of the country is very diverse. To the south is the Sahara. The coast of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean is located in the north and west. The majestic Atlas Mountains stretch from the southwest to the northeast.
From a trip to Morocco, you can bring interesting souvenirs and unique household items. It happens that interior designers specially go to the kingdom to find amazing decor elements here. When it comes to furnishing their home, Moroccans often use items that are made in the old ways. In this regard, they are very conservative. Old medinas are large markets. Here you can buy everything you need.
One of the most popular Moroccan souvenirs are grandmothers. They are comfortable soft slippers. Their sharp noses are bent back inward. There are also grandmothers who are bent up. These slippers are made from genuine leather. By tradition, male grandmothers are yellow.
Import and export of foreign currency is not limited (but its circulation is prohibited). When exporting unspent currency, you must have a bank exchange certificate. It is forbidden to export items of artistic value without special permission. There are restrictions on the import of professional photo and video equipment, as well as alcohol (no more than one bottle of spirits and one bottle of wine). And also – no more than 200 cigarettes.
It is difficult to find a more hospitable and friendly people than the Moroccans. Once in their house, you will certainly feel like the most honored and welcome guest, they will try to please you in everything and will do everything possible for this. All the more surprising is another characteristic characteristic of them – they all perceive tips as the norm in communicating with foreigners.
In restaurants and hotels, you should tip at least 10-15 percent of the bill and certainly from hand to hand to the one who served you. The custom of the old world – to leave money on the table – is considered a sign of bad taste here.
The standard of living in Morocco is 65th out of 110 countries in the world.
Morocco is an unusually calm country. It has a very low crime rate. There are practically no terrorist attacks here. Local residents value the security of their state and do their best to protect it. Police control is very tight. People who work as police officers are highly respected by Moroccans.
Now tourists are rarely pestered by false guides or beggars. This is strictly monitored by the tourist police of Morocco. You can just say “no” to beggars.
