I visited Morocco in February 2025.

I spent the first half of my trip with my sister and her two kids and travelled solo for the second half. Although the weather wasn’t warm and I couldn’t wear my planned outfits, I was still happy to be in Morocco and made sure to enjoy my holiday.

During the first part of my trip, I spent four days at a resort with my sister and the kids. After that, I spent three days in a riad to experience authentic Moroccan culture. I explored the city centre, visited the Medina, enjoyed various restaurants and cafes, and walked around as much as possible to enjoy the sights.

As usual, I like to share interesting facts about the places I visit, so here are ten fun or not-so-fun facts about Morocco.

1. Morocco is a Predominantly Islamic Country

Over 98% of the population in Morocco are Muslims. Islamic practices and beliefs are integral to the lifestyle of many Moroccans. However, the country is liberal, allowing individuals to adopt other religions if they choose. Our tour guide explained that in Morocco, particularly in Casablanca, there is a diverse mix of religions and nationalities living together harmoniously.

2. The Moroccan Flag is Displayed Everywhere 

When you’re in Morocco, it’s impossible to forget your surroundings because the national flag is prominently displayed everywhere. Flags can be seen along the roads, on buildings, and throughout various establishments. I found this both unusual and fascinating, as in other countries I’ve visited, flags are typically only found at government buildings and offices.

3. The Official Language in Morocco is Arabic

The official language of Morocco is Arabic, but many people also speak French. In fact, signs and directions are often displayed in both Arabic and French. This experience reminded me once again that learning French can be very beneficial. Additionally, a third language spoken in Morocco is Amazigh, the language of the Berber people, the indigenous people of Morocco and North Africa.

4. The Buildings in Marrakech are Pink, While in Casablanca, They are White

In Morocco, the predominant colour of buildings is red, as they are primarily constructed from red clay, which apparently is in line with regulations that aim to maintain the country’s traditional appearance. In contrast, Casablanca is called the “White City” because most of its buildings are painted white.

5. The 3rd Largest Mosque in the World is located in Casablanca, Morocco 

I went on a day trip to Casablanca from Marrakech and visited the Hassan II Mosque, which is the third largest mosque in the world. I was in awe of its architecture and rich history; it was a beautiful sight to behold. The mosque is built on the water, which is significant because of a verse in the Quran stating that God’s throne is built on the water.

6. Morocco is Popular For Its Spices

I visited the famous Mellah Spice Market to purchase fresh spices. Before exploring Marrakech, my riad guide recommended several places to visit, particularly the Mellah Spice Market. He explained how the spices contribute to the uniqueness of local dishes and provided me with a list of freshly ground spices to buy, which includes turmeric, ginger, paprika, coriander, cumin, and black pepper.

7. Rabat is the Capital of Morocco

While Marrakech and Casablanca are well-known destinations, I was surprised to learn that neither city is the capital of Morocco. Our tour guide in Casablanca explained that Casablanca is the largest city and the hub for commercial activities in the country. Although I didn’t get the chance to visit Rabat on this trip, I hope to do so in the future.

8. Two Top Tourist Destinations in Morocco are the YSL Museum and Majorelle Gardens

I visited the Majorelle Gardens and the YSL Museum and finally understood the connection between Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) and Morocco. Saint Laurent frequently visited Morocco while designing new collections, and the country played a significant role in his life. The museum, located next to the Majorelle Gardens, displays his original designs from various collections. Although photos were not allowed, seeing how his work evolved over the years was fascinating. Additionally, a monument is dedicated to him at the Majorelle Gardens, a residence and botanical garden he once owned, which is now a popular tourist attraction.

9. Morocco is Popular For Its Tea

Before visiting Morocco, I was already familiar with Moroccan tea as a tea lover. However, experiencing freshly made Moroccan tea in Morocco was truly special. Moroccan tea is made with gunpowder green tea, fresh spearmint, and sugar. It is served in glasses—yes, you read that right! To make it easier to drink, they either wrap the glasses with cloth or pour the tea without filling the glass to the brim. Additionally, the tea is poured in a specific manner to enhance the richness of the herbs.

10. Morocco is the 2nd Largest Producer of Olives in The World

Yes, I ate so many olives on this trip! I’m not used to seeing and eating olives daily in Nigeria, even though I love them. It was nice to enjoy them regularly. Olives are used in cooking main dishes, like the delicious tagine (Moroccan traditional dish). Can you tell I ate a lot on this trip? They are also served as a starter with a dip and used as toppings.

There were a lot of other things I discovered about Morocco, but not everything made the cut. Don’t forget to check the weather before you visit because it gets cold in Morocco.

Have you ever been to Morocco? Do you intend to visit soon?

Mariam Shittu