Morocco Quiz: How Well Do You Know the Gem of Africa?

Morocco’s northern coastline stretches along the Mediterranean Sea. This region includes Tangier and Tetouan and is a strategic link to Europe.

Morocco was a French protectorate from 1912 to 1956, with Spain controlling some regions. In 1956, Morocco regained independence, and King Mohammed V became the leader of the newly independent kingdom.

Marrakech is called the “Red City” because its historic buildings and city walls are built from red sandstone. The city is also famous for its lively souks, gardens, palaces, and the Jemaa el-Fnaa square.

Chefchaouen, known as the “Blue Pearl,” is famous for its blue-painted houses and streets. The blue color is believed to symbolize the sky and heaven and was introduced by Jewish refugees in the 15th century.

Royal Air Maroc is Morocco’s flag carrier airline, based in Casablanca. It connects Morocco to Africa, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East.

The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is the official currency. The word “dirham” comes from the ancient Greek currency “drachma.” One dirham is subdivided into 100 centimes.

Casablanca’s port is the largest in North Africa and one of the busiest on the continent. It serves as a major hub for imports, exports, and fishing industries.

Morocco’s coastal regions, especially in the north, enjoy a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The inland areas tend to be hotter and drier, while the Sahara is extremely arid.

Jemaa el-Fnaa is Marrakech’s main square, famous for street performers, food stalls, snake charmers, and musicians. It is a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Rabat is the capital of Morocco and has been since 1912, when it was chosen during the French protectorate. It is the country’s political and administrative hub, housing the Royal Palace, parliament, and embassies. Although Casablanca is larger and more economically significant, Rabat serves as the official seat of government and the King’s residence.

Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city and its economic heart. It is a major port on the Atlantic Ocean and an industrial center. The city is also famous for the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world.

Football is Morocco’s most popular sport. The Moroccan national team, nicknamed the Atlas Lions, made history in 2022 by becoming the first African team to reach the FIFA World Cup semifinals.

Morocco is part of the African Union (AU) and the Arab League, reflecting its dual identity as an African and Arab nation. It has strong political, cultural, and economic ties in both regions.

Tangier sits at the entrance of the Mediterranean Sea, near the Strait of Gibraltar. Its location made it an international trade and cultural hub for centuries.

The Strait of Gibraltar is only about 14 km wide at its narrowest point, separating Morocco in Africa from Spain in Europe. This makes Morocco geographically close to Europe and strategically important for trade and migration.

Fes is often regarded as Morocco’s cultural and spiritual capital. It is home to the University of Al Quaraouiyine, founded in 859 CE, recognized as the world’s oldest continuously operating university.

Morocco’s western boundary stretches along the Atlantic Ocean for more than 1,800 km. This coastline has historically allowed Morocco to become a center for trade, fishing, and cultural exchange. The port of Casablanca, located here, is one of the busiest in Africa.

Morocco recognizes two official languages: Arabic (Modern Standard Arabic) and Amazigh (Berber). While Arabic dominates in politics, media, and religion, French is still widely spoken due to colonial history, and Spanish is common in the northern regions. English is increasingly taught but not yet official.

The Sahara, the world’s largest hot desert, extends into southeastern Morocco. Moroccan towns like Merzouga and Zagora are popular entry points for desert tourism, camel rides, and exploring sand dunes.

Couscous is Morocco’s national dish, made from steamed semolina grains topped with vegetables, meat (lamb, chicken, or beef), and a spiced broth. It is often served on Fridays, the Muslim holy day.

The 1942 Hollywood classic Casablanca was set in Morocco’s largest city during WWII. Although filmed in the U.S., it immortalized the city’s name and remains a cultural icon.

The Moroccan flag features a green five-pointed star (the Seal of Solomon) in the center of a red field. Red symbolizes bravery and strength, while green represents Islam and hope.

The Atlas Mountains stretch across Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. In Morocco, they divide the Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines from the Sahara Desert. These mountains are home to Amazigh communities and are vital for agriculture, as they capture rainfall and provide fertile valleys.

Islam is the dominant religion in Morocco, with nearly the entire population being Muslim, mainly Sunni Muslims of the Maliki school. Religion strongly influences Morocco’s culture, festivals, and daily life.

Morocco holds over 70% of the world’s phosphate reserves, making it the leading exporter. Phosphates are vital for producing fertilizers, which support global agriculture.