Journey Beyond Travel

Morocco: A Brief Introduction – 2 of 3

You can Read Part III of this article here: Morocco: An Introduction, Part III
Or, go back to re-read: Morocco: An Introduction, Part I

Morocco is a Constitutional Monarchy with King Mohammed VI in power since 1999. With the monarchy come heightened security and various branches of royal, military and local police.

In general, Morocco is a safe country to travel in. But, be on the lookout for petty thieves, touts and con artists, especially in popular places and tourist attractions. Avoid being out late at night unless you are in a well-lit area with other people around.

For women, it is wise to dress modestly. Avoid wearing clothes that are too short, low-cut, tight or revealing. Being harassed by males on the street is common and many Moroccan females enjoy the attention. Dating and sexual relations are still taboo and not talked about in the home or at school. Therefore, the only time men and women get to meet and flirt is on the street.

If a man is harassing you on the street, do not make eye contact or talk to him. Ignore him and walk away. If he proceeds to follow you, continue ignoring and evading him. He will eventually realize you are not interested. If you talk back or tell him off, he might get angry and become aggressive.

Morocco is a very male-dominated society. You will notice, especially in rural areas, men leading businesses and sitting at cafés while the women are working inside the home or on the field.

Most of Morocco still lives in the countryside. The literacy rate is under 50% for women, and overall unemployment is high. The educational system at present is still old-fashioned, out-dated, and conservative. In the workplace, a bureaucratic attitude is prevalent and corruption is widespread at every level. All of these factors contribute to a lax attitude regarding health, hygiene, littering, pollution, road safety and bribery.

While Morocco does have a welfare and social security system, many people do not benefit from them. You will see many people of all ages and handicaps begging on the street. If you want to give someone money, it is best to give to the elderly or disabled. It is not good to give to children; this will encourage them to keep on begging as they get older.

Morocco is a liberal Muslim nation but is still conservative in certain regards. You will see many mosques and tall rectangular minarets in every village, town and city. The call to prayer can be heard 5 times a day (one in the early morning a couple hours before sunrise), reminding practicing Muslims to pray. When passing by a mosque, be respectful. You can peer in, but do not go in. If prayer is in session, refrain from taking pictures.

Most Moroccan women do not wear the full black gown and veil. They either wear a long, colorful gown with a hood, called a djellaba, and a scarf covering their head, or western clothing. You will also see men wearing djellabas, but in more subdued colors.

Family is very important to Moroccans and in most cases the main priority. Many families are big and include the extended family. The main married couple may have their own bedroom; otherwise, the whole family will sleep on the couches that line the living room.

Greetings are very important. Always say hello when entering and goodbye when leaving. It is considered rude if you don’t. Many Moroccans, especially in the countryside, do not like to be photographed, so ask permission before doing so.

Alcohol is forbidden in Islam and illegal in Morocco--only on paper. In major cities, you will find restaurants, bars, cafés, shops, and supermarkets that do sell or serve alcohol to both foreigners and Moroccans.

Hashish production and consumption is significant, mainly in the northern part of the country. You may be approached by individuals offering to sell it to you. Male and female prostitution as well as homosexuality does exist, so do not be surprised.