People

The essence of Morocco is its people. Their hospitality, style, and creativity transports you to a medieval fairytale full of promise and mystery. The Moroccan nation owes its diversity to the many cultures that have influenced it during the course of its history. The indigenous Berbers, the ancient people of North Africa, were joined over centuries by Arabs, Phoenicians, Byzantines, Romans, Spaniards, Portuguese, Turks, and French. These various groups claimed or ruled some or all of Morocco until it established its independence in 1956.

Among Morocco’s more than 30 million citizens today, most can claim both Berber and Arab ancestry. There also are a small number of Jews and black Africans. The majority of Moroccans are Muslim, with a smaller minority of Jews and Christians. Morocco is by far one of the more liberal Islamic countries. Nightclubs and alcohol coexist with mosque of faithful followers. Clothing is likewise varied, with families out for a stroll in both traditional and western garb and topless European beachgoers crossing paths with cloaked Moroccan maidens. In general, you will find more conservative dress in rural areas and villages and within the medinas, where a more traditional way of life is followed. Visitors dressing modestly will feel more comfortable in mixed company.

All these invasions have left Moroccans remarkably facile with languages. Children learn both Arabic and French from an early age. In a nod to expanded education in rural areas, as well as recognition of a vital part of Morocco’s heritage, Berber is beginning to be taught in elementary schools as a second, third, or forth language as well. Each of these languages has their own alphabet. While written publications such as newspapers primarily are in Arabic or French, you will find the spoken Moroccan dialect to be a mish-mash of Classical and Moroccan Arabic, Berber, French, Spanish, English, perhaps even German, sometimes all in the same conversation, just for good measure. It’s a fascinating way of assimilating the many cultures who have passed through and contributes to the lively, chaotic atmosphere.