20 Captivating Fun Facts About Morocco: Explore the Magic and Mystery of This Enchanting Kingdom

1. Liquid Gold: Argan Oil

Forget Willy Wonka's golden ticket: Morocco's got the real golden goo, and no Oompa Loompas needed! In southwestern Morocco, they dance to the beat of a different oil drum, making magic with argan oil, also known as liquid gold: Rich in Vitamin E and Omega-6 fatty acids, this natural moisturizer does it all - replenishing damaged skin, untangling Rapunzel's frizz, and lending a hand to lackluster nails.
Source => marocmama.com

2. Berber Nomads: Desert Navigators

Navigating the Sahara: one does not simply walk in Mordor (Camel Edition): Berber nomads in Morocco have mastered the art of traversing the vast sandy landscape using the stars and landmarks, boasting stories, songs, and techniques to locate vital watering holes and distinct markers, making them the true Jack Sparrows of the desert.
Source => moroccotoptrips.com

Did you know that a simple yet delicious Spanish dish, pan con tomate, is made by massaging bread with garlic, ripe tomatoes, Spanish olive oil, and a pinch of salt? Discover the mouthwatering magic behind this Catalan treat!

=> Fun Facts about Spain

3. Salted Lemons: Moroccan Marinade

When life gives you lemons, Morocco says: marinade them in salt! Seriously, folks: Moroccan preserved lemons are a hassle-free DIY creation, needing just fresh lemons and coarse salt to concoct this tangy treat. With time, their flavor gracefully matures, further enhancing Moroccan classics like Chicken with Preserved Lemon and Olives.
Source => tasteofmaroc.com

4. Olive Oil: Culinary Casanova

In a brewing "O-live-nation" showdown, Morocco's been stealthily entering the olive oil limelight, charming the taste buds of prestigious judges like an undercover culinary Casanova: Moroccan olive oil producers have upped their game, claiming three awards at the 2020 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition, compared to just one in 2019 and none in 2018, elevating Morocco to the world's sixth-largest olive oil producer, boasting a whopping 145,000 tons of golden goodness in 2019.
Source => oliveoiltimes.com

5. Genie Lamp Hotels: Riads

"Check-in" to a Moroccan genie's lamp and experience the magic of 1001 nights: Many of Morocco's riads have been converted into guest houses and hotels, featuring exquisite private rooms, tranquil common spaces, and idyllic amenities like rooftop gardens and pools, masterfully blending traditional Moroccan charm with modern boutique hotel style, and can now be easily found on Airbnb under the search category of riads.
Source => cntraveler.com

6. Djemaa El Fna: Moroccan Times Square

If you thought Times Square was the ultimate hotspot for intriguing performances and delicacies, prepare to be transported to a Moroccan wonderland: Djemaa El Fna, Marrakesh's iconic square, has been elevating the cultural hustle and bustle game since the 11th century, leading UNESCO to dub it a Masterpiece of World Heritage in 2001 - making it a must-see melting pot of Moroccan heritage, filled with street theater, tasty grub, and unforgettable tunes.
Source => lonelyplanet.com

7. Phosphate Rocks: Fertilizer Treasures

If life gives you rocks, make fertilizers: Interestingly, Morocco harbors the largest phosphate rock reserves in the world – a whopping 50 billion metric tons! These natural treasures make Morocco a global powerhouse, supporting agriculture and manufacturing abundantly.
Source => statista.com

8. Mint Tea: Britain's Moroccan Obsession

Move over, Colonel Sanders! The original tea-slingin' Brits have a Moroccan obsession steeped in history: Maghrebi mint tea, a delightful blend of gunpowder green tea, fresh spearmint leaves, and sugar, was introduced to North Africa by the British in the 18th and 19th centuries. It has since become a symbol of hospitality across North Africa, parts of the Sahel, and even in France, Spain, the Arab world, and the Middle East. With a proverb proclaiming its three distinct flavors - as gentle as life, as strong as love, and as bitter as death - this ceremonious concoction truly takes the teacup!
Source => en.wikipedia.org

9. Stargazing: Oukaïmeden Observatory

When stars align and heavenly bodies collide, what does Morocco do? Gaze, of course: Located in the Atlas Mountains, the Oukaïmeden Observatory houses a 0.50m telescope, and since 2011 has hosted the "Morocco Oukaïmeden Sky Survey" (MOSS) for international amateur astronomers. MOSS has discovered new Near-Earth Objects from the Apollo family, such as 2022 YQ5 and 2022 YY6 in January 2023.
Source => moss-observatory.org

10. Atlas Mountain Adventure: Jebel Toubkal

If you're tired of the same old mountain heights, why not try Morocco's answer to Everest? Hike your way to cloud nine and beyond, and maybe sneak in some skiing while you're at it: Jebel Toubkal, with its mighty 4,167 meters (13,671 ft) elevation, is the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains, offering unparalleled trekking and ski mountaineering experiences.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

11. Roman Mosaics: Volubilis

If chariot races led by zebras, lions, and every creature in between tickle your fancy, then Morocco's mosaic masterpieces will have you galloping with glee: perfectly preserved Roman mosaics in the ancient city of Volubilis offer a colorful glimpse into the wild world of animal races in the House of Venus and everyday life from over 2,000 years ago.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

12. Hassan II Mosque: Laser Minaret

What do you get when you cross a supertall skyscraper and a laser show with a pinch of divine direction? The Hassan II Mosque's 210-meter high minaret in Casablanca, Morocco: This architectural masterpiece is the second tallest minaret in the world, featuring an evening laser display with a 30-kilometer range that points straight to Mecca, all thanks to special high-grade concrete that stands up to wind and tremors like a champ.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

13. Magical Academy: University of al-Qarawiyyin

Straight out of a Hogwarts fantasy, but Dumbledore's got nothing on this magical Moroccan institution: Morocco is home to the University of al-Qarawiyyin in Fez, which dates back to the 9th century and is considered one of the oldest existing universities in the world, boasting a stunning mix of historical Moroccan and Islamic architecture, and specializing in Islamic religious and legal sciences, as well as Classical Arabic grammar and Maliki Sharia.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

14. Tree-Climbing Goats: Caprine Tarzans

Peek-a-boo, goat's in a tree: Morocco's argan trees provide a playground for talented goats that climb their branches to feast on the fruit, making them the Tarzans of the caprine world. On a serious note, tree-climbing goats are not common, as it takes special training for them to master the technique, exemplified by Jaouad Benaddi and his son Khalid's failed attempts to teach their goats this unusual skill.
Source => nationalgeographic.com

15. Fes Medina: Donkey Pac-Man

Donkeys overtake dunces and wise men alike in the world's largest game of Pac-Man: The Fes medina in Morocco is the biggest car-free zone globally, boasting over 9,000 alleys so narrow that only pedestrians and donkeys can pass, with the latter given right of way.
Source => rowdyplanet.com

16. Moroccan Versailles: Moulay Isma'il

Once upon a sultan's dream in a Moroccan land far, far away, there lived a ruler with visions grander than Aladdin's genie could ever grant: Enter Moulay Isma'il, the creator of the mind-blowing "Moroccan Versailles" between 1672 and 1727. This architectural jewel sprawled over Meknes, even surpassing the old city in size, and boasted royal fortifications, water supplies, and an army of loyal subjects. Nowadays, it's open sesame to the public, with Moulay Isma'il's mausoleum and the Heri es-Souani making your travel bucket list even more magical.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

17. Anima Garden: Alice's Wonderland

If Alice had ventured further down the rabbit hole, she might have stumbled upon Morocco's Anima Garden: a dazzling wonderland where botanical masterpieces flirt shamelessly with whimsical sculptures. Designed by the creative lovechild of Mother Nature and Leonardo da Vinci, André Heller, this enchanting locale invites all ages to bask in its fantastical embrace: A mesmerizing two-hectare garden, Anima showcases an array of exotic plants and captivating sculptures that inspire joy, contemplation, and healing for all who tread its lush paths.
Source => anima-garden.com

18. Volubilis: Roman Olive Oil Hub

In a land where even olives were rolling in the dough, the Romans discovered liquid gold beneath their feet: The ancient city of Volubilis in present-day Morocco was a major epicenter for olive oil production and export, boasting prosperous agriculture, innovative techniques, and luxurious townhouses all centered around everyone's favorite slippery substance.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

19. Humpback Dolphin: Dakhla Bay Endangered Species

Move aside Flipper, there's a new dolphin in town: Atlantic humpback dolphins call Dakhla Bay in Western Sahara their home, but sadly their numbers have dwindled from an average group size of 6.9 individuals in 1996 to just three sightings in 2010, making them a rare sight and an endangered species in need of some serious conservation efforts.
Source => sousateuszii.org

20. Surf's Up: Moroccan Coastlines

Surfers, grab your sunscreen and hop onto your magic carpets, because we're about to ride some gnarly waves in the land of Aladdin: Morocco boasts 1,835 kilometers of breathtaking coastline perfect for surfing, with prime conditions near cities like Essaouira, Rabat, and Agadir, offering affordable equipment rental and the most bodacious waves between late fall and early spring.
Source => journalofnomads.com