Morocco is a Kingdom and their beloved king is called Mohammed VI; he is the only king to encourage his wife to be active on the communities and offer help to the poor. He has several palaces in Marrakech and Casablanca. The government is headed by a Prime Minister.
Morocco has 32 million people, around the size of Canada. The area that Morocco occupies is just slightly smaller than the state of California. Their population is comprised mostly of Muslim faith, 1% Christian and a smattering with the Jewish Faith.
The majority of Muslims do not consume alcohol. But just in case they have even a marginal desire, the government taxes domestic booze by 100% and imports with an additional 80%. There are 14 wine regions in Morocco, and the wine they produce is not bad! Even with the taxes, the wines are not badly priced in Restaurants (I have yet to find a liquor store).
Morocco is the second largest producers of roses in the world (I imagine Mexico is the largest). Morocco grows apples, bananas, lemons, limes, walnuts, almonds, olives, figs, dates as well as cherries (not our red cherries, but orange cherries, I’m told). Their tropical climate affords them palm trees and cactus plants growing wild along the country sides.
They also grow Argan trees which are most famous for Argan Oil; it is used as a household cleanser, a beautifier, and an additive to food to aid the management of cholesterol (of course, they sell a variety of grades for each purpose).
Morocco also grows olives and makes their own olive oil.
Moroccan’s like their tea which is usually a variety of green tea; it is an entire service on how to prepare a proper tea. They like to drink their tea with A LOT of sugar (such as 5-6 lumps, and then some!).
A few interesting facts about Morocco
November 6, 2011 by Eva Taylor
Holy cow! 100% tax on liquor! Eeks! Fabulous facts tonight – I had no idea they grew so much produce. And I can’t believe how many people are packed into a country smaller than California! Puts things in perspective! Can’t wait to see where you are headed next! (And you look so happy at dinner! I love it!)
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Hi Kristy! The people are packed into the cities…if you think New York is wild, then multiply the chaos by a hundred thousand! It’s mad for sure!
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What an interesting trip so far…I knew very little about Morocco before I started reading your accounts. And some beautiful scenery, too. I admire your blogging about it while on vacation…and am enjoying “seeing” the country vicariously!
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Thanks Besty; it’s an incredible experience, for sure.
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Oh I hope those are the wine glasses that are so full, not water!
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Hi Greg, yes Moroccans use very large glasses; I suspect that because they are not drinkers they think pouring a half a bottle into one glass is good!
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I had heard of the wines of North Africa, although I’ve never been able to try them – I even went to a couscous restaurant the other night in the hopes of trying some but alas all the wines on the menu were French (mais bien sûr!). Thanks for the factoids! Especially interesting about the roses… I had no idea (although you mentioned this I think in a previous post maybe). Lovely to see the photos as ever!
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Thanks Charles. How did you enjoy the couscous? Did you know that it is typically eaten only on Friday, their sabbath? It takes over an hour to prepare, and I doubt very much the ever use the ‘instant’ kind!
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What a fascinating time you must be having. This must be one of the more moderate Muslim countries.
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Yes, Charlie-Louie, there is much tolerance for the westerners.
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Thank you for sharing the info Eva
I hope you are having a great time on your trip
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It’s a bit surprising to learn that Morocco produces so many agricultural goods, not to mention the existence of wine regions in a Moslem country. Thanks for the lesson. Where are we going next?
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We’ll see, John. We had booked a car, drove it almost back to the Riad, and it broke down. It was supposed to be the desert tomorrow, at this moment it is unknown.
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