Both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea createan extensivecoastline along Morocco's northern border, while the interior is mountainous. Morocco's landscape is incredibly diverse, and it ispopulated by plateaus, luscious valleys and fertile plains,with the Sahara Desert takingup the far south and causingthe heat the country is known for. Expats moving to Morocco will be greeted by a colourful land characterised by scenic beauty, bustling marketplaces and delicious food. Most expats move to Rabat, Casablanca or the red city of Marrakesh. Though the expat population in Morocco is relatively small, it's growing steadily. Expats looking to work in Morocco may struggle to find a job. Tourism istraditionally a large industryand may therefore be an option for expats looking for employment.Otherwise, opportunities exist in the technology and business sectors, especially for multilingual expats. Manyexpats may also find employment in teaching English. Arabic and Berber arethe official languages in Morocco, but expats will find that French is more commonly used in business. Brushing up on their language skills will certainly help expatsmake headwayin communicating with the locals and reading road signs. While expats may have reservations about relocating to an Islamic country, they'll find that Morocco is far more liberal than most expat destinations in the Middle East. Itlies at the crossroads of Europe, Africa and the Middle East, and elements of these different cultures are visible in everyday life. Moroccans tend to be open-minded and are interested in learningabout new people and other ways of living. Privacy in the home is something which is treasured, so there islittle concern about what expats do behind closed doors. Expats have plenty of optionswhen it comes to outdoor pursuits –hiking and biking in the Atlas Mountains and swimming in the Mediterranean are just a few of the exciting activities Morocco has to offer. Food is also central to Moroccan culture, and the country is a foodie's dream. The cost of living in Morocco is relatively low, especially in comparison to Western Europe and North America. Casablanca ranks 158th out of 227 global cities surveyed in the 2023 Mercer Cost of Living Survey, while Rabat is ranked 174th. Property prices are incredibly reasonable, which is why most expats living in Morocco choose to buy a home rather than rent. As domestic help in Morocco is readily available and affordable, expats will find that they have more time for leisure activities. Expats generally find Morocco to be a safe place. That said, constantly being followed by hustlers offering directions or trying to sell various goods can be a problem, especially for Western expats and women. This is, however, more of an annoyance than it is dangerous. While public schooling in Moroccois not up to the standards many expats may be used to, several international schools in the larger cities teach atan excellent standard and offer superb facilities. International school fees are expensive when based on local standards but are typically cheaper than those in Europe. Despite this, expat parentswill have to take the costinto consideration when choosing a school that will suit their budget. Morocco has a tropical climate, with soaring summer temperatures, while winters can drop to 41ºF (5ºC). The interior is generallyhot and dry, while the coast has weather typical ofother Mediterranean countries. Ultimately, expats moving to Morocco should do so with a sense of adventure. For those whocan overcome the language barriers and elements of culture shock, expat life in Morocco is a rewarding and enriching experience. Population: More than 37.8 million Capital city: Rabat Other major cities: Casablanca, Fes andMarrakech Neighbouring countries: Algeria and Spain Geography: Morocco's coast is adjacent to a stretch of fertile plains that runs along both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The northern and interior areas are mountainous, whilethe southeast isarid. Political system: Parliamentary constitutional monarchy Major religions: Sunni Islam Main languages: Arabic, Berber dialects, French Money: TheMoroccan Dirham (MAD) is the official currency, and it is divided into 100 santimat. Tipping: Although there isn't standard tipping etiquette, it's usual to tip 10 percent of the bill for services rendered. Time: GMT (GMT+1 from the last Sunday in March till the last Sunday in October) Electricity: 220 volts, 50 Hz. Round, two-pin plugs are used. Internet domain: .ma International dialling code: +212 Emergency contacts: 190 (police) or 150 (ambulance and fire department) Transport and driving: Driving is on the right-hand side of the road.Although the Moroccan government has focused on improving its roadways, some roads in Morocco are still in need of repair. There are also buses, taxis and trains available to ensure expats can get around in the country.Living in Morocco as an expat
Cost of living in Morocco
Safety in Morocco
Expat families and children in Morocco
Climate in Morocco
Fast Facts
