How easy is it to get to Morocco

�

�

Q.� How easy is it to get to Morocco

A.� There are international airports at Casablanca, Tangier and Agadir. Morocco is well linked to Europe, Africa and the Middle East. You can catch ferries and jet foils from Algericas in Spain and Tangier and Ceuta.

�

Q.� What's the capital and how many people live there

A.� The Kingdom of Morocco as it is officially known has a population of 29 million and the capital city is Rabat.

�

Q.�What's the country's demographic profile

A.� Roughly 55 per cent are Arab, 44 per cent Berber and 0.7 per cent are foreigners. The official language is Arabic with Berber dialects and French, Spanish and English is also spoken.

�

Q.� What about health precautions before travel

A.� There are malaria risks in the coastal reaches of Morocco but it is one of the least daunting countries in African for your health.

�

Q.� When is the best time of year to go

A.� The weater is dry all year round although it can be cool and wet in the mountains between October and April.

�

Q.� What's there to do in Rabat

A.� Its most famous site in the Tour Hassan, the incomplete minaret of the great mosque begun by Yacoub-al-Mansour. An earthquake brought construction to a halt in 1755. Then there's the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the present king's father. Also see the Kashab des Oudais built on the bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

�

Q.� Which other cities are worth a trip

A.� Casablanca,� the place chosen by Hollywood as the most exotic colonial outpost. These days it's a lively industrial town. Then there's the hustle and bustle of Marrakesh and places like Tangier and Agadir well worth a visit.

�

Q.� What about things to buy

A.� Morocco has a thriving culture and there are lots of items handmade such as brassware, woodwork, carpets, pottery and jewellery. Its marquiniere (leatherware) is renowned.

�

Q.� What about other activities

A.� There's lots of trekking possibilities� - one of the most popular is a two-day hike up Jekel Toubkal in the High Atlas Mountains. Longer trips include the trail between the Tacheddint and Imlil up to the snowline. There's skiing in this region too. Other activities include white water rafting, fishing and surfing and wind surfing along the coast of Essaouira.

�

By Katharine MacColl