Morocco (officially the Kingdom of Morocco) is a country located in North Africa with a population of nearly 32 million and an area just under 447,000 square kilometres (173,000 sq mi). Its capital is Rabat, and its largest city is Casablanca. The Country has a coast on the Atlantic Ocean that reaches through the Strait of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by Algeria to the east, Mauritania to the south (via its Western Saharan territories) and shares a water border with Spain to the north.

Morocco has been a Kingdom since ancient times and still carries the influences of earlier civilizations. As a part of North Africa, its origins derive from both Berbers and Arabs but it has also been heavily influenced by its close proximity to Mediterranean Europe.

Today it is fully independent country and has a rapidly modernising society. This is most evident in the towns and cities to the north. However as you travel further south and east you will find that more traditional lifestyles continue.

While Morocco was a French Protectorate (from 1912 to 1956) tourism was focused on urban areas such as the Mediterranean cities of Tangier and Casablanca. There was a period of resort development at places such as Agadir on the Atlantic coast in the 1970s and 1980s.

Tourism is now increasingly focused on Morocco's culture, such as its ancient cities and Roman and Islamic sites. The country's attractions can be divided into seven regions: Tangier and the surrounding area; Agadir and its beach resorts; Marrakech; Casablanca; the Imperial cities; Ouarzazate; and Tarfaya and its beach resorts.

Agadir is a major coastal resort and has a third of all Moroccan tourist accommodation. It is also a convenient base for tours to the Atlas Mountains. Other resorts in north Morocco are also very popular such as Casablanca which is a major cruise port.

Marrakech in central Morocco is a popular tourist destination, and is ideal for short breaks that provide a taste of Morocco's history and culture. The Majorelle botanical garden in Marrakech is a popular attraction and was once owned by the fashion designer Yves Saint-Laurent.

In recent years, activity and adventure tourism in the Atlas and Rif Mountains have become the fastest growth area in Moroccan tourism. These locations have excellent walking and trekking opportunities from late March to mid-November. The government is investing in trekking circuits and is also developing desert tourism.