Morocco attracts more and more the attention of tourists and international companies because of the qualities and advantages that differentiate it from other countries in the African continent. Morocco has a long history and rich culture that manifests obviously in its social, educational and artistic life aspects. In this article, we are going to shed light on some interesting facts that many people do not know about Morocco.

1. One of the first countries that recognized the independence of USA.

The kingdom of Morocco under the role of the sultan Mohammed III was one the first countries in the world to recognize the independence of USA in 1777 by allowing American ships to land in Moroccan ports. The decree referred also that Morocco will provide protection to American merchant ships in the Mediterranean Sea from the potential attacks of pirates that threaten their safety.

Morocco was also the first Arabic, Amazigh and African country to sign a treaty of peace and friendship with America in July 1786. The first US president George Washington had shown his appreciation, in one of his letters to the Moroccan Sultan, for the efforts and initiative he took to protect the American ships because America lacked a navy at that time to protect its ships in the Mediterranean.   

2. Moroccan hospitality

Morocco is known throughout the history by its hospitality and welcoming culture. According to a survey conducted by World Economic Forum (WEF) in 2013, Morocco has been ranked the 3 friendliest country in the world towards tourists and foreigners. Every year, Millions of tourists from all over the world come to visit the country and enjoy the Moroccan culture in all its aspects. Moroccans used to have always inclination to help others and share what they are up to with foreigners. The culture of sharing is very important in Moroccans daily life. Every time you meet a Moroccan, he will invite you to his house to have a lunch together or drink a cup of mint tea. In some family occasions like weddings or birth parties every one participates and provides a helping hand to the family. Guests are always welcome at any time and without a prior notice. According to the Arab culture, the family is obliged to host and treat any guest comes to its house for a duration of 3 days at least. 

3. Cultural Diversity

Moroccan culture is rich by its diversity aspect. Morocco has been since an early age a country of tolerance and acceptance of different walks of life. Because of its geostrategic position in the map (Morocco is the gateway to Africa), people from Europe, Sub Saharan and Arab countries used to travel to Morocco throughout the history for multiple reasons such as doing business, studying at its universities or looking forward to settle in it which has contributed in making from its culture a crossroad of many backgrounds and traditions that created an add value to its cultural heritage.

In Morocco people can speak several languages such as Berber (the language of the indigenous people), Arabic, French and Spanish (because Morocco was under the colonization rule of the two countries for a duration of almost 45 years before gaining its independence in 1956) and also English especially among the young generation.

This diversity is well manifested in all Moroccan life aspects such as arts, food, music, jewelry, cloths… Every Moroccan region is different from the other and the visitor can obviously notice the colorful and richness of the Moroccan culture.

4. Home of the oldest University in the world

Al Qarawiyin University in the city of Fez was the first university in the world founded in 859 by a woman called Fatima Mohammed Ben Abdellah El Fihri. At the beginning, the building was used as a mosque before it got transformed to a university in 877 by adding more facilities such as a library area that contained several books in different subjects, places for giving lectures and spaces for students and intellectuals to meet and exchange their thoughts.

The reputation that the university gained over time because of the quality of its scholars, its teachers and the educational system in place had made from the city of Fez a center of learning and knowledge. People from Arab, African and European countries used to travel to Fez in order to pursue their studies in some fields that were not available at their countries.  Many intellectuals, scientists and philosophers had graduated from it such as Ibn Khaldoun ,Ibn Arabi , Leo Africanus and more. Today, many tourists from all over the world visit Al Qarawiyin to learn more about its rich history and fascinating architecture.