This is a country that possesses many unique and unusual features.
Strange Facts About the Kingdom of Morocco
- 1. Right now, Moroccans are living in the year 2972
- 2. The country has 3 billionaires and 4,500 millionaires
- 3. Morocco is home to the oldest university in the world
- 4. A country with deserts, snowy mountains, and oceans
- 5. Attracting many directors and filmmakers
- 6. It is forbidden to throw away bread
- 7. You cannot refuse meat dishes in Morocco
- 8. The symbol of love is the liver, not the heart
- 9. Home to a rare wood that Rolls-Royce, Mercedes, and BMW all covet
Morocco is the short name for the Kingdom of Morocco, often referred to as Ma-rốc by the Vietnamese. The Atlas Mountains divide Morocco into two parts, where majestic gorges like Todra and Dades, the palaces of Tinerhir, and the beautiful city of Berarzazate, known for its Berber culture, can be found. Here, adventurous tourists can enjoy skiing. Following this are Mer Merououga, famous for camel riding and bird watching, and Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa.
This country boasts many interesting characteristics, especially the following:
1. Right now, Moroccans are living in the year 2972
In addition to the official calendar that aligns with the rest of the world, a large portion of the Moroccan population is Berber and uses a Berber calendar. This is a calendar utilized by the Berber people in North Africa. According to this calendar, it is currently the year 2972.
2. The country has 3 billionaires and 4,500 millionaires
According to the 2022 Africa Wealth Report by Henley & Partners, Morocco, along with South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, and Kenya, holds over 50% of Africa’s private wealth. The report states, “Total wealth refers to the personal assets (net worth) held by all individuals living in each country. It includes all their assets such as real estate, cash, equities, business interests, and subtracts any liabilities.”
The report indicates that there are 4,500 millionaires in Morocco, and as of December 2020, the country has 3 billionaires.
Morocco’s per capita wealth has increased by 5% over the past decade, from 2010 to 2020. Currently, the per capita wealth stands at $3,050 (MAD30,303).
In the luxury market, which includes hotels and resorts, cars, watches, private jets, and yachts, Morocco ranks as the third largest market in Africa, only behind Kenya and South Africa.
3. Morocco is home to the oldest university in the world
The oldest university in the world was established in 859 AD by Fatima al-Fihri, the daughter of a wealthy merchant. Unlike European traditions, old Arab universities did not award any degrees; education was primarily conducted through private tutors. It wasn’t until 1947 that Al Quaraouiyine became a “university” in the true European sense.
4. A country with deserts, snowy mountains, and oceans
Morocco is a vast country, and due to its large geographical area, tourists visiting this beautiful land can easily find many unique landscapes with distinct beauty characteristic of each region. In the same country, you can surf on the ocean, trek with camels in the desert, ski on mountains, dive in oases, and hike in palm forests, among many other activities.
In this country, snow can fall from December to early April the following year. At the heart of the Atlas Mountains, 75km from Marrakesh, is the comfortable ski resort of Oukaimeden.
5. Attracting many directors and filmmakers
With its beautiful nature and diverse landscapes, Morocco consistently attracts some of the world’s most famous film directors. Since the success of the legendary film Lawrence of Arabia in the 1960s, hundreds of major film projects come to Morocco each year for shooting.
In 1983, the country became home to one of the largest film studios in the world: Atlas Studios. Atlas is known for being the filming location for movies like Gladiator, Alexander, 007: Spectre, and the TV series Game of Thrones.
6. It is forbidden to throw away bread
Moroccans consume a lot of bread and hold great respect for this food. Families never throw away leftover bread. Instead, they may feed it to livestock or keep it for trade with other useful items (for example, soap or detergent).
Additionally, according to Islamic culture, alcohol is considered forbidden. Therefore, many restaurants and hotels do not serve any alcoholic beverages, including wine.
7. You cannot refuse meat dishes in Morocco
In Morocco, meat dishes and tea play a crucial role in the relationship between hosts and guests. Refusing meat is considered rude. Furthermore, you should not eat with your left hand, as this hand is considered “unclean.” All eating should be done with the right hand, using the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
8. The symbol of love is the liver, not the heart
While most people around the world use the heart to express their love, in Morocco, this is not the case. In this country, the symbol of love is not the heart but the liver.
It is believed that a healthy liver aids digestion and promotes happiness. The phrase “you have conquered my liver” has become a formal declaration of love in this country.
9. Home to a rare wood that Rolls-Royce, Mercedes, and BMW all covet
The Thujia tree produces wood that is used for the interior decoration of many luxury car brands such as Rolls-Royce, Mercedes, and BMW. However, this rare tree only grows at the foot of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco.
