1) Al Maghrib, the Arabic name for Morocco, means "far west" or "where the

sun sets." When the Arabs first arrived in northern Africa in the seventh
century C.E. , Morocco was believed to be the westernmost point in the
world. At that time, the Maghrib region included the countries that are today
Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. The countries of the Maghrib share many
common historical and cultural features. All have indigenous Berber
populations and a strong Islamic base. Similarly, all were colonized by
France, and remain largely bilingual, with both French and Arabic being
spoken. Although European influence in Morocco is strong, it is still a
country of distinctly Arabic tradition.
2) European influence in Morocco is strong, it is still a country of distinctly
Arabic tradition. The vast difference between the crude life on the streets
and the hospitality and intimacy found in the home reflect the duality that is
deeply ingrained in Moroccan culture. But one aspect of Moroccan life that
is distinctly unified is religion. The king has declared that all citizens are
born Sunni Muslims, and Islam is an important part of everyday ritual life.
The Moroccan government is a constitutional monarchy, with a very
powerful king. It is this mix of European and Arab influence, loyalty to the
king and a strong Islamic base, that creates the uniquely Moroccan identity.
3) Morocco is slightly larger than the state of California, covering
approximately 174,000 square miles (447,000 square kilometers), and lies in
northern Africa just south of the Strait of Gibraltar. Its bordering countries
are Spain to the north, Algeria to the east, and the disputed Western Sahara
territory to the south. The northern portion of the country borders the
Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the northeast,
resulting in a moderate and subtropical coastal climate. Temperatures in the
interior are more extreme, with very hot summers and cold winters.
4) Demography. The current population of Morocco is approximately 30
million, half of whom are under the age of nineteen. Out of the total
population, 99.1 percent are identified as Arab-Berber. The indigenous tribes
who occupied much of northwestern Africa were given the generic title
Berber, meaning simply non-Arab, by the Arabs. After centuries of
intermingling, most Moroccans today are an Arab-Berber mix, although a
few tribes in the countryside identify themselves as purely Berber. The
remaining .09 percent of the population is comprised of Jews, white
Europeans, and black Africans.
5) Linguistic Affiliation. Moroccan Arabic is the official language of Morocco.
It is spoken by roughly three-quarters of the population and differs slightly
from modern standard Arabic and other dialects in grammar and
vocabulary. Although half a century has passed since the French colonial

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period in Morocco ended, French remains the official language in business,

government, and diplomacy. Before the Arabs spread their language and
culture across northern Africa, Berber dialects were spoken in Algeria,
Morocco, and Tunisia
Symbolism. Perhaps the most famous city in Morocco is Casablanca. Port
activities by the French turned this city into the economic capital of the
country in the early 1900s. In 1942 the city was the site of an Allied
invasion, and in 1943 it was the host city for a conference between Franklin
Delano Roosevelt and Winston Churchill. But it was the 1943 Hollywood
classic film Casablanca, starring Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart, that
transformed the city into an international symbol of romance and wartime
struggle. The black-and-white film was the 1943 Academy Award winner for
best picture.
Meeting Etiquette
When Moroccans greet each other they take their time and converse about
their families, friends, and other general topics. . Handshakes are the
customary greeting between individuals of the same sex.
. Handshakes may be somewhat weak according to western standards.
. Once a relationship has developed, it is common to kiss on both cheeks,
starting with the left cheek while shaking hands, men with men and women
with women.
. In any greeting that does take place between men and women, the woman
must extend her hand first. If she does not, a man should bow his head in
greeting.
. When entering a social function, shake hands with the person to your right
and then continue around the room going from right to left.
. Say good-bye to each person individually when leaving.
Gift Giving Etiquette
If you are invited to a Moroccan's home bring sweet pastries, nuts, figs,
dates or flowers to the hostess.
. A small gift for the children is seen as a token of affection.
. Do not bring alcohol unless you know that your host drinks.
. Gifts are not opened when received.
Relationships & Communication
. Moroccans prefer to do business with those they know and respect,
therefore expect to spend time cultivating a personal relationship before
business is conducted.
. Who you know is more important than what you know, so it is important to
network and cultivate a number of contacts who may then assist you in
working your way through the serpentine bureaucracy.

. Expect to be served mint tea whenever you meet someone, as this

demonstrates hospitality.
. Moroccan business practices have been greatly influenced by the French
and emphasize courtesy and a degree of formality.
. Since Moroccans judge people on appearances, dress and present yourself
well.
10)
Business Meeting Etiquette
. Appointments are necessary and should be made as far in advance as
possible and confirmed a day or two before the meeting.
. It is best to avoid scheduling meetings during Ramadan since Muslims
cannot eat or drink during the day.
. Never try to schedule meetings on Friday between 11:15 a.m. and 3 p.m.
since most companies close for prayers.
. Try to arrive at meetings on time and be prepared to wait. Moroccan
businesspeople who are accustomed to dealing with international companies
often strive to arrive on time, although it is often difficult for them to do so
in such a relationship driven culture.
. In general, Moroccans have an open-door policy, even during meetings.
This means you may experience frequent interruptions. Others may even
wander into the room and start a different discussion. You may join in, but
do not try to bring the topic back to the original discussion until the new
person leaves.
. French is generally the language of business, although some companies use
English. Check which language your meeting will be conducted in, so you
know if you should hire an interpreter.
11)Business Negotiations
. Companies are hierarchical. The highest ranking person makes decisions,
but only after obtaining a group consensus.
. Decisions are reached after great deliberation.
. If the government is involved, discussions will take even longer since the
ministers of several departments must often give approval.
. Moroccans are looking for long-term business relationships.
. Do not criticize anyone publicly. It is important that you do not cause your
Moroccan business associates to lose face.
. Moroccans are non-confrontational. They may agree in meetings rather
than cause you to lose face.
. Expect a fair amount of haggling. Moroccans seldom see an offer as final.
. Decisions are made slowly. Do not try to rush the process, as it would be
interpreted as an insult.

. The society is extremely bureaucratic. Most decisions require several

layers of approval.
. It may take several visits to accomplish simple tasks.
. Do not use high-pressure tactics as they will work against you.
. Moroccans can be deliberate and forceful negotiators.
12)
Dress Etiquette
. Business attire is formal and conservative.
. Men should wear dark coloured conservative business suits to the initial
meeting.
. Women should wear elegant business suits, dresses or pantsuits.
. Women must be careful to cover themselves appropriately. Skirts and
dresses should cover the knee and sleeves should cover most of the arm.
. Avoid wearing expensive accessories.
13)
Food in Daily Life. Two of the most basic foods in Moroccan daily life
are couscous and harira soup. Couscous, a dish made with granulated
seminola grains, is usually topped with mutton, veal, or beef and a variety of
vegetables such as tomatoes, turnips, and pimentos. It is eaten by all sectors
of society, and may be referred to as the national dish. The national soup,
harira, is a thick paste that comes in many varieties, although it is
classically made from water, bouillon, beef or mutton, onions, saffron,
walnuts, and salt. Figs and dates are among the most common fruits eaten
on a daily basis. Breakfast in Morocco may consist of bread served with
olive oil or butter, and coffee or mint tea.
14)
Basic Economy. Agriculture and forestry form the basis of Morocco's
economy. Barley, wheat, citrus, vegetables, olives, and livestock are
produced for subsistence and for trade. Since gaining its independence, the
state has owned most of Morocco's major industries. In 1993, however,
Morocco started a new stage of privatization, attempting to encourage
international investors.
15)
Commercial Activities. Street markets with local foods and
handicrafts, including carpets, traditional dress, pottery, jewelry, and
carved wood, can be found in every major city. Intense haggling over the
price of most of these goods is the local custom. Maintaining good personal
relations with everyone is very important as favors, bribes, kickbacks, and
connections all come into play when making the final deal.
16)
Major Industries. Morocco is the world leader in the production and
exportation of phosphates, with three-quarters of the world's reserves. Other
major industrial activities include rock mining, food processing,
construction, and the manufacturing of leather goods, mineral ores, and

textiles. A significant amount of foreign exchange revenue is brought in by

Morocco's tourist industry. Because of the rich cultural and historic heritage
and renowned hospitality of the people, tourism is growing rapidly.
17)
Trade. Morocco's primary exports are phosphates and phosphoric
acid, citrus fruit, wheat, fish, and minerals. The products go primarily to the
members of the European Union (EU), Japan, the United States, Libya, and
India. The primary imports are industrial machinery, foods, and fuel.
Morocco's primary importers are the EU, the United States, Saudi Arabia,
the United Arab Emirates, and Russia.
18)
Sooo Morocco is one of the most diverse and beautiful countries in
Africa, with high mountains, sweeping desert, rugged coastline, and the
winding alleyways of ancient medina cities and souqs.