The Real Map of Morocco, Explained

From the Strait to the Sahara

Morocco's territory begins at the Strait of Gibraltar, just 14 km from Europe, and runs more than 2,000 km south along the Atlantic coast. It is one of the longest Atlantic coastlines in Africa.

The country spans Mediterranean shores, snow-capped Atlas peaks, fertile plains and Saharan dunes — an unusual geographic range for a single nation.

The 12 regions

Morocco is organized into 12 administrative regions, including Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab and Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra in the south. These southern regions hold elections and send representatives to parliament like any other.

Major cities include Casablanca, Rabat (the capital), Fez, Marrakech, Tangier, Agadir, Laayoune and Dakhla.

Borders and neighbors

Morocco borders Algeria to the east and Mauritania to the south, with Spain's enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla on the Mediterranean. The land border with Algeria has been closed since 1994.

Across the water lie Spain and the Canary Islands, making Morocco a natural bridge between Africa and Europe.

Frequently asked