By Balogun Kamilu Lekan
Morocco is a sovereign state in northwest Africa with an area of over 274,460 square kilometres. The Mediterranean Sea is to its north and the Atlantic Ocean to its west.
It is one of Africa’s oldest countries and is known for its rich history and culture, making it a one-of-a-kind destination worth visiting.
Whatever you already know about this fantastic dream destination, these Morocco facts will undoubtedly surprise and delight you!
1. Seeing Goats On Trees Is Not Witchcraft
Unlike most other African cultures where finding goats in strange places can give a diabolic interpretation. It was even portrayed in one of Nigeria’s popular Yoruba movies, “Eran Iya Oshogbo,” where a goat is possibly seen on house roofs and other places.
It is natural to see goats climbing trees in Morocco, even going as high as the tree’s apex. Not just any trees, though, but Argan trees.
The goats are motivated by their search for food on these trees to eat their fruit and leaves.
2. Tea is The Water In Morocco
Brewing and drinking tea is a much-loved tradition in Morocco.
The beverage represents hospitality and friendship and is done with great care. Moroccan mint tea is served throughout the day, especially at mealtimes, and is made with green tea, mint leaves, and sugar
It is the first offer made to a guest whenever one drops by, and it is considered a sign of respect. Rejecting this gesture is disrespectful in Moroccan culture.
Sugar and tea must be mixed just right, and pouring into the glass has a special meaning: it not only aerates the tea and infuses the mint flavour, but pouring tea from up high into the glass is considered an act of respect towards the guest.
3. Cats Are Citizens
The answer would be evident if Morocco had to choose between being a cat or a dog country. Wandering street cats are one of Morocco’s most familiar sights. It is estimated that Morocco has as many street cats as people.
You’re bound to encounter hundreds of stray cats walking down the street. Locals generally love, feed, and care for these adorable creatures. Dogs, however, are scarce, to say the least.
Cats have long been a part of Moroccan culture and daily life, coexisting peacefully with the country’s people.
4. You Can Swim From Morocco To Spain
The Strait of Gibraltar separates Spain and Morocco by only 14.4 kilometers/9 miles. The African and European continents are so close that you can swim from one to the other.
A German, André Wiersig, completed a 14.4 km swim across the Strait of Gibraltar in 4 hours and 17 minutes on June 9, 2019, to complete the Oceans Seven Challenge by swimming between Spain and Morocco.
On a clear day, you can see both countries from opposite sides of the strait. The buildings could even be seen with good binoculars.
5. Liver Is The Symbol Of Love
Traditionally in Morocco, the liver is the organ that denotes love and romance.
The typical shape used in other parts of the world is the heart.
A healthy liver promotes well-being, so it makes sense that it could also be considered the ultimate symbol of love.
Phrases like “you’ve conquered my liver”, “I love you from the bottom of my liver”, “I love you with my whole liver” and “my liver is filled with your love” and great pickup lines in Morocco. This sure update can never fail you whenever you feel flirty in Morocco.
