Geography of Morocco
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Travel Tips.
Geography of Morocco
Overview
Morocco is a land of remarkable contrasts, offering diverse landscapes ranging from fertile plains to dramatic mountains and the vast Sahara Desert.
Location
Situated in northwest Africa, Morocco is separated from Spain by the narrow Straits of Gibraltar. It shares land borders with Algeria and Mauritania, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the north.
Landmass
- Total Area: Approximately 446,000 square kilometers
- Land Use:
- Arable Land: 21%
- Permanent Crops: 1%
- Permanent Pastures: 47%
- Forests and Woodland: 20%
- Other: 11%
Mountain Ranges
Morocco's mountains are ideal for climbing, hiking, skiing, and mule riding. These ranges boast diverse foliage and wildlife.
- Atlas Mountains:
- Divided into the Middle Atlas, High Atlas, and Anti-Atlas.
- High Atlas: Home to Jabal Toubkal, North Africa's highest peak at 4,165 meters.
- Middle Atlas: Reaches up to 3,350 meters.
- Anti-Atlas: Features rugged landscapes and eroded gorges leading into the Sahara.
- Chefchaouen Mountains: Located northeast near Tetouan, featuring Jebel Meggou and Jebel Tisouka.
- Rif Mountains: Found in northern Morocco with steep cliffs and rugged terrain.
- Sarhro Mountains: Located southwest of Marrakesh, known for winter trekking, volcanic monoliths, and traditional Berber villages.
- Other Notable Mountains:
- Setti Fatma: Known for its waterfalls and hiking trails in Marrakesh.
- Tafraoute Mountains: Famous for rocky pink landscapes.
- Tan Tan Mountains: Known for flat peaks.
Rivers
Morocco hosts the most extensive river system in North Africa. Major rivers include:
- Sebou River: Flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
- Moulouya River: Empties into the Mediterranean Sea.
Deserts
The Sahara Desert lies to the south and east, offering more than just sand dunes. It features streams, oases, and a variety of desert life.
Fertile Plains
Running along the Atlantic coast and the base of the Atlas Mountains, these plains are crucial for agriculture, producing fruits, vegetables, and plants such as orange trees and date palms.
Climate
Morocco's climate ranges from Mediterranean in the north to subtropical in the south. The sea and mountains help maintain a moderate climate:
- Winters: Mild, with temperatures from 16 to 23°C.
- Summers: Hot and dry, with temperatures reaching 33 to 42°C.
- Sunshine: Morocco enjoys approximately 330 days of sunshine annually.
- Mountain Snow: Peaks are snow-covered for most of the year.
- Desert: Experiences extreme temperature variations and low, unpredictable rainfall.
Environmental Challenges
Morocco’s natural environment faces several pressures, including:
- Increased tourism and over-exploitation of resources like oil and phosphates.
- Overgrazing and expanding deserts threaten productive land areas.
Through this vibrant geography, Morocco presents a unique fusion of natural wonders, offering endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
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