Morocco is the tantalising lower lip on the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea, a Muslim land so rich in mystique it seems to hover like a magic carpet somewhere between myth and reality. Tangier, Casablanca, Marrakesh...just the names of these cities and towns should stir a hint of spice in the nostrils of the most geographically challenged. Many Moroccan destinations have been mythologised, and for good reason, but the more jaded traveller may well moan about the extinction of the 'real' Morocco. Still others will extol the country's unique living history, its shimmering light, its art. The truth lies somewhere in between.

Morocco is the ideal starting point for the traveller to Africa. An easy hop from Europe, it can be a friendly, hectic and stimulating place to get around in. Open-air markets throughout the country are piled high with rugs, woodwork, and jewellery. The country's prime produce (if you don't count the hashish) is leather - said to be the softest in the world.

Travellers to Morocco should avoid political gatherings and demonstrations. Those planning to travel through the disputed territory of Western Sahara should note that armed clashes between the Polisano Front and Moroccan authorities are a possibility. Many areas of the Western Sahara are mined.

Full name : Kingdom of Morocco
Capital : Rabat
Area : 447,000 sq km
Population : 33 million
People : 55% Arab, 44% Berber, 0.7% foreigners
Language : Arabic (officially) with Berber dialects, as well as French, Spanish and English.
Religion : 98% Muslim, 1% Christian, 1% Jew
Government : Constitutional monarchy
King : Mohammed VI
Prime Minister : Driss Jettou

GDP : US$135 billion
GDP per head : US$4,100
Growth rate : 1.7%
Inflation rate : 2%
Major industries : Agriculture, manufacturing, fishing, tourism
Trading partners : EU, US, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Brazil