Morocco’s existence undoubtedly challenges many people's preconceived notions about the African continent.
This small country, located at the northwest tip of Africa, has a land area of less than 500,000 square kilometers, even smaller than a province in China, and to its southeast lies the vast, desolate Sahara Desert.
However, Morocco is separated from Spain by the narrow Strait of Gibraltar, making it quite convenient for Europeans to visit, which is why Morocco is often referred to as "Europe’s backyard."
In this country, a remarkable phenomenon is that, despite its affiliation with Africa, one rarely sees Black people on the streets, as they are replaced by blonde-haired, blue-eyed tourists.
Morocco’s tourism industry is quite developed; in 2016, the country announced a visa exemption policy for Chinese citizens, attracting a large number of Chinese tourists.
This mysterious land of Morocco has seen human activity for over 400,000 years.
Archaeological findings suggest that around the 3rd century BC, early kingdoms were established here, which later fell under the rule of the Roman Empire.
Roman rule brought rich cultural influences to Morocco and laid the groundwork for its later history.
Until the prosperous Tang Dynasty in China, a group of Arab Muslims discovered Morocco and quickly established the first Islamic state there.
This cultural influence is still vividly reflected in the daily lives of Moroccans, who maintain a strong Arab style and customs.
By the 15th century, advancements in European shipbuilding technology led to the Spanish being the first to occupy Morocco, prompting other European powers to covet this country over the next three to four hundred years.
In the early 19th century, Spain and France found themselves at odds over interests, with France also wanting a share of Morocco.
As a result, the two countries reached the Madrid Treaty, making Morocco nominally a "protectorate" of France, while the southern city of Ifni and a large northern area were ceded to Spain.
With the end of World War II, African countries gradually liberated themselves from colonial rule, and Morocco finally gained independence in the mid-20th century, establishing a kingdom rich in Arab style.
This historical evolution means that although Morocco is geographically part of Africa, it has actually been ruled by West Asia and Southern Europe, with a population predominantly composed of European whites and Asian yellows, while Black people are rarely seen.
One might wonder why, given its advantageous geographical location and pleasant climate, native Africans do not choose to settle here.
This is mainly due to the vast Sahara Desert separating Morocco from other African countries, making travel to this region quite difficult.
Morocco is a Muslim country, so its social customs are deeply influenced by religion.
Most locals are Muslims and practice polygamy, but this system is not arbitrary; a man must obtain consent from his first wife to marry a second one.
If the first wife does not agree, no matter how loving the couple is, they cannot marry. This social custom is vividly reflected in the daily lives of Moroccans.
Additionally, Morocco's climate also attracts many people. Most areas have a Mediterranean climate, with warm winters and cool summers; winter temperatures average around 13 degrees Celsius, while summer highs generally do not exceed 29 degrees.
This pleasant climate draws a large number of European tourists, making Morocco a popular tourist destination.
Traveling to Morocco for European tourists is as convenient as going to Singapore or Thailand.
Wandering through Morocco's streets, blonde-haired beauties are often not locals but more likely tourists from Europe and America. In such an environment, Morocco showcases its unique cultural charm.
To promote tourism, Morocco has always adopted a "mediator" attitude, showing great friendliness to tourists from different countries.
In 2016, Morocco implemented a visa exemption policy for Chinese tourists, highlighting its emphasis on the Chinese market.
In developing its tourism industry, Morocco recognizes the importance of China as a super market.
Thus, Morocco frequently opens its arms wide, maintaining close ties and friendly exchanges with various countries.
The highly anticipated World Cup naturally includes Morocco, which will co-host the upcoming World Cup event with Spain and Portugal.
For Morocco, which is eager to develop its tourism industry, this undoubtedly presents a huge business opportunity.
Experts predict that during the event, Morocco's total number of visitors will be more than double the usual, with an astonishing 26 million visitors expected, greatly boosting the domestic economy.
Morocco is home to the winding Atlas Mountains and the mysterious Sahara Desert, both of which provide abundant resources for the tourism industry, attracting countless visitors and igniting their desire to travel.
In the first half of this year, Morocco welcomed 7.4 million international tourists, a figure that accounts for nearly a quarter of the country's total population.
Compared to last year, the growth rate of the tourism industry reached 14%, indicating that Morocco’s tourism market is in a period of vigorous development; in just June this year, the number of tourists reached as high as 1.5 million.
Among them, Chinese tourists hold an important position.
Abdul Qadir Ansari, Morocco’s ambassador to China, confidently stated at a tourism promotion event in Beijing that they aim to attract 500,000 Chinese tourists in the next two to three years.
He is very confident about this goal, and the Moroccan government has made many efforts to ensure the safety and convenience of tourists, launching multiple travel routes for Chinese visitors.
This small kingdom of Morocco, with its unique Arab charm and pleasant Mediterranean climate, is indeed worth a visit.
If you have the time and money, why not go there personally and experience the allure of this exotic land?
Morocco’s unique culture and rich history, combined with its enchanting natural scenery, will undoubtedly make your journey full of surprises and memories.
Morocco is not just a travel destination; it is a country steeped in history and cultural heritage.
Here, history and modernity blend, and culture and nature complement each other, hoping that more visitors will experience the unique charm of this land in the future.
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