DistantNews
Morocco

Morocco

51 articles from 1 source

🌫️ 53°
Rabat Foggy H 77° L 53°
MonarchyNot Free press
36.8 million (2024 estimate)Modern Standard Arabic (official), Amazigh (official), Moroccan Arabic (Darija, widely spoken), French (widely spoken)Moroccan Dirham (MAD)UTC+1 (Western European Time, with temporary switch to UTC+0 during Ramadan)

This week in Morocco

Morocco's media landscape, dominated by state-aligned outlets like Hespress, has recently focused heavily on cultural preservation, artistic achievements, and national identity. Headlines celebrate Moroccan cinema, with director Hicham Alaoui recognized for his unique vision and Maryam Touzani's "Casablanca Beats" screening nationally. The country is also seen celebrating literary figures like Mohamed Echouika and traditional crafts such as Tinghir's 'Rabouz'. A strong emphasis is placed on Morocco's historical and cultural ties, particularly its Andalusian heritage, as highlighted by Spanish media reports on Tetouan and academic discussions on Al-Andalus and Catalonia-Morocco relations. This narrative consistently reinforces a sense of national pride and rich cultural legacy. Amidst these cultural celebrations, a significant domestic concern has emerged with tomato prices soaring to unprecedented levels

About Morocco

Morocco, a North African kingdom, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes ranging from the Sahara Desert to the Atlas Mountains, and its strategic location bridging Africa and Europe. While celebrated for its vibrant traditions and hospitality, the country's media environment operates under significant state control, with restrictions on reporting about the monarchy, Western Sahara, and Islam, leading to a 'not-free' press freedom status and imprisonment of independent journalists.

Visiting Morocco

☀️The best time to visit Morocco is during spring (March to May) or fall (September to November), when temperatures are pleasantly warm and ideal for exploring cities and natural landscapes.
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Marrakech Medina A UNESCO World Heritage site, this bustling old city offers vibrant souks, historic palaces, and the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa square.
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Sahara Desert (Erg Chebbi) Experience the vast, golden dunes of the Sahara, often with camel treks and overnight stays in traditional camps.
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Hassan II Mosque (Casablanca) One of the largest mosques in the world, featuring stunning architecture and a minaret that is the tallest in Africa.
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Chefchaouen Known as the 'Blue Pearl,' this charming mountain town is famous for its distinctive blue-painted buildings and relaxed atmosphere.
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Aït Benhaddou A fortified village (ksar) and UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its traditional pre-Saharan architecture and cinematic appearances.
💡Always carry small denominations of Moroccan Dirham for purchases, especially in markets, and be prepared to bargain for goods and services.

Media landscape

Morocco's media landscape is predominantly digital, with a significant portion of news consumed online, though print media still exists. Despite recent pardons for some journalists, the environment remains restrictive, with government ownership of key outlets and limitations on reporting sensitive topics.

Press languageArabic (Modern Standard Arabic and Darija), with influential business publications often in French.
State influenceExtensive

When consuming news from Morocco, be aware that many outlets are state-subsidized or government-owned, and consider seeking diverse sources to gain a comprehensive perspective.

Why coverage may read differently. Outlets in Morocco work under tighter limits than in countries ranked as fully free. DistantNews keeps each headline's original tone so you can see how stories are framed for domestic readers.

Sources we track 1

🇲🇦 /Arabic Positive tone 1d ago

"The Wife of the Three Kings" in a New Edition

- The third edition of Moroccan author Mustafa Lagtiri's novel "The Wife of the Three Kings" has been released by Dar Al-Khiam Publishing and Distribution. - The novel centers on Zaynab An-Nafzawiyyah…

🇲🇦 /Arabic Positive tone 2d ago

Spring Childhood Festival Highlights Diversity

- The "Spring Childhood Festival" was held at the Benjelloul Early Childhood Center in Khouribga, Morocco. - The festival celebrated Moroccan culture and diversity through children's traditional costu…

🇲🇦 /Arabic 2d ago

Union Bets on Wage Increases

- A Moroccan labor union met with the Minister of Economic Inclusion to discuss the agenda for upcoming social dialogue with the head of government. - Key demands include wage increases, reduced tax b…

🇲🇦 /Arabic Positive tone 2d ago

The World Cup Brings Moroccans Together in New York

- The Moroccan Consulate General in New York organized a meeting to plan a unified Moroccan fan zone for the 2026 World Cup. - The initiative aims to showcase Moroccan culture and provide an organized…

🇲🇦 /Arabic Positive tone 2d ago

PSV Therapist: Saibari is a 'Real Beast' Physically

- An Eredivisie club's physical therapist praised Moroccan player Ismail Saibari's exceptional physique, refuting claims of him being overweight. - The therapist described Saibari as a 'real beast' co…

🇲🇦 /Arabic Positive tone 2d ago

An agreement that erases artisans' illiteracy

- An agreement has been signed aimed at eradicating illiteracy among artisans. - The initiative focuses on traditional crafts and the cultural industry. - Further details on the agreement's specifics …