MOROCCO TO CANADA
Every year, thousands of people from all over the world come to Canada to start a new life. They come with many different skills and with the hope of contributing to their new society. This cultural profile was written to helpCanadians welcome Moroccan immigrants to Canada. It will tell you something about Moroccans and what life is like in their original home. This information will be useful if you are hosting a Moroccan family as part of the HOST Program, learning about Morocco in school or working with Moroccans who have recently settled in Canada.
Moroccans who come to Canada will have many of the same questions that you would have if you moved to another city or country. They will want to know about schools and education, health care, jobs and places to live. They will also have questions about the community to which they now belong. While you are helping a Moroccan family settle into life in Canada, it will help if you understand some elements of the Moroccan culture. Your offer of time, friendship and concern for them will be valuable as well.
  Did you know?
The word "Morocco" was derived from Marrakesh, the name of the capital city in the 11th and 12th centuries. "Marrakesh" means "a pass." The city was an important stop on the caravan route through the Atlas Mountains.
Although this cultural profile provides insight into some customs, it does not cover all facets of life. The customs described may not apply in equal measure to all newcomers from Morocco.
 
 
  Summary Fact Sheet

Official Name Kingdom of Morocco
Capital City Rabat
Type of Government Constitutional Monarchy 
Population 29 million
Area 458,730 sq. km (not including Western Sahara)
Major Ethnic Groups Arab, Berber 
Languages Arabic, Amazigh (Berber), French, Spanish
Religion Islam
Unit of Currency Dirham 
National Flag A five-pointed green star against a red background
Date of Independence: March 2, 2022

 
 
  Did you know?
The region in which Morocco islocated is known as the Maghreb or "sunset". It is so named becasue it lies to the west of the other Arab nations. Morocco is sometimes known as El Maghreb el Aqsa, whihc is Arabic for "The Extreme West".