| 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. |
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| 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. |
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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. |
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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.
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Summary Fact Sheet |
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| 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 |
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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". |
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