Is Morocco Arab or?

Moroccans are primarily of Arab and Berber origin as in other neighbouring countries in the Maghreb region. Arabs make up 67% of the population of Morocco, while Berbers make up 31% and Sahrawis make up 2%. Socially, there are two contrasting groups of Moroccans: those living in the cities and those in the rural areas.



Morocco is a diverse nation that is accurately described as an Arab-Berber (Amazigh) country. While Arabic is one of the official languages and Morocco is a member of the Arab League, the indigenous population of Morocco is Berber. Over centuries, these two cultures have deeply intertwined, with many Moroccans having both Arab and Amazigh ancestry. In 2011, the Moroccan constitution officially recognized Tamazight (the Berber language) as an official language alongside Arabic, reflecting a major shift in acknowledging the country’s pre-Arab roots. Culturally, Morocco is part of the "Maghreb" (the West of the Arab world) and has a unique identity influenced by African, Mediterranean, and European (especially French and Spanish) history. When visiting, you will see this blend in the architecture, music, and food—for example, the Tagine is a classic Berber dish, while the intricate geometric patterns in the mosques reflect classical Islamic/Arab art. To call Morocco "only" Arab would ignore the thousands of years of Amazigh history that still defines the daily life, language, and spirit of the Moroccan people, particularly in the Atlas Mountains and the desert regions.

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But Morocco is also a member of the Arab League - so officially belongs to both cultural spheres. While the adjective African to describe Morocco is a geographical fact, the use of Arab has also alienated many Moroccans who do not identify as such.

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The Berbers, more appropriately known as Imazighen (with the singular Amazigh) are a pre-Arab ethnic group that has largely adopted an Arab identity, with the term being a Roman word that served as a loose, catch-all term to classify the non-Egyptian and non-Hellenized people of the region.

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Morocco is super safe for tourists now, and it's only becoming more so as tourism increases to the country. What is this? Solo female travelers will need to watch out a little more carefully but, overall, you are still unlikely to encounter serious problems like violent crime.

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There is a substantial contribution of Sub-Saharan African DNA in about a third of Moroccan people, with the most West Eurasian Berbers showing contributions of 1-10% Sub-Saharan African DNA on average. Non Berber populations showed substantially more Sub-Saharan African DNA contributions (up to 55%).

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While there is no strict dress code, it is advisable to be at least somewhat covered. You may see local girls and women dressed in shorts and tank tops, but it is best to avoid wearing revealing clothing in public places.

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