Moroccan life is much more "outdoor" than in first-world cultures. The climate encourages this. Central heating, and central air conditioning, do not exist (although space heaters and air-conditioning units are now available for those who don't mind a high electric bill). Many homes, particularly in the Medina, are built in a "patio" style. For those who live in the Medina, much of daily life is "outdoors," in a sense, even within one's own home. Outdoor leisure activities--skiing, hiking, tennis, swimming, picnicking, and biking are a great part of many ex-pats' and Moroccans' (middle and upper classes) lives. Both beaches and mountains are within reasonable driving distance for day trips, from nearly every part of Morocco.

Morocco offers vine-ripened fresh foods all year, and has a delicious, and healthy, national cuisine. High-quality fresh fruits and vegetables are available at low prices, year-round.

Medical and dental care is now excellent, as well as very affordable.

A variety of languages are spoken in Morocco (Arabic, French, Berber, English, and Spanish in the North). Excellent educational facilities exist for children, including foreign schools in French and English now in most major cities (and Spanish in Tangier). There has been a BIG push toward English since 2001. The number of English-speakers is now increasing substantially. Moroccans are supportive, encouraging, and appreciative of foreigners who are attempting to communicate, or learn languages, in Morocco.

The cost of living in Morocco is definitely increasing. But Westerners and Europeans can still live at a higher level materially, for a given salary, than in Europe.

A Special "Feeling"

Morocco has a magical, almost "spiritual" feeling about it. This "feeling" is due to a number of factors. Life is less artificial and much closer to nature. Weather extremes and changes of seasons are much more noticeable when central heating and air conditioning are non-existent.

Contributing to the "different" overall atmosphere of Morocco is that many Moroccans seemingly take a "fatalistic" attitude toward life. This pervasive idea can be seen in the refusal by many to take basic safety precautions--such as not wearing seat belts, or not wearing helmets on motorcycles. It can also be seen in the general Moroccan lack of striving toward material goals. Many Moroccans don't seem to be "trying" as hard as Westerners. This attitude originates in the Islamic idea of "mktoub," (or what is "pre-written" for you by God). The idea is that, the material things a person will enjoy in his life--the bounty apportioned by God--is pre-written. So there is no need to stress one's self excessively over these things. It is thought that, by doing so, it would put the rest of one's life out of balance. This accounts for some of Morocco's slower pace.

People in Morocco generally take more time to enjoy life, and to "smell the flowers." Many people take daily time just to sit in a cafe with friends. Some people stress themselves less over "achievement," and put more emphasis on "relaxing."

Morocco, and the Islamic religion, both place a great deal of emphasis upon family life. Generally, children are more respectful, and better-behaved, than in the West. Moroccan life is somewhat insular here, as people tend to socialize most in extended-family groups, and with a handful of outside friends. The emphasis on family values, throughout the society, makes Morocco a good place to raise children.