Quick answer: Morocco is a country in North Africa, in the north-west corner of the continent. It is not in Europe or North America. It has coasts on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea and lies only about 14 km from Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar at the narrowest point.
What continent is Morocco on?
Morocco is in Africa. It is part of the Maghreb region of North Africa, along with Algeria, Tunisia and Libya. It is close to Europe, but separated from Spain by the sea.
Which countries border Morocco?
- Algeria to the east.
- Western Sahara to the south (a territory whose status is disputed), and beyond it Mauritania.
- Spain shares land borders with Morocco at the Spanish cities of Ceuta and Melilla on the Mediterranean coast, and is across the Strait of Gibraltar.
Land border crossings between Morocco and Algeria are closed, so most visitors arrive by air or by ferry from Spain.
What is Morocco’s geography like?
- The Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts.
- The Rif and Atlas mountains.
- The Sahara desert in the south-east.
See our guide to the regions of Morocco.
How do I get to Morocco?
Morocco is well connected by air to many European cities and beyond. Ferries cross from southern Spain to Tangier and other ports. Check current schedules.
Frequently asked questions
Is Morocco in Europe or Africa?
Africa.
Is Morocco part of North America?
No. It is in North Africa.
Is Morocco an Arab country?
Morocco is a North African country with Arab and Amazigh heritage. Its official languages are Arabic and Amazigh.
Plan your visit
See why visit Morocco and our Morocco tours.
