What is the capital of Morocco?

The capital of Morocco is Rabat. The city sits on Morocco’s Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River, opposite the neighbouring city of Salé.

Rabat’s roots reach back to the Almohad period in the 12th century, when it was developed as a fortified base and imperial project. The name is linked to the Arabic ribat, meaning a fortified religious or military establishment. Although the Almohad rulers’ grand plan was never fully completed, landmarks such as the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Udayas reflect that history.

Rabat became Morocco’s administrative capital under the French Protectorate in 1912, when the capital was moved from Fez. After Morocco regained independence in 1956, King Mohammed V kept Rabat as the national capital. Today it houses the royal palace, Parliament, ministries, and foreign embassies.

Casablanca is the common mix-up because it is Morocco’s largest city and major economic centre. Fez and Marrakesh are historic imperial cities, but Rabat is the political capital.