Morocco

Acceptable Public Behavior

If you are invited to a Moroccan’s home bring sweet, nuts, figs, dates or flowers to the hostess.
A small gift for the children is seen as a token of affection.
Gifts are not opened when received.
Expect to be served mint tea whenever you meet someone, as this demonstrates hospitality.
Expect a fair amount of bargaining, Moroccans not often see an offer as final.

Business Attire

Business attire is formal and conservative.
Men should wear dark colored conservative business suits to the initial meeting
Women should wear elegant business suits, dresses or pantsuits.
Women must be careful to cover themselves appropriately. Skirts and dresses should cover the knee and sleeves should cover most of the arm.
Avoid wearing expensive accessories

When Moroccans greet each other they take their time and converse about their families, friends, and other general topics.
Who you know is more important than what you know, so it is important to network and cultivate a number of contacts who may then assist you in working your way through the serpentine bureaucracy.
Handshakes are the customary greeting between individuals of the same sex.
Once a relationship has developed, it is common to kiss on both cheeks, starting with the left cheek while shaking hands, men with men and women with women.
In any greeting that does take place between men and women, the woman must extend her hand first. If she does not, a man should bow his head in greeting.
Always shake hands with the person to your right and then continue around the room going from right to left.

In business it is extremely important to verify anything that has been agreed to in front of others as it may not have been a sincere agreement and the person may have no intention of following through.
Moroccans prefer to do business with those they know and respect, therefore expect to spend time making a personal relationship before business is conducted.
Since Moroccans judge people on appearances, dress and present yourself well.
Appointments are necessary and should be made in advance and confirmed a day or two before the meeting.
It is best to avoid scheduling meetings during Ramadan since Muslims cannot eat or drink during the day.
Never try to schedule meetings on Friday between 11:15 a.m. and 3 p.m. since most companies close for prayers.
Companies are hierarchical. The highest ranking person makes decisions, but only after obtaining a group agreement.
Moroccans always look for long-term business relationships.
Do not use high-pressure tactics as they will work against you.
Business cards are given without formal ritual. Have one side of your business card translated into French or Arabic.

You should remove your shoes when you entering a Moroccan's house.
Be well dressed, doing so demonstrates respect towards your hosts.
Check to see if your spouse is included in the invitation. Conservative Moroccans may not entertain mixed-sex groups.
Shake everyone’s hand individually.
Food is generally served at a knee-high round table.
The honor guest generally sits next to the host.
A washing basin will be brought to the table before the meal is served. Hold your hands over the basin while water is poured over them. Dry your hands on the towel provided.
Do not begin eating until the host blesses the food or begins to eat.
Food is served from a communal bowl.
Eat from the section of the bowl that is in front of you. Never reach across the bowl to get something from the other side. As an honored guest, choice cuts will be put in front of you.
Eat and drink only with the right hand.
Water is often served from a communal glass. If you want your own glass, ask for a soft drink.
The washing basin will be brought around the table again at the end of the meal.
Expect to be urged to take more food off the communal plate. Providing an abundance of food is a sign of hospitality.

The capital of Morocco is Rabat.
Classical Arabic is Morocco's official language, but the country's distinctive Arabic dialect is the most widely spoken language in Morocco. In addition, about 10 million Moroccans, mostly in rural areas, speak Berber either as a first language or bilingually with the spoken Arabic dialect.
French, which remains Morocco's unofficial third language, is taught universally and still serves as Morocco's primary language of commerce and economics; it also is widely used in education and government.
Many Moroccans in the northern part of the country speak Spanish.
English is still far behind French and Spanish in terms of number of speakers, but it is rapidly becoming the foreign language of choice among educated youth.
The country is 98.7% Muslims, 1.1% Christian, and Jewish 0.2%. Islam governs their personal, political, economic and legal lives. The Quran and the actions of the Prophet (the Sunnah) are used as the basis for all guidance in the religion.
The family is the most significant unit of Moroccan life and plays an important role in all social relations.
The individual is always subordinate to the family or group.
The elderly are revered and respected and often exert a great influence on the rest of the family.

Sources

A summary of this information can be found at kwintessential.
For more information go to:
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk