Culture

Morocco has developed an elaborate patchwork of artistic traditions - impressive leatherware and jewellery, and fabled carpets. Evolved from Classical Moroccan music, a style that developed in Muslim Spain and the storytelling musical traditions of the indigenous Berbers, while contemporary musicians employ fusions of African, French, pop and rock. Throw in a mess of couscous washed down with sweet mint tea and you'll come somewhere close to the cultural flavour of Morocco.

Although identified more with Algeria, rai (opinion) music is a burgeoning force in Morocco. Despite its distinctly Arab-African rhythms (it owes much to Bedouin music), it's probably the most thoroughly Westernised style, combining a variety of electrical instruments to create a hypnotic effect.

Morocco's Islamic streak has meant that, compared with most African nations, dance is a fairly low key affair (theoretically, Muslim women are not supposed to boogie). So while the circle dance known as ahidous is ancient and symbolic to the Berbers, there'll be no naked decapitating of chickens here anymore thanks very much.