Morocco is a mountainous country of western North Africa that lies directly across from Spain. The region has been inhabited since the Paleolithic Era (over 90,000 years ago). Throughout this long history, Morocco has hosted many people coming from the East (Phoenicians, Jews and Arabs), South (Sub-Saharan Africans) and North (Romans, Andalusians). All these civilisations have affected the social structure of Morocco. 

The region was part of the Roman Empire, and then later came under Arab/Islamic influence as part of the Magrib. Subsequent Moroccan kingdoms enjoyed political influence that extended beyond the coastal regions, at times controlling most of the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa. During the early 20th century, France and Spain divided the region into two protectorates, until the people regained independence in 1956. 

Today, Morocco’s official and predominant religion is Islam, and the official languages are Arabic and Berber; Moroccan dialects of Arabic and French are also widely spoken. Moroccan identity and culture is a vibrant mix of Berber, Arab, and European cultures. 

Here at Village Goods, you can find Beldi glassware, hand blown from recycled glass, along with woven straw baskets and planters.