Rabat – Moroccan cultural heritage has ranked as the second richest in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, U.S. News & World Report magazine indicated. The North African country ranked 16th worldwide.
Morocco’s Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication on Wednesday shared the list of the top 10 countries with rich cultural heritage in the MENA region, with Egypt ranking the highest regionally.
The ranking, which featured 85 countries in total, weighed several criteria, including cultural accessibility, rich history, great food, and the number of cultural and geographic attractions.
“Just an hour ferry ride from Spain, the country [Morocco] has a unique mix of Arab, Berber [Amazigh], African and European cultural influences,” said the magazine.
The magazine also highlighted Morocco’s authentic and exquisite gastronomy, “which is admired and imitated throughout the world.”
“In addition to its mountainous interior, sunny coastline and portions of desert, Morocco boasts cities and buildings rich in historical significance,” added the magazine, emphasizing the historical medieval city of Fez, as well as Casablanca’s unique architecture.
Read also: Morocco Launches ‘Moroccan Heritage’ Label to Protect Cultural Assets
Israel followed Morocco in third place in the MENA region, while Saudi Arabia and Jordan ranked fourth and fifth respectively.
Meanwhile, Tunisia claimed the sixth spot, with the United Arab Emirates and Lebanon following in the seventh and eighth positions respectively. The ranking placed Iran in ninth position, and Algeria tenth.
Italy led the global ranking as the country with the richest cultural heritage, followed by Greece and Spain respectively.
Known for its rich and diverse heritage, Morocco has ranked second in the list of African nations with the most world heritage sites registered by UNESCO. The North African country has nine cultural heritage sites on UNESCO’s list.
