Which mountain ranges shape Morocco’s landscape?

Morocco’s landscape is primarily defined by two major mountain systems: the Rif Mountains in the north and the Atlas Mountains in the center.1

The Rif Mountains form a crescent-shaped range that extends along the Mediterranean coastline from Tangier to the Moulouya River valley. Geologically linked to the cordilleras of the Iberian Peninsula, these mountains reach their highest point at Mount Tidirhine (8,058 feet/2,456 metres).21

The Atlas Mountains consist of three distinct, interconnected chains:1

• High Atlas: The central range, extending 460 miles from the Atlantic coast to the Algerian border. It contains the country’s highest peak, Mount Toubkal (13,665 feet/4,165 metres).31
• Middle Atlas: This range trends northward from the High Atlas, reaching elevations of up to 10,958 feet (3,340 metres).1
• Anti-Atlas: Located south of the High Atlas, this rugged, arid range extends southwestward toward the Atlantic coast and is linked to the High Atlas by the volcanic peak Mount Siroua.41

These ranges act as a significant barrier, dividing eastern Morocco from the Atlantic regions.1