Rabat - Post Report Question and Answers
What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Good. Due to COVID-19 there was less interaction during our time in Rabat but there are a couple international clubs and it’s definitely there if folks want to meet other expats. - May 2022
There is a fairly large expat community, especially the French expat community. We found that there was far less community support at this post because of the easy travel opportunities (everyone is always going somewhere) and there is a large presence of expats on their only international tour. Morale is high in large part because of the wealth of travel opportunities. Spain is an easy drive and there is a lot to see in Morocco. - Apr 2018
The U.S. embassy employs over 100 Americans; with family, this rises to somewhere in the neighborhood of 300. Morale is good - there's a lot to do in the city and the country and our CLO is active, though events are not always very well-attended (a bit of a fickle community in this way). Many people organize their own parties though and there's usually a lot to do and a good sense of community. - Oct 2017
Again, this one is tricky. Anglophonic expat community is limited to the Britsh, Canadians, and American Embassies. There are many Francophone expats living in Rabat and Morocco as a whole.
Morale among Americans is low, but I think it's self-inflicted. Yes, if you don't have the language, you'll have a hard time getting out and about. Rabat is a small city and the seat of government, so it's lacking in nightlife & cultural activities. This can feel isolating at times. Some of the issues with the schools can leave families in the lurch, and singles (especially women) can feel isolated.
My advice is to learn the language and try to use it at every opportunity. Moroccans are very warm and friendly people, and will go a long way in trying to communicate with you if you make the effort. I think this would make your experience there much more pleasant. - Oct 2017
Morale is low among expats, something we were very surprised by. Community is very small, especially the English-speaking community. - Aug 2017
Medium size expat community with various morale. It is definitely what you make of it. - Jul 2014
Quite large. I believe that there are 100 embassies; the French are said to have 1,000+ here from all walks of life, the U.S. Embassy has 100 families/individuals plus other affiliated Americans (schoolteachers, for example). - Nov 2011
100-200? - Nov 2011
Medium sized if you include all nationalities. - Sep 2011
Moderate. - Apr 2010
Approximately 60 families with the embassy, Many more with USAid and Peace corp and even more from other countries. - Jun 2008
