Morocco — Stamps & Postal Service

Postal Service Overview

Barid Al-Maghrib (بريد المغرب) is Morocco’s national postal operator. Morocco’s philatelic history is unusual in having two colonial administrations: the French Protectorate (covering most of Morocco, 1912–1956) and the Spanish Protectorate (northern Morocco and the Rif region, 1912–1956), each producing separate stamp issues. The International Zone of Tangier also had its own stamps. Morocco’s independence in 1956 and the reign of King Mohammed V and subsequently Hassan II and Mohammed VI are documented through a distinguished national stamp programme.

Notable Stamp Issues

French Morocco stamps (1902–1956) are classic French colonial issues — the 1911 landscape series and the 1917–1930 pictorial definitives are admired. Spanish Morocco stamps (1903–1956) are a distinct Spanish colonial collecting area. The International Zone of Tangier stamps are particularly sought as a unique multi-national administration. Independent Morocco’s first stamps in 1956 depicted King Mohammed V. Moroccan stamps have featured the ancient medinas of Fès and Marrakech, Berber carpets, Argan trees, and the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca (the world’s largest mosque outside Saudi Arabia).

Collecting Tips

Yvert & Tellier covers French Morocco; Edifil covers Spanish Morocco; both standard catalogues cover independent Morocco. Collecting the complete Moroccan picture — French, Spanish, and Tangier issues together with the independent kingdom — is a rewarding complete picture of Moroccan philatelic history. The Tangier zone stamps (various overprinted issues from multiple powers) are a unique specialist area. Modern Moroccan stamps on Islamic art, Berber culture, and desert landscapes are well-produced and affordable.

Part of the Africa Postal Directory.