Safi, Morocco The Portuguese fortress built to protect the city is still there today. After 1541, the city played a major role in Morocco as one of the safest and biggest seaports in the country. Many ambassadors to the Saadian and Alaouite kings during the 16th–18th centuries came to Morocco via Asfi; its proximity to Marrakech, then capital of Morocco, helped expand the maritime trade in the city. Louis De Chénier, consul of the French court in Morocco in 1767, reported that the city was the only usable seaport at the time. A French Navy captive, Bidé de Maurville, who wrote the
Languages of Morocco and learning have grown over the last decade, especially since 2002, when English instruction was introduced from the 7th grade in public schools. Because it is the primary international language worldwide and because there are no colonial overtones, the language gained prestige within Morocco. In a survey held by Ennaji in the summers of 2000, 2001, and 2002, 58% of the respondents said that English was their favorite foreign language because it is the primary international prestige language. Languages of Morocco There are a number of languages of Morocco. The two official languages are Modern Standard Arabic and Amazigh (Berber).