Here’s Why This Moroccan City Has Been Named UNESCO World Book Capital

Rabat in Morocco is renowned for its rich culture and heritage, and now it has achieved another remarkable accolade. Rabat has been honoured as the UNESCO World Book Capital for 2026. The Moroccan capital is home to a thriving local book industry, with 54 publishing houses hosting Africa’s third-largest international book and publishing fair. This prestigious recognition is poised to invigorate the city’s economy and expand access to knowledge for all. Before Rabat's designation as the World Book Capital for 2026, Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro was granted this title for 2025, and France’s Strasbourg for 2024. These cities have played pivotal roles in advocating for literature and literacy across all age groups, domestically and globally.