Country Profile: Morocco

Morocco, located in Northern Africa, boasts a diverse geography that includes coastlines along both the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, with significant mountainous terrain and deserts. The nation has a population of approximately 37.4 million people, primarily of Arab and Amazigh descent, with Arabic and Tamazight as the official languages. Morocco's economy is classified as lower-middle income and is increasingly reliant on tourism, manufacturing, and raw materials processing, supported by significant trade with the European Union. Governed as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, the country has undergone various reforms since gaining independence from France in 1956, including recent efforts to bolster democratic governance and economic recovery.

Geography

Morocco is strategically positioned between Algeria and Mauritania, featuring a varied landscape that includes mountainous regions and fertile plains. The country covers an area of approximately 716,550 sq km, with a coastline of 2,945 km. Its diverse climate ranges from Mediterranean in the north to harsh desert conditions in the south.

66.7% of land designated for agriculture (2023).
Highest elevation: Jebel Toubkal at 4,165 m.
Mean elevation: 909 m above sea level.

People and Society

The population of Morocco is estimated at 37,387,585 as of 2024. The society is predominantly Muslim, with 99% identifying as such, and the age structure reflects a youthful demographic. Urbanization is significant, with around 65.1% of people living in urban areas.

Median age: 30.9 years (2025 est.).
Life expectancy: 74.2 years at birth (2024 est.).
Birth rate: 16.5 births per 1,000 people (2025 est.).

Economy

Morocco has a diverse economy that is recovering from previous challenges. The GDP in terms of purchasing power parity is projected to be $350.594 billion for 2024, driven by various sectors including services, agriculture, and industry. The unemployment rate is approximately 9%.

Real GDP growth rate: 3.2% (2024 est.).
Public debt stands at 64.9% of GDP (2016 est.).
Exports totaled $61.746 billion (2023 est.).

Government

Morocco is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy with the King holding significant powers. The current monarch, King Mohammed VI, has reigned since 1999, with ongoing reforms in governance structures. The capital is Rabat, and the country is divided into 12 regions.

Suffrage: Universal at age 18.
Legislative structure: Bicameral Parliament.
Next parliamentary elections: Set for September 2026.

Military and Security

The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR) consist of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with approximately 220,000 active personnel. The military faces challenges related to regional security and terrorism, with a budget representing 4% of GDP.

Military expenditures: 4% of GDP (2024 est.).
Military service age: 19-25 years for compulsory service.
Deployments include peacekeeping forces in the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Energy

Morocco has made strides in energy access, achieving 100% electrification by 2022. The energy mix leans heavily on fossil fuels, though there is an increasing focus on renewable sources.

Installed electricity capacity: 14.615 million kW (2023 est.).
Total energy consumption per capita: 23.52 million Btu (2023 est.).
Electricity exports: 462 million kWh (2023 est.).

Environment

Environmental issues in Morocco include land degradation and water pollution, exacerbated by industrial activities. The country is involved in numerous international environmental agreements aimed at combating climate change and promoting biodiversity.

66.7% of land is agricultural (2023 est.).
29 billion cubic meters of renewable water resources (2022 est.).
Municipal solid waste generated annually is 6.852 million tons (2024 est.).

Transportation

Transportation infrastructure in Morocco includes a network of railways and airports. The nation has 12 ports facilitating maritime trade, with recent investments enhancing connectivity.

Total railways: 2,067 km (2014).
Airports: 48 (2025).
Merchant marine fleet: 94 vessels (2023).

Communications

Morocco has a growing communications sector with high levels of internet penetration. The population displays significant engagement with mobile communications and broadcasting.

Mobile cellular subscriptions: 55.9 million (2023).
Internet users represent 91% of the population (2023 est.).
Broadband fixed subscriptions: 2.42 million (2022 est.).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	37,387,585	2024 est.
Area	716,550 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$350.594 billion	2024 est.
Unemployment Rate	9%	2024 est.
Birth Rate	16.5 births/1,000	2025 est.
Life Expectancy	74.2 years	2024 est.
Electrification Rate	100%	2022 est.
Youth Unemployment Rate	22.1%	2024 est.
Total Energy Consumption per Capita	23.52 million Btu	2023 est.
Major Urban Area (Casablanca)	3.893 million	2023 est.