Country Profile: Morocco

Morocco, located in Northern Africa, boasts a diverse geography that includes the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, which shape its climate ranging from Mediterranean in the north to hot desert in the south. With a population estimated at over 37 million as of 2024, the nation is characterized by a rich cultural mix of Arab and Amazigh influences. The economy is classified as lower middle-income, relying heavily on sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing, and has shown signs of recovery after recent economic challenges. Morocco operates under a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with King Mohammed VI holding significant authority since 1999.

Geography

Morocco is strategically situated along the Strait of Gibraltar, bordered by Algeria to the east and Mauritania to the south, featuring coastlines on both the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. The country covers an area of 716,550 sq km, making it slightly larger than twice the size of California.

Geographical Coordinates: 28°30'N, 10°00'W
Coastline: 2,945 km
Elevation: Highest point is Jebel Toubkal at 4,165 m, lowest point is Sebkha Tah at -59 m.
Natural Resources: Rich in phosphates, iron ore, and fish.
Land Use: 66.7% of land is agricultural (2023).

People and Society

As of 2024, Morocco's population is approximately 37.4 million, with a high degree of urbanization, as 65.1% reside in urban areas. The dominant ethnic group is Arab-Amazigh, comprising 99% of the population, and the official languages are Arabic and Tamazight.

Population Growth Rate: 0.84% (2024)
Life Expectancy: 74.2 years (2024)
Infant Mortality Rate: 18.3 deaths per 1,000 live births (2024)
Birth Rate: 16.8 births per 1,000 population (2024)
Urbanization Rate: 1.88% annually (2020-2025 est.)

Economy

Morocco's economy is recovering, focusing on tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture, with GDP (PPP) estimated at $350.594 billion in 2024. Agriculture accounts for 10.1% of GDP, while services dominate at 54.1%.

GDP Growth Rate: 3.2% (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 9% (2024 est.)
Exports: Approximately $61.746 billion (2023)
Imports: Approximately $73.759 billion (2023)
Public Debt: 64.9% of GDP (2016)

Government

Morocco is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, where the king holds extensive powers. The political system includes a bicameral legislature, with the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors.

Capital: Rabat
Chief of State: King Mohammed VI since July 30, 1999
Prime Minister: Aziz Akhannouch since October 7, 2021
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years of age
Administrative Divisions: 12 regions

Military and Security

The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces consists of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with military expenditures constituting 4% of GDP in 2024. The country faces challenges regarding national security and border disputes.

Active Personnel: Approximately 220,000 (2025)
Military Service Age: 19-25 years (compulsory service)
Military Deployments: 770 troops in the Central African Republic and 930 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2024)
Military Expenditures: 4% of GDP (2024)

Energy

Morocco has made significant strides in energy accessibility, achieving 100% electrification. The country relies primarily on fossil fuels, but is increasing its investment in renewable energy sources.

Total Energy Consumption: 23.52 million Btu/person (2023)
Electricity Consumption: 36.379 billion kWh (2023)
Installed Generating Capacity: 14.615 million kW (2023)
Coal Imports: 10.344 million metric tons (2023)

Environment

The country faces environmental challenges such as land degradation and desertification, particularly in the north and south regions. Morocco is a party to several international environmental agreements.

Forest Area: 12.8% of total land (2023)
Water Resources: 29 billion cubic meters (2022)
Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 64.173 million metric tons (2023)

Transportation

Morocco has a developed transportation infrastructure, including 48 airports and 2,067 km of railways, facilitating both domestic and international travel.

Total Ports: 12 (2024)
Merchant Marine: 94 vessels (2023)
Railway Network: Entirely standard gauge at 2,067 km (2014)

Communications

The communications sector in Morocco is rapidly modernizing, with a high percentage of the population having access to mobile and internet services.

Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 55.9 million (2023)
Internet Users: 91% of the population (2023)
Fixed Line Subscriptions: 2.874 million (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	37,387,585 (2024 est.)
Area	716,550 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$350.594 billion (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	23.52 million Btu/person (2023)
Birth Rate	16.8 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	9% (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	74.2 years (2024 est.)
Infant Mortality Rate	18.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
Total Fertility Rate	2.25 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures	4% of GDP (2024 est.)