Country Profile: Morocco

Morocco, a North African nation located between the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, has a rich history shaped by various Muslim dynasties since 788 AD. The country has a population of approximately 37.4 million, predominantly Arab-Amazigh, and its governance is characterized as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy. The economy is classified as lower middle-income, with key sectors including tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing, reflecting a recovery from recent natural disasters.

Geography

Morocco is situated in Northern Africa, bordering both the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, and shares land boundaries with Algeria and Mauritania. The country's terrain is diverse, featuring mountainous regions in the north such as the Rif and Atlas Mountains, alongside flat deserts in the south. Morocco's strategic location along the Strait of Gibraltar enhances its significance.

Area: 716,550 sq km (2023)
Coastline: 2,945 km
Highest Point: Jebel Toubkal at 4,165 m
Natural Resources: Rich in phosphates, iron ore, and fish
Climate: Ranges from Mediterranean in the north to hot, dry desert in the south

People and Society

Morocco's population of approximately 37.4 million is predominantly Arab-Amazigh, with Arabic and Tamazight as the official languages. The society is largely Muslim, with the majority adhering to Sunni Islam. The urban population represents 65.1% of the total, with major urban centers including Casablanca and Rabat.

Population Growth Rate: 0.81% (2025)
Median Age: 30.9 years (2025)
Life Expectancy: 74.2 years (2024)
Total Fertility Rate: 2.24 children born/woman (2025)
Urbanization Rate: 1.88% annual change

Economy

Morocco's economy is undergoing recovery, driven by tourism, manufacturing, and agricultural exports. The country has established strong trade relations with the EU and is implementing significant economic reforms. Key sectors include agriculture (10.1% of GDP) and services (54.1% of GDP).

GDP (PPP): $350.594 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 9% (2024 est.)
Public Debt: 64.9% of GDP (2016 est.)
Exports: $61.746 billion (2023 est.)
Economic Growth Rate: 3.2% (2024 est.)

Government

Morocco is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy with Rabat as its capital. The governance structure includes a bicameral Parliament and an executive led by King Mohammed VI. The political landscape features multiple parties, with elections held for both legislative chambers.

Independence: Achieved on March 2, 1956 (from France)
Constitution: Latest version adopted on July 1, 2011
Suffrage: 18 years of age (universal)
Legislative Structure: Bicameral Parliament (House of Representatives and House of Councillors)
Political Parties: Includes National Rally of Independents (RNI), Istiqlal Party (PI), and others

Military and Security

The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces consist of the army, navy, and air force, with an estimated active personnel of 220,000. The military focuses on national security and regional stability, particularly concerning the Polisario Front in Western Sahara.

Military Expenditures: 4% of GDP (2024 est.)
Active Personnel: 220,000 (2025)
Military Service Age: 19-25 years for compulsory service
Military Inventory: Comprised of a mix of older and modern equipment
Military Deployments: Troops in the Central African Republic and Democratic Republic of the Congo

Energy

Morocco has made significant strides in energy production, achieving 100% electrification. The energy mix is dominated by fossil fuels, while investments in renewable sources are increasing.

Installed Capacity: 14.615 million kW (2023)
Electricity Consumption: 36.379 billion kWh (2023)
Fossil Fuels: 78.6% of total capacity (2023)
Coal Consumption: 10.304 million metric tons (2023)
Natural Gas Consumption: 912.277 million cubic meters (2023)

Environment

Environmental issues in Morocco include land degradation and desertification, alongside challenges from industrial pollution. The country actively participates in various international environmental agreements.

Agricultural Land: 66.7% of total area (2023 est.)
Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 64.173 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Water Withdrawal: 1.063 billion cubic meters for municipal use (2022 est.)
Renewable Water Resources: 29 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total Municipal Solid Waste: 6.852 million tons (2024 est.)

Transportation

Morocco's transportation infrastructure includes a mix of air, rail, and maritime facilities, with robust connectivity through airports and ports.

Airports: 48 (2025 est.)
Railways: 2,067 km (2014)
Merchant Marine: 94 ships (2023)
Ports: 12 total ports (2024 est.)
Civil Aircraft Registration: Prefix CN

Communications

Communications infrastructure in Morocco is well-developed, with a high percentage of internet users and mobile subscriptions.

Internet Users: 91% of the population (2023 est.)
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 55.9 million (2023 est.)
Fixed Line Subscriptions: 2.874 million (2023 est.)
Broadband Subscriptions: 2.42 million (2022 est.)
Broadcast Media: State-run networks operate multiple channels

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.)
Life Expectancy at Birth	74.2 years	(2024 est.)
Total Fertility Rate	2.24 children born/woman	(2025 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	23.52 million Btu/person	(2023 est.)
Military Expenditures	4% of GDP	(2024 est.)
Electricity Access	100%	(2022 est.)
Net Migration Rate	-1.7 migrant(s)/1,000 population	(2025 est.)