Country Profile: Morocco

Morocco, located in North Africa, boasts a diverse geography that includes both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, mountainous regions, and arid desert areas. With a population of approximately 37.4 million, it exhibits a rich cultural tapestry primarily composed of Arab and Amazigh ethnicities. Economically, Morocco is classified as a lower-middle-income nation, with key sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism contributing to its recovery from recent challenges. Governed as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, the country maintains significant power in the hands of the monarchy while implementing reforms to enhance democratic governance.

Geography

Morocco's strategic position lies at the junction of the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, bordered by Algeria to the east and south and Mauritania to the southeast. The country's terrain features the Rif and Atlas mountain ranges along with extensive coastal plains and desert areas, impacting its climate, which varies from Mediterranean in the north to arid in the south. The nation is rich in natural resources, particularly phosphates and minerals.

716,550 sq km total area, slightly larger than twice California.
2,945 km of coastline, with diverse marine ecosystems.
66.7% of land is used for agriculture as of 2023.
4,165 m is the highest point (Jebel Toubkal).
12 nm territorial sea limit recognized.

People and Society

Morocco's population is estimated at 37,387,585 in 2024, predominantly made up of Arabs and Amazighs. The country is predominantly Muslim, with a small percentage identifying as Christian, Jewish, or Bahá'í. Arabic and Tamazight are the main languages, reflecting the rich cultural heritage. Urban centers exhibit high population densities, especially along the coasts.

25.7% of the population is aged 0-14 years.
65.1% of the population resides in urban areas as of 2023.
Life expectancy at birth is approximately 74.2 years.
0.81% annual population growth rate (2025 estimate).
70 deaths/100,000 live births maternal mortality ratio as of 2023.

Economy

Morocco's economy is classified as lower middle-income, reflecting ongoing recovery efforts from drought and seismic activity. The sectors of tourism, manufacturing, and raw materials processing play critical roles. The Moroccan government engages in various reform programs and has significant trade connections with the EU.

$350.594 billion estimated real GDP in 2024 (PPP).
9% unemployment rate projected for 2024.
10.1% of GDP derived from agriculture.
54.1% of GDP contributed by the services sector (2024).
$61.746 billion in exports for 2023.

Government

Morocco operates as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with King Mohammed VI holding substantial powers. The country has undergone reforms to enhance parliamentary powers and civic participation. Administrative divisions consist of 12 regions, and the political landscape includes multiple parties.

King Mohammed VI has been in power since 30 July 1999.
Rabat serves as the capital city, founded in the 12th century.
395 members in the House of Representatives, with full renewal elections every 5 years.
12.8% of the population is living below the national poverty line (2022).

Military and Security

Morocco's military is characterized by a mix of traditional and modern forces, tasked with safeguarding national interests. The military is engaged in peacekeeping operations and has established partnerships with various countries. The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces oversees both external and internal security.

Estimated 220,000 active military personnel as of 2025.
4% of GDP allocated for military expenditures in 2024.
Military service is mandatory for individuals aged 19-25.
Engaged in international peacekeeping missions, including in the Central African Republic and Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Energy

Morocco's energy sector heavily relies on fossil fuels, though there is an increasing push towards renewable sources like solar and wind. The country has made substantial investments in electricity generation, achieving universal electrification.

100% electricity access for the total population as of 2022.
14.615 million kW of installed generating capacity (2023).
36.379 billion kWh of electricity consumed in 2023.
78.6% of installed capacity from fossil fuels (2023).
5% of generating capacity sourced from solar energy.

Environment

Environmental challenges primarily include land degradation, desertification, and water scarcity, particularly in rural areas. The government has engaged in several international environmental agreements to combat these issues.

66.7% of land classified as agricultural as of 2023.
64.173 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions reported in 2023.
25.4% of municipal solid waste recycled (2022).
29 billion cubic meters of total renewable water resources (2022).
Active participant in the Paris Agreement and other environmental treaties.

Transportation

Morocco's transportation infrastructure includes an extensive rail network, modern airports, and a growing merchant marine fleet. The country is enhancing its connectivity to support tourism and trade.

2,067 km of railways, primarily electrified.
48 airports available for civil aviation by 2025.
12 ports facilitate maritime trade, with Casablanca being a significant port.
94 vessels in the merchant marine fleet (2023).
17 heliports operational by 2025.

Communications

The communications sector in Morocco is evolving, with increasing internet penetration and mobile connectivity. Fixed-line and cellular subscriptions have seen significant growth.

91% of the population uses the internet (2023 estimate).
55.9 million mobile cellular subscriptions recorded in 2023.
2.42 million fixed broadband subscriptions as of 2022.
2.874 million fixed-line telephone subscriptions in 2023.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	37,387,585	2024 estimate
Area	716,550 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$350.594 billion	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	9%	2024 estimate
Energy Consumption per Capita	23.52 million Btu/person	2023 estimate
Life Expectancy	74.2 years	2024 estimate
Birth Rate	16.5 births/1,000 people	2025 estimate
Youth Unemployment Rate	22.1%	2024 estimate
Percentage of Agricultural Land	66.7%	2023 estimate
Military Expenditure as % of GDP	4%	2024 estimate