Country Profile: Morocco

Morocco is a North African nation bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, strategically located between Algeria and Mauritania. With a population of approximately 37.4 million, the country boasts a diverse society, predominantly Arab-Amazigh, where Arabic and Tamazight are the official languages. The Moroccan economy is classified as lower middle-income, with key sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, alongside significant trade relations with the European Union. Governed as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, Morocco balances modern governance with its rich historical legacy, characterized by a strong monarchy.

Geography

Morocco is located in Northern Africa, with coastlines along both the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The country's terrain features mountainous regions, such as the Rif and Atlas Mountains, fertile coastal plains, and extensive desert areas in the south. The climate ranges from Mediterranean in the north to dry and hot in the south, contributing to significant agricultural activity and natural resource extraction.

Area: 716,550 sq km, slightly larger than twice the size of California.
Coastline: 2,945 km long.
Highest Point: Jebel Toubkal at 4,165 m.
Natural Resources: Rich in phosphates, iron ore, manganese, and fish.
Population Density: Highest along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts.

People and Society

Morocco's population is estimated at 37.4 million, with a predominance of Arab-Amazigh ethnic identity. The society is predominantly Muslim, with nearly all practicing Sunni Islam. The country's languages reflect its cultural diversity, with Arabic and Tamazight recognized as official languages, alongside French in business and government.

Urbanization Rate: 65.1% of the population is urban (2023).
Life Expectancy: 74.2 years (2024).
Median Age: Approximately 30.6 years (2024).
Birth Rate: 16.8 births per 1,000 population (2024).
Child Marriage: 13.7% of women married by age 18 (2018).

Economy

Morocco's economy is characterized as lower middle-income, with recovery efforts ongoing post-drought and earthquake. Economic growth is driven by tourism, manufacturing, and agricultural exports. The country has implemented reform programs aimed at enhancing fiscal balance and improving the business environment.

GDP (PPP): $350.594 billion (2024 est.).
GDP Growth Rate: Projected at 3.2% in 2024.
Unemployment Rate: 9% (2024 est.).
Labor Force: Approximately 12.475 million individuals (2024).
Exports: Estimated at $61.746 billion (2023).

Government

Morocco operates as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with the king holding significant power. The government is structured with a bicameral legislature and various administrative divisions. King Mohammed VI has ruled since 1999, overseeing reforms and modernization efforts in governance.

Current Monarch: King Mohammed VI (since 30 July 1999).
Prime Minister: Aziz Akhannouch (since 7 October 2021).
Voting Age: Universal suffrage at 18 years.
Administrative Divisions: 12 regions.
National Holiday: Throne Day on 30 July.

Military and Security

The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR) are responsible for national defense, comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The military's modernizing efforts focus on regional security challenges, including conflicts related to Western Sahara. Military expenditures account for about 4% of GDP.

Active Personnel: Estimated 220,000.
Military Expenditure: 4% of GDP (2024).
Conscription: Reintroduced in 2019 for ages 19-25.
Deployments: Involved in peacekeeping around the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2024).

Energy

Morocco is committed to energy diversification, with a growing focus on renewable sources, including solar and wind energy. The country has achieved 100% electrification, emphasizing efforts to improve energy sustainability.

Electricity Generation Capacity: 14.615 million kW (2023).
Renewable Energy Share: 20.5% of total installed capacity (solar and wind).
Coal Consumption: 10.304 million metric tons (2023).
Natural Gas Imports: 861.38 million cubic meters (2023).

Environment

Morocco faces various environmental challenges, including desertification and land degradation, exacerbated by pollution and water scarcity. It actively participates in international agreements aimed at biodiversity and climate change mitigation.

Agricultural Land Use: 67.9% of total land (2022).
Water Resources: Total renewable water resources estimated at 29 billion cubic meters (2020).
Municipal Solid Waste: 6.852 million tons generated annually (2014 est.).

Transportation

The transportation infrastructure in Morocco includes a network of railways, roads, and airports facilitating regional connectivity. The country's ports are crucial trade hubs for both imports and exports.

Total Railways: 2,067 km.
Airports: 48 operational (2025).
Merchant Marine: 94 vessels (2023).
Port Infrastructure: 12 total ports (2024).

Communications

Morocco has a well-established communication network, with high mobile phone penetration and significant internet usage among its population. The country places emphasis on improving telecommunications infrastructure.

Internet Users: Approximately 91% of the population (2023).
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 55.9 million (2023).
Fixed-line Telephones: 2.874 million subscriptions (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	37,387,585	Estimated 2024
Area	716,550 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$350.594 billion	Estimated 2024
GDP Growth Rate	3.2%	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	9%	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	74.2 years	Estimated 2024
Birth Rate	16.8/1,000	Estimated 2024
Military Expenditure	4% of GDP	Estimated for 2024
Urban Population	65.1%	Estimated 2023