Country Profile: Morocco

Morocco, located in Northern Africa, is bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, sharing land boundaries with Algeria and Mauritania. With a population of approximately 37.4 million, it has a rich cultural heritage marked by Arab and Amazigh influences. The country's economy is diversified, relying on sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture, while the governance system is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy with King Mohammed VI holding significant power. Morocco's geopolitical significance is highlighted by its strategic location near the Strait of Gibraltar.

Geography

Morocco's terrain includes mountainous regions, fertile coastal plains, and extensive desert areas, which shape its climate and agricultural activities. The country spans an area of 716,550 sq km and features a coastline of 2,945 km. Major rivers include the Draa, which runs for 1,100 km. Morocco's climate varies from Mediterranean in the north to arid desert in the south, influencing land use and population distribution.

• 716,550 sq km: Total area of Morocco.
• 2,945 km: Length of the coastline.
• 66.7%: Percentage of land used for agriculture (2023).
• Jebel Toubkal: Highest point at 4,165 m.
• Sebkha Tah: Lowest point at -59 m.
• 12 nm: Territorial sea claim.

People and Society

Morocco has a diverse population of approximately 37.4 million, predominantly Arab-Amazigh (99%), with Arabic and Tamazight as the official languages. The society is predominantly Muslim (99%), reflecting deep cultural traditions. The country is urbanizing rapidly, with about 65.1% of the population living in urban areas. Moroccan demographics show a young population, with a median age of 30.9 years.

• 37.4 million: Estimated population (2024).
• 65.1%: Urban population as of 2023.
• 16.5 births/1,000: Birth rate (2025).
• 74.2 years: Life expectancy (2024).
• 51.7%: Total dependency ratio (2024).

Economy

Morocco's economy is categorized as lower middle-income, showing signs of recovery driven by tourism, manufacturing, and the processing of raw materials. The GDP, measured in purchasing power parity, reached an estimated $350.594 billion in 2024, with a growth rate of 3.2% anticipated. The economy exhibits a significant dependence on agriculture and external trade, particularly with the EU.

• $350.594 billion: Real GDP (PPP) for 2024.
• 9%: Unemployment rate (2024).
• 10.1%: Contribution of agriculture to GDP (2024).
• 54.1%: Services sector contribution to GDP (2024).
• 3.9%: Population below poverty line (2022).

Government

Morocco is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with King Mohammed VI serving as the head of state. The governance structure includes a bicameral parliament with a House of Representatives and a House of Councillors. Recent reforms have aimed to enhance parliamentary powers while maintaining royal oversight.

• 18 years: Minimum voting age.
• 12 regions: Administrative divisions.
• 4%: Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2024).
• 220,000: Estimated active military personnel (2025).

Military and Security

The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR) encompass the Army, Navy, and Air Force, tasked with national security and counter-terrorism. Military expenditures are approximately 4% of GDP, reflecting the nation's commitment to maintaining robust defense capabilities. The FAR also participates in international peacekeeping missions.

• 4%: Military expenditure of GDP (2024).
• 220,000: Active military personnel (2025).
• 775: Moroccan troops deployed in the Central African Republic (2025).

Energy

Morocco's energy sector is rapidly evolving, with a focus on electricity access at 100% of the population as of 2022. The country generates power primarily through fossil fuels, with growing investments in renewable sources such as solar and wind.

• 100%: Electricity access (2022).
• 14.615 million kW: Installed electricity capacity (2023).
• 78.6%: Percentage of electricity generated from fossil fuels (2023).

Environment

Morocco faces environmental challenges including land degradation, water scarcity, and pollution, particularly in agricultural regions. The government is engaged in various international environmental agreements and is actively working to address these issues while promoting sustainability.

• 66.7%: Total land used for agriculture (2023).
• 64.173 million metric tonnes: Total CO2 emissions (2023).
• 29 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022).

Transportation

Morocco has a well-developed transportation network, including 48 airports and an extensive railway system of 2,067 km. The country hosts multiple ports that facilitate international trade, enhancing its logistical capabilities.

• 48: Total airports (2025).
• 2,067 km: Railways total length (2014).
• 12: Major ports in operation (2024).

Communications

With a high rate of internet usage, approximately 91% of the population is connected online. Mobile cellular subscriptions exceed 55 million, reflecting the rapid growth of telecommunications in the country.

• 91%: Internet user percentage (2023).
• 55.9 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023).
• 2.874 million: Fixed-line subscriptions (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	37,387,585 (2024 est.)
Area	716,550 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$350.594 billion (2024)
Unemployment Rate	9% (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	74.2 years (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	16.5 births/1,000 (2025)
Electricity Access	100% (2022 est.)
Total Energy Consumption per Capita	23.52 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Military Expenditure	4% of GDP (2024 est.)
Urban Population	65.1% (2023)