Morocco
Morocco is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy located in Northern Africa, serving as a strategic gateway between the African continent and Europe with a coastline extending 1835 km (1140 mi). Recent estimates indicate the population has grown to approximately 38.8 million, while current economic projections show a GDP per capita of around 4474 USD.
Where is Morocco?
Morocco
- Continent
- Africa
- Country
- Morocco
- Coordinates
- 32.00°, -5.00°
Population Details
- Population
- 39M
- Area
- 446,550 km²
- Density per km²
- 87 / km²
- Growth rate
- +0.97%
- Annual growth
- +377.7K people
- Daily growth
- +1K people
- World population share
- 0.48%
Population & Social Snapshot
Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Morocco
Age Distribution
Urbanization
Health & Education Benchmarks
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Rabat
- Region
- Africa
- Area
- 446,550 km²
- Languages
- Arabic, Berber
- Currency
- Moroccan dirham (د.م.)
- Timezones
- UTC
- UN Member
- Yes
Neighboring Countries
Economy
The nation possesses a significant economic presence, with a total GDP that ranks 5th in Africa and 58th globally. Latest available data shows an annual GDP growth rate of 3.8% and an unemployment rate of 9%, which ranks 45th globally when measured from the lowest rates. The economy is supported by robust sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and the extraction of natural resources including phosphates and iron ore. Current estimates place Morocco at 12th in Africa for GDP per capita, reflecting its status as a developing middle-income nation.
Society
Social development in Morocco is highlighted by a high level of digital connectivity, with 91.2% of the population identified as internet users, a figure that ranks 54th globally. Life expectancy stands at approximately 75.5 years, placing the country 101st in the latest global rankings. While the adult literacy rate is recorded at 64.3%, which ranks 147th globally, the nation continues to focus on educational improvements. The demographic profile is further characterized by a fertility rate of 2.2 children per woman and an annual population growth of 1%.
Climate & Environment
The Moroccan climate varies from Mediterranean conditions along the northern coast to an arid desert climate in the interior and south. The Atlas Mountains, which reach a peak of 4165 m (13665 ft) at Jbel Toubkal, experience cold winters with significant snowfall, while the coastal plains enjoy mild temperatures throughout the year. Rainfall is most frequent between the months of October and April, particularly in the northern regions.
Government & Politics
- Government Type
- parliamentary constitutional monarchy
- Independence
- 1956-03-02 (France)
Morocco is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy where the King, currently Mohammed VI of the Alaouite dynasty, holds significant executive and legislative authority. As the head of state and the Commander of the Faithful, the King oversees religious and military matters and appoints the Prime Minister from the party that wins the most seats in parliamentary elections. The government operates under a bicameral parliament consisting of the Chamber of Representatives, whose 395 members are directly elected, and the Chamber of Councilors, which represents regional and professional interests. Recent constitutional reforms have aimed to decentralize power and increase the legislative authority of the parliament while maintaining the King's role as the ultimate guarantor of national stability and unity. The legal system is based on Islamic law and French and Spanish civil law, with an officially independent judiciary. This multi-party system allows for a range of political ideologies to compete, though the monarchy remains the central stabilizing force in the nation's political landscape.
History
Morocco has a rich history shaped by its position at the junction of Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Originally inhabited by indigenous Berber tribes, the region saw Phoenician and Roman influence before the transformative Islamic conquest in the 7th century. The Idrisid dynasty established the first unified Moroccan state, followed by powerful empires like the Almoravids and Almohads, who controlled vast territories in North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula. The current Alaouite dynasty has reigned since the 17th century, maintaining sovereignty during a period when many neighboring lands fell to Ottoman rule. In the early 20th century, Morocco was divided into French and Spanish protectorates following the 1912 Treaty of Fez. A strong nationalist movement eventually led to the country regaining its sovereignty, with independence officially declared on 2 March 1956. Following independence, King Mohammed V and his successor, Hassan II, worked to consolidate national unity and navigate the complexities of the Cold War. A defining modern event was the 1975 Green March, where hundreds of thousands of Moroccans marched into Western Sahara to assert territorial claims. Since ascending the throne in 1999, King Mohammed VI has overseen a period of social liberalization, including significant reforms to family law and the constitution, while modernizing the national infrastructure.
Notable Facts
- Morocco is home to the University of al-Qarawiyyin in Fez, which was founded in 859 and is recognized as the oldest continuously operating educational institution in the world.
- The country's diverse landscape features the highest peak in North Africa, Jbel Toubkal, at 4,165 m (13,665 ft), as well as the low-lying Sebkha Tah at -55 m (-180 ft).
- Morocco holds approximately 75% of the world's known phosphate reserves, making it a globally essential provider for agricultural fertilizer production.
- The nation boasts an extensive coastline of 1,835 km (1,140 mi) that spans both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, offering varied maritime ecosystems.
- Chefchaouen, located in the Rif Mountains, is internationally famous for its blue-washed architecture, a tradition originally introduced by refugees to represent the sky and spiritual life.
Geography
- Highest Point
- Jbel Toubkal (4,165 m)
- Lowest Point
- Sebkha Tah (-55 m)
- Coastline
- 1,835 km
Major Cities
Largest Cities in MoroccoExplore weather and climate data for cities in Morocco
Climate & Weather
View full climate guideMonthly averages for Rabat
| Month | Temp | Feels Like | Rain | Sun | Humidity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19°C / 11°C | 17°C / 9°C | 6days (42 mm) Good | 9h Good | 79% Humid | Good | View Details |
| February | 20°C / 12°C | 19°C / 11°C | 5days (34 mm) Good | 9.8h Good | 80% Humid | Good | View Details |
| March | 20°C / 12°C | 20°C / 11°C | 9days (78 mm) Wet | 10.4h Excellent | 80% Humid | Good | View Details |
| April | 22°C / 14°C | 23°C / 14°C | 7days (35 mm) Good | 12h Excellent | 77% Humid | Excellent | View Details |
| May best | 24°C / 16°C | 26°C / 17°C | 4days (20 mm) Good | 12.5h Excellent | 75% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| June best | 26°C / 19°C | 29°C / 21°C | 2days (7 mm) Excellent | 12.7h Excellent | 75% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| July | 29°C / 21°C | 33°C / 24°C | 0days (0 mm) Excellent | 12.9h Excellent | 76% Humid | Good | View Details |
| August | 29°C / 21°C | 33°C / 24°C | 0days (0 mm) Excellent | 12.6h Excellent | 76% Humid | Good | View Details |
| September best | 27°C / 20°C | 30°C / 22°C | 2days (8 mm) Excellent | 11.3h Excellent | 77% Humid | Excellent | View Details |
| October best | 26°C / 18°C | 27°C / 19°C | 4days (19 mm) Good | 10.2h Excellent | 76% Humid | Excellent | View Details |
| November best | 22°C / 15°C | 22°C / 14°C | 5days (29 mm) Good | 9.3h Good | 78% Humid | Excellent | View Details |
| December | 19°C / 12°C | 19°C / 11°C | 9days (67 mm) Wet | 8.2h Good | 82% Humid | Good | View Details |
Temperature
Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 19°C / 11°C . Feb: 20°C / 12°C . Mar: 20°C / 12°C . Apr: 22°C / 14°C . May: 24°C / 16°C . Jun: 26°C / 19°C . Jul: 29°C / 21°C . Aug: 29°C / 21°C . Sep: 27°C / 20°C . Oct: 26°C / 18°C . Nov: 22°C / 15°C . Dec: 19°C / 12°C .
Rainfall
Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 42 mm. Feb: 34 mm. Mar: 78 mm. Apr: 35 mm. May: 20 mm. Jun: 7 mm. Jul: 0 mm. Aug: 0 mm. Sep: 8 mm. Oct: 19 mm. Nov: 29 mm. Dec: 67 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The population of Morocco is approximately 39M (2024).
The capital of Morocco is Rabat.
Morocco's GDP per capita is $4.5K (2024).
Life expectancy in Morocco is 75.49 years (2024).
Morocco covers 446,550 km² (172,414 sq mi).
Morocco has a moderate population density of 87 people per km², close to the global average of 60.
Morocco's population is growing steadily at 1.0% per year, in line with global averages.
Based on GDP per capita, Morocco falls in the lower-middle GDP-per-person tier at $4.5K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.
Morocco reports a low intentional homicide rate of 1.7 per 100,000 people, below the global average.
Morocco has 2 official languages: Arabic, Berber.
Morocco uses the Moroccan dirham (د.م.) as its sole official currency.
The best months to visit Morocco are May, June, September, October, November, based on climate data for the capital.
Current estimates indicate that the population of Morocco is approximately 38.8 million. This total ranks the country 39th globally and 11th within the African continent. The population is largely concentrated in urban areas, which account for 62.8% of the total, and the annual growth rate is 0.97%.
Morocco holds the 58th largest economy in the world based on its total GDP of approximately 161 billion USD. Regionally, it ranks 5th in Africa for total GDP. Recent data shows a GDP per capita of 4474 USD, which ranks 12th in Africa and 145th on a global scale.
The latest available data indicates that life expectancy at birth in Morocco is 75.5 years. This health indicator ranks the country 101st globally. These figures are supported by a birth rate of 16.4 per 1000 people and a fertility rate of 2.2 children per woman.
Internet penetration is remarkably high in Morocco, with 91.2% of the population being internet users. This high rate of connectivity ranks the country 54th globally. Such digital infrastructure is a key component of the nation's modern economic landscape and social connectivity across the Northern Africa subregion.
According to recent data, the adult literacy rate in Morocco is 64.3%. This figure ranks the nation 147th globally for literacy. The government continues to implement social and educational reforms aimed at increasing these levels to further support economic growth and human development.
The current unemployment rate in Morocco is 9%. When ranked globally from lowest to highest, Morocco occupies the 45th position. This labor market performance is accompanied by an annual GDP growth rate of 3.8%, reflecting ongoing economic expansion and diversification efforts across various industrial sectors.
Morocco currently holds a global population rank of 39th out of 215 countries and territories. Regionally, it is the 11th most populous country in Africa and ranks 4th within the Northern Africa subregion. This placement makes Morocco a significant demographic and economic player within the Maghreb and the Mediterranean.
The current estimated 2026 population density is 87 people per km² (225 people per sq mi). This is an increase from the official 2023 density of 84.5 people per km² (219 people per sq mi). Most of the population is concentrated in the fertile northwestern plains and along the Atlantic coast.
Morocco's population is growing at an annual rate of approximately 0.97%. Recent data shows that there are an estimated 1,711 births and 597 deaths occurring daily across the country. While the growth rate has slowed over recent decades, the total population continues to rise toward projected future peaks.
The latest fertility rate for Morocco is 2.21 births per woman. This figure is just above the standard replacement level of 2.1, indicating a stable demographic transition. The rate has declined significantly from historical highs as the country has become more urbanized and educational opportunities for women have expanded.
Approximately 62.8% of the Moroccan population lives in urban areas, according to the latest data. This urbanization rank of 114th globally reflects a major social shift toward city living. Urban centers like Casablanca, Rabat, and Tangier continue to attract residents from rural regions seeking economic opportunities.
All Indicators
Explore Morocco's data across 50+ indicators
Demographics
Economy
Health
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Environment
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Geography
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