CapitalRabat
Population37,387,585
Area716,550 km²
GDP per capita$9,100
LanguagesArabic , Tamazight languages , Tachelhit, Tarifit), French
CurrencyMoroccan dirhams
Life Expectancy74.2 yr
Governmentthe country operates as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy.
Introduction
Background
In the year 788, approximately one hundred years following the Arab conquest of North Africa, a succession of Muslim dynasties began to govern Morocco. During the 16th century, the Sa'adi dynasty, particularly under the rule of Ahmad al-MANSUR (1578-1603), successfully repelled foreign invaders and ushered in a period of prosperity. The Alaouite Dynasty, to which the current royal family of Morocco is affiliated, originated in the 17th century. In 1860, Spain took control of northern Morocco, initiating a fifty-year period of competitive trade among European nations that resulted in a gradual decline of Morocco's sovereignty; by 1912, the French had established a protectorate over the nation. A prolonged struggle for independence from France culminated in success in 1956. That same year, the internationally administered city of Tangier and the majority of Spanish territories were handed over to the newly independent nation. Sultan MOHAMMED V, the grandfather of the current monarch, established the new government as a constitutional monarchy and adopted the title of king in 1957.
Following Spain's exit from Western Sahara in 1976, Morocco has exerted de facto administrative control over approximately 75% of this region; however, the United Nations does not recognize Morocco as the governing power of Western Sahara. Since 1991, the UN has overseen a cease-fire, which collapsed in late 2020, between Morocco and the Polisario Front—an organization that advocates for the region’s independence—and negotiations regarding the territory's status resumed in 2018. In 2020, the United States acknowledged Morocco's claim to sovereignty over the entirety of Western Sahara.
In 2011, in response to the emergence of pro-democracy protests across North Africa, King MOHAMMED VI initiated a reform agenda that featured a new constitution, which was ratified through a popular referendum. This constitution granted additional powers to the parliament and the prime minister, while ultimate authority remained with the monarch. Later that year, the Justice and Development Party (PJD)—a moderate Islamist democratic party—secured the highest number of seats in parliamentary elections, marking the first time an Islamist party led the Moroccan government. In 2015, Morocco conducted its inaugural direct elections for regional councils, a reform introduced in the 2011 constitution. In the nationwide parliamentary elections of 2016, the PJD again garnered the most seats, but it lost its majority to the pro-business National Rally of Independents (RNI) in 2021. Additionally, in 2020, Morocco entered into a normalization agreement with Israel, akin to those established earlier that year by Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Sudan with Israel.
Geography
Area
land
716,300 sq km
water
250 sq km
total
716,550 sq km
Climate
The climate varies from the Mediterranean in the northern regions to increasingly extreme conditions in the interior; the southern part is characterized by a hot, arid desert; precipitation is infrequent; cold offshore breezes lead to fog and substantial dew.
Terrain
The northern coastal region features mountainous terrain (Rif Mountains) and an interior marked by the Atlas Mountains, flanked by extensive plateaus with intermontane valleys and fertile coastal plains; the southern region primarily consists of low, flat desert interspersed with large rocky or sandy areas
Land use
other
20.3% (2023 est.)
forest
12.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land
66.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 15.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 4.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 47.1% (2023 est.)
Location
Located in North Africa, it borders the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, situated between Algeria and Mauritania.
Coastline
2,945 km
Elevation
lowest point
Sebkha Tah -59 m
highest point
Jebel Toubkal 4,165 m
mean elevation
909 m
Irrigated land
17,645 sq km (2019)
Map references
Africa
Land boundaries
total
3,523.5 km
border countries
Algeria 1,941 km; Mauritania 1,564 km; Spain (Ceuta) 8 km and Spain (Melilla) 10.5 km.
Maritime claims
contiguous zone
24 nm
territorial sea
12 nm
continental shelf
200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
exclusive economic zone
200 nm
Natural hazards
The northern mountains are geologically active and prone to seismic activity; there are occasional droughts, windstorms, flash floods, and landslides; in the southern regions, a hot, dry sirocco wind, laden with dust and sand, may occur during the winter and spring; the harmattan haze is prevalent 60% of the time, often significantly limiting visibility.
Geography - note
It has a strategically significant position along the Strait of Gibraltar, being the only African country with both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines; the waters off the Atlantic coast are notably abundant in fish.
Natural resources
Resources include phosphates, iron ore, manganese, lead, zinc, fish, and salt.
Area - comparative
It is slightly more than twice the size of California.
Geographic coordinates
28 30 N, 10 00 W
Population distribution
The highest concentration of population is along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts; several densely populated urban areas are distributed throughout the Atlas Mountains, as depicted in this population distribution map.
Major rivers (by length in km)
Draa - 1,100 km
People & Society
Languages
Languages
Arabic (official), Tamazight languages (Tamazight (official), Tachelhit, Tarifit), French (commonly utilized in business, government, and diplomatic contexts)
major-language sample(s)
كتاب ديال لحقائق متاع العالم، احسن مصدر متاع المعلومات الأساسية (Arabic)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
Muslim 99% (official; nearly all Sunni, <0.1% Shia), other 1% (comprising Christian, Jewish, and Baha'i); note - Jewish population approximately 3,000-3,500 (2020 estimate)
Sex ratio
at birth
1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years
1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years
0.99 male(s)/female
total population
1 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
65 years and over
0.95 male(s)/female
Birth rate
16.5 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
6.66 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Median age
male
30.1 years
total
30.9 years (2025 est.)
female
31 years
Population
male
18,664,263
total
37,387,585 (2024 est.)
female
18,723,322
Nationality
noun
Moroccan(s)
adjective
Moroccan
Tobacco use
male
23.7% (2025 est.)
total
12.3% (2025 est.)
female
0.9% (2025 est.)
Urbanization
urban population
65.1% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization
1.88% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Age structure
0-14 years
25.7% (male 4,898,154/female 4,701,786)
15-64 years
65.9% (male 12,236,752/female 12,410,567)
65 years and over
8.4% (2024 est.) (male 1,529,357/female 1,610,969)
Ethnic groups
Arab-Amazigh 99%, other 1%
Child marriage
women married by age 15
0.5% (2018)
women married by age 18
13.7% (2018)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio
51.7 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio
38.9 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio
7.8 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio
12.7 (2024 est.)
Physician density
0.74 physicians/1,000 population (2021)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP)
5.7% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget)
6.8% of national budget (2022 est.)
Net migration rate
-1.7 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Hospital bed density
0.7 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Total fertility rate
2.24 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Drinking water source
improved: rural
rural: 65.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 87% of population (2022 est.)
improved: urban
urban: 98.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 34.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 13% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 1.2% of population (2022 est.)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP)
6% of GDP (2023 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget)
23.3% national budget (2024 est.)
Infant mortality rate
male
20.4 deaths/1,000 live births
total
17.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
female
16 deaths/1,000 live births
Population growth rate
0.81% (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
1.09 (2025 est.)
Population distribution
the greatest population concentration occurs along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines; various densely populated urban areas are also located throughout the Atlas Mountains, as illustrated in this population distribution map
Life expectancy at birth
male
72.5 years
female
76 years
total population
74.2 years (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
70 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Sanitation facility access
improved: rural
rural: 72.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 89.1% of population (2022 est.)
improved: urban
urban: 98.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 27.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 10.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 1.8% of population (2022 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita
beer
0.18 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine
0.24 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
total
0.51 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits
0.09 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols
0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Major urban areas - population
3.893 million Casablanca, 1.959 million RABAT (capital), 1.290 million Fes, 1.314 million Tangier, 1.050 million Marrakech, 979,000 Agadir (2023)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
26.1% (2016)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
58% (2018 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
3% (2019 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
male
15 years (2023 est.)
total
15 years (2023 est.)
female
15 years (2023 est.)
Environment
Climate
The northern region experiences a Mediterranean climate, which becomes increasingly extreme as one moves inland; the southern area is characterized by a hot and arid desert climate; precipitation is infrequent; cold offshore air currents lead to fog and significant dew formation.
Geoparks
global geoparks and regional networks
M'Goun (2023)
total global geoparks and regional networks
1
Land use
other
20.3% (2023 est.)
forest
12.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land
66.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 15.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 4.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 47.1% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population
65.1% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization
1.88% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Methane emissions
other
4.5 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste
377.5 kt (2019-2021 est.)
energy
36.6 kt (2022-2024 est.)
agriculture
283.7 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually
6.852 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled
25.4% (2022 est.)
Environmental issues
In the northern regions: issues such as land degradation and desertification are prevalent, accompanied by soil erosion due to agricultural practices, overgrazing, and the clearing of vegetation; pollution of water and soil is a concern due to the discharge of industrial waste; in the southern regions: desertification persists, exacerbated by overgrazing and limited water resources.
Total water withdrawal
municipal
1.063 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial
212 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural
9.156 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions
64.173 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas
1.82 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke
23.024 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids
39.329 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
13.2 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Total renewable water resources
29 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
International environmental agreements
party to
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified
Environmental Modification
Government
Flag
description: the flag features a red background with a green pentacle (a five-pointed linear star), recognized as Sulayman's (Solomon's) seal at its center.
meaning: red and green are emblematic colors in Arab flags, with red being particularly linked to the Arab nations of the Persian Gulf; the pentacle symbolizes the five pillars of Islam and the connection between God and the state.
history: this design originated in 1912.
Capital
name
Rabat
etymology
the name originates from the Arabic term Ribat el-Fath, which combines the words ribat (fortified monastery) and fath (conquest); it was the third Almohad sultan, Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Manṣur, who assigned this name to a fort at the location in the 12th century.
time difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time).
geographic coordinates
34 01 N, 6 49 W
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Citizenship
citizenship by birth
no
citizenship by descent only
a father must hold Moroccan citizenship; if the father’s identity is unknown or he is stateless, then the mother must be a citizen.
dual citizenship recognized
yes
residency requirement for naturalization
5 years
Constitution
history
multiple previous drafts exist; the most recent was created on 17 June 2011 and ratified through a referendum on 1 July 2011
amendment process
initiatives can be proposed by the king, the prime minister, or members from either house of Parliament; approval requires a supermajority of at least two-thirds in both chambers and a subsequent referendum; the king retains the authority to send self-initiated proposals directly to a referendum.
Country name
former
French Protectorate in Morocco, Spanish Protectorate in Morocco, Ifni, Spanish Sahara, Western Sahara.
etymology
the English term Morocco is derived from the Spanish and Portuguese names Marruecos and Marrocos, respectively, which in turn stem from Marrakesh, the Latin designation for the ancient capital of Morocco; the Arabic name, Al Maghrib, means "The West."
local long form
Al Mamlakah al Maghribiyah
local short form
Al Maghrib
conventional long form
Kingdom of Morocco
conventional short form
Morocco
Independence
2 March 1956 (from France)
Legal system
a hybrid legal system that incorporates civil law influenced by French civil law alongside Islamic (sharia) law; the Constitutional Court has the authority to assess legislative actions.
Government type
the country operates as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy.
Judicial branch
highest court(s)
the judicial system includes the Supreme Court or Court of Cassation (which is comprised of 5-judge panels categorized into civil, family, commercial, administrative, social, and criminal divisions); there is also a Constitutional Court made up of 12 members.
subordinate courts
the judiciary encompasses courts of appeal; a High Court of Justice; administrative and commercial courts; regional and Sadad courts (responsible for religious, civil, administrative, and criminal matters); and first instance courts.
judge selection and term of office
judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the Superior Council of Judicial Power, a 20-member entity led by the monarch, which consists of the Supreme Court president, the prosecutor general, representatives from the appeals and first instance courts (including one female magistrate), the president of the National Council for Human Rights (CNDH), and five notable individuals selected by the monarch; judges are appointed for life; members of the Constitutional Court include 6 appointed by the monarch and 6 elected by Parliament; the court president is chosen by the monarch from among the court members and serves a non-renewable term of 9 years.
Executive branch
cabinet
the Council of Ministers is selected by the prime minister in consultation with Parliament and officially appointed by the monarch; the monarch designates the ministers for Interior, Foreign Affairs, Islamic Affairs, and National Defense Administration.
chief of state
King MOHAMMED VI (since 30 July 1999)
head of government
Prime Minister Aziz AKHANNOUCH (since 7 October 2021)
election/appointment process
the monarchy operates on a hereditary basis; the monarch appoints the prime minister from the party that holds the majority following legislative elections.
National holiday
Throne Day (commemorating King MOHAMMED VI's accession to the throne), celebrated on 30 July (1999).
National color(s)
red, green
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites
9 (all cultural)
selected World Heritage Site locales
Medina of Fez; Medina of Marrakesh; Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou; Historic City of Meknes; Archaeological Site of Volubilis; Medina of Tétouan (historically known as Titawin); Medina of Essaouira (formerly Mogador); Portuguese City of Mazagan (El Jadida); Historic and Modern Rabat.
Political parties
Action Party or PA
Amal (hope) Party
An-Nahj Ad-Dimocrati or An-Nahj or Democratic Way
Authenticity and Modernity Party or PAM
Constitutional Union Party or UC
Democratic and Social Movement or MDS
Democratic Forces Front or FFD
Environment and Sustainable Development Party or PEDD
Federation of the Democratic Left or FGD
Green Left Party or PGV
Istiqlal (Independence) Party or PI
Moroccan Liberal Party or PML
Moroccan Union for Democracy or UMD
National Democratic Party
National Rally of Independents or RNI
Neo-Democrats Party
Party of Development Reform or PRD
Party of Justice and Development or PJD
Party of Liberty and Social Justice or PLJS
Party of Progress and Socialism or PPS
Popular Movement or MP
Renaissance and Virtue Party or PRV
Renaissance Party
Renewal and Equity Party or PRE
Shoura (consultation) and Istiqlal Party
Socialist Union of Popular Forces or USFP
Unified Socialist Party or GSU
Unity and Democracy Party
Legislative branch
legislature name
Parliament (Barlaman)
legislative structure
bicameral
National anthem(s)
title
"Hymne Cherifien" (Hymn of the Sharif)
history
music adopted 1956, lyrics adopted 1970
lyrics/music
Ali Squalli HOUSSAINI/Leo MORGAN
National symbol(s)
pentacle symbol, lion
Administrative divisions
12 regions: Beni Mellal-Khenifra, Casablanca-Settat, Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab, Draa-Tafilalet, Fes-Meknes, Guelmim-Oued Noun, Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra, Marrakech-Safi, Oriental, Rabat-Sale-Kenitra, Souss-Massa, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima.
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name
House of Representatives (Majliss-annouwab)
term in office
5 years
number of seats
395 (all directly elected)
electoral system
proportional representation
scope of elections
full renewal
most recent election date
9/8/2021
expected date of next election
September 2026
percentage of women in chamber
24.3%
parties elected and seats per party
National Rally of Independents (RNI) (102); Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) (87); Istiqlal Party (PI) (81); Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP) (34); Popular Movement (MP) (28); Progress and Socialism Party (PPS) (22); Others (41).
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name
House of Councillors (Majlis al-Mustacharin)
term in office
6 years
number of seats
120 (all indirectly elected)
scope of elections
full renewal
most recent election date
10/5/2021
expected date of next election
October 2027
percentage of women in chamber
11.7%
Diplomatic representation in the US
FAX
[1] (202) 265-0161
chancery
3508 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone
[1] (202) 462-7979
chief of mission
Ambassador Youssef AMRANI (since 27 February 2024)
consulate(s) general
New York
email address and website
[email protected]
Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in the United States (diplomatie.ma)
Diplomatic representation from the US
FAX
[212] 0537-637-201
embassy
Km 5.7 Avenue Mohammed VI, Souissi, Rabat 10170
telephone
[212] 0537-637-200
mailing address
9400 Rabat Place, Washington DC 20521-9400
chief of mission
Ambassador-designate Richard Duke BUCHAN III (since 3 December 2025)
consulate(s) general
Casablanca
email address and website
https://ma.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AIIB, AMF, AMU, AU, CAEU, CD, EBRD, FAO, G-11, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAS, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OPCW, OSCE (partner), Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club (associate), PCA, SICA (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UNSC (temporary), UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
International law organization participation
has not filed a jurisdiction declaration with the ICJ; classified as a non-party state to the ICCt.
Economy
Budget
revenues
$38.458 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures
$44.819 billion (2023 est.)
Exports
Exports 2021
$47.09 billion (2021 est.)
Exports 2022
$58.575 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2023
$61.746 billion (2023 est.)
Imports
Imports 2021
$60.215 billion (2021 est.)
Imports 2022
$73.81 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2023
$73.759 billion (2023 est.)
Industries
automotive components, phosphate extraction and processing, aerospace, food manufacturing, leather products, textiles, construction, energy sector, tourism
Labor force
12.475 million (2024 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2016
64.9% of GDP (2016 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2021
7.7% of GDP (2021 est.)
Remittances 2022
8.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2023
8.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Exchange rates
Currency
Moroccan dirhams (MAD) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2020
9.497 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates 2021
8.988 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2022
10.161 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2023
10.131 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2024
9.942 (2024 est.)
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023
$42.262 billion (2023 est.)
Economic overview
a lower middle-income economy in North Africa; recovering from recent drought and seismic activity; experiencing a rebound through tourism, manufacturing, and raw materials processing; considerable trade and investment with the EU; reform initiatives encompass fiscal rebalancing, governance of state enterprises, and private sector investment
Unemployment rate
Unemployment rate 2022
9.5% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023
9.1% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2024
9% (2024 est.)
Exports - partners
Spain 20%, France 17%, Germany 6%, UK 5%, Italy 4% (2023)
Imports - partners
Spain 16%, China 11%, France 10%, USA 9%, Turkey 5% (2023)
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2022
$8,700 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023
$8,900 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2024
$9,100 (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2022
1.5% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023
3.4% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2024
3.2% (2024 est.)
Agricultural products
wheat, milk, potatoes, sugar beets, tomatoes, barley, olives, apples, tangerines/mandarins, onions (2023)
Exports - commodities
fertilizers, automobiles, clothing, insulated wire, tomatoes (2023)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, automobiles, vehicle parts/accessories, natural gas, coal (2023)
Current account balance
Current account balance 2021
-$3.349 billion (2021 est.)
Current account balance 2022
-$4.8 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2023
-$891.222 million (2023 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
21% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$154.431 billion (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption
61.3% (2024 est.)
government consumption
18% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories
3.8% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital
26.1% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services
43.3% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services
-52.5% (2024 est.)
Population below poverty line
3.9% (2022 est.)
Average household expenditures
on food
34.5% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco
2.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022
6.7% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023
6.1% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024
1% (2024 est.)
Industrial production growth rate
5% (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$328.425 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$339.603 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024
$350.594 billion (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
male
22% (2024 est.)
total
22.1% (2024 est.)
female
22.4% (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022
$32.314 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023
$36.328 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024
$37.134 billion (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
industry
24.1% (2024 est.)
services
54.1% (2024 est.)
agriculture
10.1% (2024 est.)
Energy
Coal
exports
25 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports
10.344 million metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption
10.304 million metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves
96 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production
25 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves
684,000 barrels (2021 est.)
refined petroleum consumption
296,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Electricity
exports
462 million kWh (2023 est.)
imports
2.311 billion kWh (2023 est.)
consumption
36.379 billion kWh (2023 est.)
installed generating capacity
14.615 million kW (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses
7.781 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Natural gas
imports
861.38 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
production
55.473 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption
912.277 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves
1.444 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Electricity access
electrification - total population
100% (2022 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023
23.52 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
wind
15.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar
5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
fossil fuels
78.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity
0.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste
0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Communications
Internet users
percent of population
91% (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
The media landscape comprises 2 television broadcasting networks, with the state-operated Radio-Television Marocaine (RTM) managing one of these networks, while the other is partially owned by the state. Satellite dishes provide access to foreign television. Additionally, there are 3 radio broadcasting networks, with RTM overseeing one. The state-run network features a total of 10 regional radio stations alongside its national service (2019).
Internet country code
.ma
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions
2.874 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
8 (2023 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions
55.9 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
137 (2021 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total
2.42 million (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
6 (2022 est.)
Transportation
Ports
large
3
small
3
medium
1
key ports
Agadir, Casablanca, Tanger, Tangier-Mediterranean
very small
5
total ports
12 (2024)
ports with oil terminals
2
Airports
48 (2025)
Railways
total
2,067 km (2014)
standard gauge
2,067 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge (1,022 km electrified)
Heliports
17 (2025)
Merchant marine
total
94 (2023)
by type
6 container ships, 5 general cargo vessels, 2 oil tankers, and 81 others
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
CN
Military & Security
Military - note
The Royal Armed Forces (FAR) are tasked with safeguarding Morocco’s national interests, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The FAR focuses on significant issues such as international terrorism, maritime security, and regional threats, including the Polisario Front in Western Sahara and Algeria. The Polisario Front, officially known as the Popular Front for the Liberation of Saguia el Hamra and Rio de Oro, is an entity advocating for the independence of Western Sahara and contests Morocco’s claim to sovereignty over the region. Conflict between Moroccan and Polisario forces began in 1975, following Spain's withdrawal from its colonial rule, and continued until a cease-fire in 1991, which also initiated a UN peacekeeping mission. However, the Polisario Front abandoned the cease-fire in November 2020, leading to reports of low-intensity clashes between Morocco and the Polisario Front along the 2,500-kilometer-long berm created in 1987 that divides the two factions. Algeria is perceived as a regional adversary and has provided explicit support to the Polisario Front.
The FAR engages in international peacekeeping missions and participates in both bilateral and multinational military training exercises. It maintains relationships with various partners, including the military forces of France, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain, and the United States, as well as with NATO, the Arab League, and the African Union. Morocco is designated as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) by the US, which grants certain advantages in defense trade and security collaboration under US law.
Founded in May 1956, the FAR has historical roots in the recruitment of Moroccans for the Spahi and Tirailleur regiments of the French Army during the French protectorate period (1912-1956). Moroccans served in the French Army during both World Wars and the First Indochina War (1946-1954). Additionally, during the Rif War (1921-1926) and the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), Moroccans were conscripted by the Spanish Army from the Spanish Protectorate.
The UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) was established through Security Council resolution 690 in April 1991, in line with settlement proposals accepted by both Morocco and the Polisario Front in August 1988. Although MINURSO has not been able to fully implement all original settlement proposals, it continues to oversee the cease-fire, mitigate the risks posed by mines and unexploded ordnance, and has provided logistical support to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) (2025).
Military deployments
775 Central African Republic (MINUSCA); 890 Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) (2025)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2020
4.5% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021
4.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022
4.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023
4% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2024
4% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military and security forces
Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR): Royal Moroccan Army (which includes the Moroccan Royal Guard), Royal Moroccan Navy (which encompasses the Coast Guard and marines), Royal Moroccan Air Force, Moroccan Royal Guard, Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie.
Ministry of Interior: General Directorate for National Security (DGSN; also known as National Police), Auxiliary Forces (2025).
Military service age and obligation
Mandatory and voluntary military service for both men and women is set at an age range of 19-25 years for a duration of 12 months (2025).
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
The Moroccan military's arsenal consists primarily of a combination of older equipment and some contemporary weaponry sourced from France and the United States (2025).
Military and security service personnel strengths
The estimated strength of the Armed Forces is 220,000 active personnel, comprising 175,000 in the Army, 10,000 in the Navy, 15,000 in the Air Force, and 20,000 in the Gendarmerie (2025).
Terrorism
Terrorist group(s)
Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS)
Transnational Issues
Refugees and internally displaced persons
IDPs
256 (2024 est.)
refugees
18,848 (2024 est.)
