Morocco - MA - MAR - MAR - Africa

Last updated: April 23, 2025
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  • Argania is the national tree of Morocco and is native only to the country's southwestern region. The seeds from the fruit of the tree produces the world famous argan oil, one of the rarest oils in the world (also known as the "liquid gold" of Morocco) highly prized for cooking, medicines, and cosmetics.

    Argania is the national tree of Morocco and is native only to the country's southwestern region. The seeds from the fruit of the tree produces the world famous argan oil, one of the rarest oils in the world (also known as the "liquid gold" of Morocco) highly prized for cooking, medicines, and cosmetics.

  • The Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco, contains the tombs of the king and his two sons, the late King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah.

    The Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco, contains the tombs of the king and his two sons, the late King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah.

  • The Hassan Tower and the remains of a mosque that lie adjacent to the Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco. The tower (44 m, 145 ft) is an incomplete minaret that was meant to be the the tallest in the world to flank the world's largest mosque. Begun in 1195, construction was halted four years later when the sultan who commissioned the project died.

    The Hassan Tower and the remains of a mosque that lie adjacent to the Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco. The tower (44 m, 145 ft) is an incomplete minaret that was meant to be the the tallest in the world to flank the world's largest mosque. Begun in 1195, construction was halted four years later when the sultan who commissioned the project died.

  • The Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea meet at Tangier, Morocco. For the first half of the 20th century, Tangier was an international city with its own laws and administration. It was returned to Morocco in 1956.

    The Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea meet at Tangier, Morocco. For the first half of the 20th century, Tangier was an international city with its own laws and administration. It was returned to Morocco in 1956.

  • The interior of the Hercules Caves near Tangier, Morocco. The caves are part natural and part man-made. Amazigh people used the man-made section to cut stone wheels from the walls to make millstones, expanding the caves considerably. The lower-right part of the photo shows evidence of millstone cutting.

    The interior of the Hercules Caves near Tangier, Morocco. The caves are part natural and part man-made. Amazigh people used the man-made section to cut stone wheels from the walls to make millstones, expanding the caves considerably. The lower-right part of the photo shows evidence of millstone cutting.

  • The Koutoubia Mosque minaret in Marrakech, Morocco.

    The Koutoubia Mosque minaret in Marrakech, Morocco.

  • The Almoravid Qubba is a small monument in Marrakech, Morocco. It was erected by the relatively short-lived Almoravid dynasty (1040-1147) in the early 12th century.

    The Almoravid Qubba is a small monument in Marrakech, Morocco. It was erected by the relatively short-lived Almoravid dynasty (1040-1147) in the early 12th century.

  • Today preserved as a historical site, the Ben Youssef Madrasa was founded in the 14th century and subsequently reconstructed. When completed in 1565, it was the largest Islamic college in Morocco and one of the largest in North Africa. The madrasa is named after the adjacent Ben Youssef Mosque founded by the Almoravid Sultan Ali ibn Yusuf (reigned 1106-1142).

    Today preserved as a historical site, the Ben Youssef Madrasa was founded in the 14th century and subsequently reconstructed. When completed in 1565, it was the largest Islamic college in Morocco and one of the largest in North Africa. The madrasa is named after the adjacent Ben Youssef Mosque founded by the Almoravid Sultan Ali ibn Yusuf (reigned 1106-1142).

  • The Jardin Majorelle (Majorelle Garden) is a one-hectare (two-and-a-half acre) botanical garden and artist's landscape garden in Marrakech, Morocco. It was created by French Orientalist artist Jacques Majorelle over a period of almost forty years, beginning in 1923. The villa houses the Islamic Art Museum of Marrakech and the Amazigh Museum.

    The Jardin Majorelle (Majorelle Garden) is a one-hectare (two-and-a-half acre) botanical garden and artist's landscape garden in Marrakech, Morocco. It was created by French Orientalist artist Jacques Majorelle over a period of almost forty years, beginning in 1923. The villa houses the Islamic Art Museum of Marrakech and the Amazigh Museum.

  • The Saadian Tombs are a historic royal necropolis in Marrakech, Morocco, that date to the time of the Saadian Dynasty (1549-1659). They are located on the south side of the Kasbah Mosque, inside the royal kasbah (citadel) district of the city. This view offers a glimpse into the Chamber of the Three Niches from the main mausoleum.

    The Saadian Tombs are a historic royal necropolis in Marrakech, Morocco, that date to the time of the Saadian Dynasty (1549-1659). They are located on the south side of the Kasbah Mosque, inside the royal kasbah (citadel) district of the city. This view offers a glimpse into the Chamber of the Three Niches from the main mausoleum.

  • Village in the High Atlas Mountains of southern Morocco. The reddish (oxidized) soils lend their color to the brickwork throughout the village.

    Village in the High Atlas Mountains of southern Morocco. The reddish (oxidized) soils lend their color to the brickwork throughout the village.

  • Argania is the national tree of Morocco and is native only to the country's southwestern region. The seeds from the fruit of the tree produces the world famous argan oil, one of the rarest oils in the world (also known as the "liquid gold" of Morocco) highly prized for cooking, medicines, and cosmetics.

    Argania is the national tree of Morocco and is native only to the country's southwestern region. The seeds from the fruit of the tree produces the world famous argan oil, one of the rarest oils in the world (also known as the "liquid gold" of Morocco) highly prized for cooking, medicines, and cosmetics.

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  • The coast of Morocco in the Gibraltar Straits.
  • The Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco, contains the tombs of the king and his two sons, the late King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah.
  • The Hassan Tower and the remains of a mosque that lie adjacent to the Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco. The tower (44 m, 145 ft) is an incomplete minaret that was meant to be the the tallest in the world to flank the world's largest mosque. Begun in 1195, construction was halted four years later when the sultan who commissioned the project died.
  • The Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea meet at Tangier, Morocco. For the first half of the 20th century, Tangier was an international city with its own laws and administration. It was returned to Morocco in 1956.
  • The interior of the Hercules Caves near Tangier, Morocco. The caves are part natural and part man-made. Amazigh people used the man-made section to cut stone wheels from the walls to make millstones, expanding the caves considerably. The lower-right part of the photo shows evidence of millstone cutting.
  • The Koutoubia Mosque minaret in Marrakech, Morocco.
  • The Almoravid Qubba is a small monument in Marrakech, Morocco. It was erected by the relatively short-lived Almoravid dynasty (1040-1147) in the early 12th century.
  • Today preserved as a historical site, the Ben Youssef Madrasa was founded in the 14th century and subsequently reconstructed. When completed in 1565, it was the largest Islamic college in Morocco and one of the largest in North Africa. The madrasa is named after the adjacent Ben Youssef Mosque founded by the Almoravid Sultan Ali ibn Yusuf (reigned 1106-1142).
  • The Jardin Majorelle (Majorelle Garden) is a one-hectare (two-and-a-half acre) botanical garden and artist's landscape garden in Marrakech, Morocco. It was created by French Orientalist artist Jacques Majorelle over a period of almost forty years, beginning in 1923. The villa houses the Islamic Art Museum of Marrakech and the Amazigh Museum.
  • The Saadian Tombs are a historic royal necropolis in Marrakech, Morocco, that date to the time of the Saadian Dynasty (1549-1659). They are located on the south side of the Kasbah Mosque, inside the royal kasbah (citadel) district of the city. This view offers a glimpse into the Chamber of the Three Niches from the main mausoleum.
  • Village in the High Atlas Mountains of southern Morocco. The reddish (oxidized) soils lend their color to the brickwork throughout the village.
  • Argania is the national tree of Morocco and is native only to the country's southwestern region. The seeds from the fruit of the tree produces the world famous argan oil, one of the rarest oils in the world (also known as the "liquid gold" of Morocco) highly prized for cooking, medicines, and cosmetics.

Special Notes

Morocco Factbook Data

Diplomatic representation from the US

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Aimee CUTRONA (since January 2025)

embassy: Km 5.7 Avenue Mohammed VI, Souissi, Rabat 10170

mailing address: 9400 Rabat Place, Washington DC  20521-9400

telephone: [212] 0537-637-200

FAX: [212] 0537-637-201

email address and website:
https://ma.usembassy.gov/

consulate(s) general: Casablanca

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)
2023 population pyramid
This is the population pyramid for Morocco. A population pyramid illustrates the age and sex structure of a country's population and may provide insights about political and social stability, as well as economic development. The population is distributed along the horizontal axis, with males shown on the left and females on the right. The male and female populations are broken down into 5-year age groups represented as horizontal bars along the vertical axis, with the youngest age groups at the bottom and the oldest at the top. The shape of the population pyramid gradually evolves over time based on fertility, mortality, and international migration trends.

For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.

Geographic coordinates

28 30 N, 10 00 W

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

65 years and over: 0.95 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2024 est.)

Natural hazards

in the north, the mountains are geologically unstable and subject to earthquakes; periodic droughts; windstorms; flash floods; landslides; in the south, a hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind can occur during winter and spring; widespread harmattan haze exists 60% of time, often severely restricting visibility

Area - comparative

slightly larger than twice the size of California

Military service age and obligation

19-25 years of age for 12-month compulsory and voluntary military service for men and women (conscription abolished 2006 and reintroduced in 2019) (2023)

Background

In 788, about a century after the Arab conquest of North Africa, a series of Muslim dynasties began to rule in Morocco. In the 16th century, the Sa'adi monarchy, particularly under Ahmad al-MANSUR (1578-1603), repelled foreign invaders and inaugurated a golden age. The Alaouite Dynasty, to which the current Moroccan royal family belongs, dates from the 17th century. In 1860, Spain occupied northern Morocco and ushered in a half-century of trade rivalry among European powers that saw Morocco's sovereignty steadily erode; in 1912, the French imposed a protectorate over the country. A protracted independence struggle with France ended successfully in 1956. The internationalized city of Tangier and most Spanish possessions were turned over to the new country that same year. Sultan MOHAMMED V, the current monarch's grandfather, organized the new state as a constitutional monarchy and in 1957 assumed the title of king.

Since Spain's 1976 withdrawal from Western Sahara, Morocco has extended its de facto administrative control to roughly 75% of this territory; however, the UN does not recognize Morocco as the administering power for Western Sahara. The UN since 1991 has monitored a cease-fire, which broke down in late 2020, between Morocco and the Polisario Front -- an organization advocating the territory’s independence -- and restarted negotiations over the status of the territory in 2018. In 2020, the US recognized Morocco's sovereignty over all of Western Sahara.

In 2011, King MOHAMMED VI responded to the spread of pro-democracy protests in the North Africa region by implementing a reform program that included a new constitution, passed by popular referendum, under which some new powers were extended to parliament and the prime minister, but ultimate authority remains in the hands of the monarch. Later that year, the Justice and Development Party (PJD) -- a moderate Islamist democratic party -- won the largest number of seats in parliamentary elections, becoming the first Islamist party to lead the Moroccan Government. In 2015, Morocco held its first direct elections for regional councils, which was one of the reforms included in the 2011 constitution. The PJD again won the largest number of seats in nationwide parliamentary elections in 2016, but it lost its plurality to the probusiness National Rally of Independents (RNI) in 2021. In 2020, Morocco signed a normalization agreement with Israel, similar to those that Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Sudan had concluded with Israel earlier that year.

Environment - current issues

in the north, land degradation/desertification (soil erosion resulting from farming of marginal areas, overgrazing, destruction of vegetation); water and soil pollution due to dumping of industrial wastes into the ocean and inland water sources, and onto the land; in the south, desertification; overgrazing; sparse water and lack of arable land

note:  data does not include former Western Sahara

Environment - international 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

Military expenditures

4% of GDP (2023 est.)
4.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
4.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
4.5% of GDP (2020 est.)
3.4% of GDP (2019 est.)

Exports - commodities

fertilizers, cars, garments, insulated wire, tomatoes (2023)

note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars

Exports - partners

Spain 20%, France 17%, Germany 6%, UK 5%, Italy 4% (2023)

note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports

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

note: effective 10 December 2020, the US Government recognizes the sovereignty of Morocco over all of the territory of former Western Sahara

Agricultural products

wheat, milk, potatoes, sugar beets, tomatoes, barley, olives, apples, tangerines/mandarins, onions (2023)

note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage

Military and security forces

Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR): Royal Moroccan Army (includes the Moroccan Royal Guard), Royal Moroccan Navy (includes Coast Guard, marines), Royal Moroccan Air Force, Moroccan Royal Guard, Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie

Ministry of Interior: General Directorate for National Security (DGSN; aka National Police), Auxiliary Forces (2025)

note 1: the Royal Guard is officially part of the Army, but is under the direct operational control of the Royal Military Household of His Majesty the King; it provides for the security and safety of the King and royal family; it was established in the 11th century and is considered one of the world's oldest active units still in military service

note 2:  the DGSN manages internal law enforcement in cities; the Gendarmerie is responsible for law enforcement in rural regions and on national highways and has a counterterrorism role; the Auxiliary Forces provide support to the Gendarmerie and DGSN 

Budget

revenues: $35.356 billion (2022 est.)

expenditures: $36.939 billion (2022 est.)

note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated

Capital

name: Rabat

geographic coordinates: 34 01 N, 6 49 W

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

etymology: name derives from the Arabic title "Ribat el-Fath," meaning "stronghold of victory," applied to the newly constructed citadel in 1170

Imports - commodities

refined petroleum, cars, vehicle parts/accessories, natural gas, coal (2023)

note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars

Climate

Mediterranean in the north, becoming more extreme in the interior; in the south, hot, dry desert; rain is rare; cold offshore air currents produce fog and heavy dew

note:  data does not include former Western Sahara

Coastline

2,945 km

Constitution

history: several previous; latest drafted 17 June 2011, approved by referendum 1 July 2011 

amendment process: proposed by the king, by the prime minister, or by members in either chamber of Parliament; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by both chambers and approval in a referendum; the king can opt to submit self-initiated proposals directly to a referendum

Exchange rates

Moroccan dirhams (MAD) per US dollar -

Exchange rates:
10.131 (2023 est.)
10.161 (2022 est.)
8.988 (2021 est.)
9.497 (2020 est.)
9.617 (2019 est.)

Executive branch

chief of state: King MOHAMMED VI (since 30 July 1999)

head of government: Prime Minister Aziz AKHANNOUCH (since 7 October 2021)

cabinet: Council of Ministers chosen by the prime minister in consultation with Parliament and appointed by the monarch; the monarch chooses the ministers of Interior, Foreign Affairs, Islamic Affairs, and National Defense Administration

elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch from the majority party following legislative elections

Flag description

red with a green pentacle (five-pointed, linear star) known as Sulayman's (Solomon's) seal in the center of the flag; red and green are traditional colors in Arab flags, although the use of red is more commonly associated with the Arab states of the Persian Gulf; the pentacle represents the five pillars of Islam and signifies the association between God and the nation; design dates to 1912

Roadways

total: 57,300 km (2018)

Illicit drugs

one of the world’s largest cannabis-producing country with Europe as the main  market; hashish is smuggled to South America and the Caribbean where it is exchanged for cocaine which is distributed in Europe; MDMA (ecstasy), originating in Belgium and the Netherlands is smuggled into northern Morocco for sale on the domestic market

Independence

2 March 1956 (from France)

Industries

automotive parts, phosphate mining and processing, aerospace, food processing, leather goods, textiles, construction, energy, tourism

Judicial branch

highest court(s): Supreme Court or Court of Cassation (consists of 5-judge panels organized into civil, family matters, commercial, administrative, social, and criminal sections); Constitutional Court (consists of 12 members)

judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges appointed by the Superior Council of Judicial Power, a 20-member body presided over by the monarch, which includes the Supreme Court president, the prosecutor general, representatives of the appeals and first instance courts  (among them 1 woman magistrate), the president of the National Council for Human Rights (CNDH), and 5 "notable persons" appointed by the monarch; judges appointed for life; Constitutional Court members - 6 designated by the monarch and 6 elected by Parliament; court president appointed by the monarch from among the court members; members serve 9-year nonrenewable terms

subordinate courts: courts of appeal; High Court of Justice; administrative and commercial courts; regional and Sadad courts (for religious, civil and administrative, and penal adjudication); first instance courts

Land boundaries

total: 3,523.5 km

border countries (3): Algeria 1,941 km; Mauritania 1,564 km; Spain (Ceuta) 8 km and Spain (Melilla) 10.5 km

note: an additional 75-meter border segment exists between Morocco and the Spanish exclave of Penon de Velez de la Gomera

Land use

agricultural land: 67.9% (2022 est.)

arable land: 16.8% (2022 est.)

permanent crops: 4% (2022 est.)

permanent pasture: 47.1% (2022 est.)

forest: 12.9% (2022 est.)

other: 19.2% (2022 est.)

note: does not include the area of the former Western Sahara, which is almost exclusively desert

Legal system

mixed legal system of civil law based on French civil law and Islamic (sharia) law; judicial review of legislative acts by Constitutional Court

Legislative branch

legislature name: Parliament (Barlaman)

legislative structure: bicameral

Literacy

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 75.9%

male: 84.8%

female: 67.4% (2021)

note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara

Maritime claims

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

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

National holiday

Throne Day (accession of King MOHAMMED VI to the throne), 30 July (1999)

Nationality

noun: Moroccan(s)

adjective: Moroccan

Natural resources

phosphates, iron ore, manganese, lead, zinc, fish, salt

Geography - note

strategic location along Strait of Gibraltar; the only African nation to have both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines; the waters off the Atlantic coast are particularly rich fishing areas

Economic overview

lower middle-income North African economy; ongoing recovery from recent drought and earthquake; rebounding via tourism, manufacturing, and raw materials processing; significant trade and investment with EU; reform programs include fiscal rebalancing, state enterprise governance and private sector investments

Pipelines

944 km gas, 270 km oil, 175 km refined products (2013)

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

Railways

total: 2,067 km (2014)

standard gauge: 2,067 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge (1,022 km electrified)

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Telecommunication systems

general assessment: national network nearly 100% digital using fiber-optic links; improved rural service employs microwave radio relay; one of the most state-of-the-art markets in Africa; high mobile penetration rates in the region with low cost for broadband Internet access; improvement in LTE reach and capabilities; service providers have all successfully completed 5G proofs of concept and are currently lining up 5G equipment providers for both radio and core technology; regulatory agency expects to conduct the 5G spectrum auction in 2023; mobile Internet accounts for 93% of all Internet connections; World Bank provided funds for Morocco’s digital transformation; government supported digital education during pandemic; submarine cables and satellite provide connectivity to Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Australia (2022)

domestic: fixed-line teledensity is 7 per 100 persons and mobile-cellular subscribership is 139 per 100 persons (2021)

international: country code - 212; landing point for the Atlas Offshore, Estepona-Tetouan, Canalink and SEA-ME-WE-3 fiber-optic telecommunications undersea cables that provide connectivity to Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Australia; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Arabsat; microwave radio relay to Gibraltar, Spain, and Western Sahara (2019)

Terrain

mountainous northern coast (Rif Mountains) and interior (Atlas Mountains) bordered by large plateaus with intermontane valleys, and fertile coastal plains; the south is mostly low, flat desert with large areas of rocky or sandy surfaces 

Government type

parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Country name

conventional long form: Kingdom of Morocco

conventional short form: Morocco

local long form: Al Mamlakah al Maghribiyah

local short form: Al Maghrib

former: French Protectorate in Morocco, Spanish Protectorate in Morocco, Ifni, Spanish Sahara, Western Sahara

etymology: the English name of Morocco derives from, respectively, the Spanish and Portuguese names Marruecos and Marrocos, which stem from Marrakesh, the Latin name for the former capital of ancient Morocco; the Arabic name, Al Maghrib, translates as "The West"

Location

Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Mauritania

Map references

Africa

Irrigated land

17,645 sq km (2019)

Diplomatic representation in the US

chief of mission: Ambassador Youssef AMRANI (since 27 February 2024)

chancery: 3508 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 462-7979

FAX: [1] (202) 265-0161

email address and website:
washingtonembmorocco@maec.gov.ma

Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in the United States (diplomatie.ma)

consulate(s) general: New York

Internet users

percent of population: 90% (2022 est.)

Internet country code

.ma

GDP (official exchange rate)

$144.417 billion (2023 est.)

note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate

Credit ratings

Fitch rating: BB+ (2020)

Moody's rating: Ba1 (1999)

Standard & Poors rating: BBB- (2010)

note: The year refers to the year in which the current credit rating was first obtained.

Total renewable water resources

29 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)

note:  data does not include former Western Sahara

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

total: 14 years

male: 14 years

female: 14 years (2021)

note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara

Urbanization

urban population: 65.1% of total population (2023)

rate of urbanization: 1.88% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

note:  data does not include former Western Sahara

Broadcast media

2 TV broadcast networks with state-run Radio-Television Marocaine (RTM) operating one network and the state partially owning the other; foreign TV broadcasts are available via satellite dish; 3 radio broadcast networks with RTM operating one; the government-owned network includes 10 regional radio channels in addition to its national service (2019)

Drinking water source

improved:

urban: 98.3% of population

rural: 79.1% of population

total: 91% of population

unimproved:

urban: 1.7% of population

rural: 20.9% of population

total: 9% of population (2017 est.)

note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara

National anthem

name: "Hymne Cherifien" (Hymn of the Sharif)

lyrics/music: Ali Squalli HOUSSAINI/Leo MORGAN

note: music adopted 1956, lyrics adopted 1970
This is an audio of the National Anthem for Morocco. The national anthem is generally a patriotic musical composition - usually in the form of a song or hymn of praise - that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions, or struggles of a nation or its people. National anthems can be officially recognized as a national song by a country's constitution or by an enacted law, or simply by tradition. Although most anthems contain lyrics, some do not.

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)

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Physician density

0.74 physicians/1,000 population (2021)

Hospital bed density

1 beds/1,000 population (2017)

note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara

National symbol(s)

pentacle symbol, lion; national colors: red, green

Contraceptive prevalence rate

70.8% (2018)

note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara

GDP - composition, by end use

household consumption: 61.4% (2023 est.)

government consumption: 18.1% (2023 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 25.4% (2023 est.)

investment in inventories: 3.4% (2023 est.)

exports of goods and services: 42.8% (2023 est.)

imports of goods and services: -51% (2023 est.)

note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection

Dependency ratios

total dependency ratio: 52.2

youth dependency ratio: 40.9

elderly dependency ratio: 11.3

potential support ratio: 8.9 (2021 est.)

note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara

Citizenship

citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: the father must be a citizen of Morocco; if the father is unknown or stateless, the mother must be a citizen

dual citizenship recognized: yes

residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years

Population distribution

the highest population density is found along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts; a number of densely populated agglomerations are found scattered through the Atlas Mountains as shown in this population distribution map

Electricity access

electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)

National air transport system

number of registered air carriers: 3 (2020)

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 76

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 8,132,917 (2018)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 97.71 million (2018) mt-km

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

CN

Sanitation facility access

improved:

urban: 98.2% of population

rural: 72.4% of population

total: 88.8% of population

unimproved:

urban: 1.8% of population

rural: 27.6% of population

total: 11.2% of population (2020 est.)

note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara

Ethnic groups

Arab-Amazigh 99%, other 1%

note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara

Religions

Muslim 99% (official; virtually all Sunni, <0.1% Shia), other 1% (includes Christian, Jewish, and Baha'i); note - Jewish about 3,000-3,500 (2020 est.)

note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara

Languages

Arabic (official), Tamazight languages (Tamazight (official), Tachelhit, Tarifit), French (often the language of business, government, and diplomacy)

major-language sample(s):
كتاب ديال لحقائق متاع العالم، احسن مصدر متاع المعلومات الأساسية (Arabic)

The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.

note: the proportion of Tamazight speakers is disputed
Arabic audio sample

Imports - partners

Spain 16%, China 11%, France 10%, USA 9%, Turkey 5% (2023)

note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports

Refugees and internally displaced persons

refugees (country of origin): 5,250 (Syria) (mid-year 2022)

Communications - note

the University of al-Quarawiyyin Library in Fez is recognized as the oldest existing, continually operating library in the world, dating back to A.D. 859; among its holdings are approximately 4,000 ancient Islamic manuscripts

Elevation

highest point: Jebel Toubkal 4,165 m

lowest point: Sebkha Tah -59 m

mean elevation: 909 m

Current health expenditure

5.7% of GDP (2021)

Military - note

the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) are responsible for protecting Morocco’s national interests, sovereignty, and territorial integrity; key areas of concern for the FAR include regional challenges such as the Polisario Front in Western Sahara and Algeria; Morocco claims the territory of Western Sahara and administers the territory that it controls; the Polisario Front (Popular Front for the Liberation of Saguia el Hamra and Rio de Oro), an organization that seeks the territory’s independence, disputes Morocco’s claim of sovereignty over the territory; Moroccan and Polisario forces fought intermittently from 1975, when Spain relinquished colonial authority over the territory, until a 1991 cease-fire and the establishment of a UN peacekeeping mission; the Polisario withdrew from the cease-fire in November 2020, and since then there have been reports of intermittent indirect fire between the FAR and Polisario fighters across the 2,500-kilometer-long berm built in 1987 that separates the two sides; Algeria is seen as a regional rival and has openly backed the Polisario Front

the FAR has experience in counterinsurgency, desert warfare, and international peacekeeping and security operations; it participates in both bilateral and multinational exercises and has relations with a variety of partners including the militaries of France, Spain, and the US, as well as NATO, the Arab League, and the African Union; the FAR provided fighter aircraft to the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen from 2015-2019; Morocco has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US, a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation

the FAR was created in May 1956; large numbers of Moroccans were recruited for service in the Spahi and Tirailleur regiments of the French Army of Africa during the period of the French protectorate (1912-1956); many Moroccans fought under the French Army during both World Wars; after World War II, Moroccans formed part of the French Far East Expeditionary Corps during the First Indochina War (1946-1954); the Spanish Army recruited Moroccans from the Spanish Protectorate during both the Rif War (1921-26) and the Spanish Civil War (1936-39)

the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) was established by Security Council resolution 690 in April 1991 in accordance with settlement proposals accepted in August 1988 by Morocco and the Polisario Front; MINURSO was unable to carry out all the original settlement proposals, but continues to monitor the cease-fire and reduce the threat of mines and unexploded ordnance, and has provided logistic support to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) with personnel and air and ground assets (2024)

Military and security service personnel strengths

approximately 200,000 active personnel (175,000 Army; 10,000 Navy; 15,000 Air Force); estimated 20,000 Gendarmerie; estimated 5,000 Mobile Intervention Corps; estimated 25-30,000 Auxiliary Forces (2023)

Military equipment inventories and acquisitions

the Moroccan military's inventory is comprised of mostly older French and US equipment, although in recent years it has embarked on a modernization program and received quantities of more modern equipment from a variety of countries, particularly France, Spain, and the US (2024)

Military deployments

770 Central African Republic (MINUSCA); 930 Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) (2024)

Terrorist group(s)

Terrorist group(s): Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS)

note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide

Total water withdrawal

municipal: 1.06 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)

industrial: 210 million cubic meters (2020 est.)

agricultural: 9.16 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)

note:  data does not include former Western Sahara

Waste and recycling

municipal solid waste generated annually: 6.852 million tons (2014 est.)

municipal solid waste recycled annually: 548,160 tons (2014 est.)

percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 8% (2014 est.)

note:  data does not include former Western Sahara

Average household expenditures

on food: 34.5% of household expenditures (2023 est.)

on alcohol and tobacco: 2.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)

Air pollutants

particulate matter emissions: 13.44 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)

carbon dioxide emissions: 61.28 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions: 17.16 megatons (2020 est.)

note:  data does not include former Western Sahara

Major rivers (by length in km)

Draa - 1,100 km

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 (formerly known as Titawin); Medina of Essaouira (formerly Mogador); Portuguese City of Mazagan (El Jadida); Historic and Modern Rabat

Child marriage

women married by age 15: 0.5%

women married by age 18: 13.7% (2018 est.)

Coal

consumption: 10.304 million metric tons (2023 est.)

exports: 25 metric tons (2023 est.)

imports: 10.344 million metric tons (2023 est.)

proven reserves: 96 million metric tons (2023 est.)

Electricity generation sources

fossil fuels: 78.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

solar: 5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

wind: 15.5% 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.)

Natural gas

production: 55.473 million cubic meters (2023 est.)

consumption: 912.277 million cubic meters (2023 est.)

imports: 861.38 million cubic meters (2023 est.)

proven reserves: 1.444 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)

Petroleum

total petroleum production: 25 bbl/day (2023 est.)

refined petroleum consumption: 296,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)

crude oil estimated reserves: 684,000 barrels (2021 est.)

Gross reproduction rate

1.1 (2024 est.)

Currently married women (ages 15-49)

58.8% (2023 est.)

Remittances

8.14% of GDP (2023 est.)
8.53% of GDP (2022 est.)
7.68% of GDP (2021 est.)

note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities

Geoparks

total global geoparks and regional networks: 1

global geoparks and regional networks: M'Goun (2023)

Ports

total ports: 12 (2024)

large: 3

medium: 1

small: 3

very small: 5

ports with oil terminals: 2

key ports: Agadir, Casablanca, Tanger, Tangier-Mediterranean

Legislative branch - lower chamber

chamber name: House of Representatives (Majliss-annouwab)

number of seats: 395 (all directly elected)

electoral system: proportional representation

scope of elections: full renewal

term in office: 5 years

most recent election date: 9/8/2021

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); Other (41)

percentage of women in chamber: 24.3%

expected date of next election: September 2026

Legislative branch - upper chamber

chamber name: House of Councillors (Majlis al-Mustacharin)

number of seats: 120 (all indirectly elected)

scope of elections: full renewal

term in office: 6 years

most recent election date: 10/5/2021

percentage of women in chamber: 11.7%

expected date of next election: October 2027

Labor force

12.284 million (2023 est.)

note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work

Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)

total: 22.6% (2023 est.)

male: 22.5% (2023 est.)

female: 23% (2023 est.)

note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment

Net migration rate

-1.7 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Median age

total: 30.6 years (2024 est.)

male: 30.1 years

female: 31 years

Debt - external

$44.353 billion (2023 est.)

note: present value of external debt in current US dollars

Maternal mortality ratio

72 deaths/100,000 live births (2020 est.)

note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$36.328 billion (2023 est.)
$32.314 billion (2022 est.)
$35.648 billion (2021 est.)

note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars

Public debt

65.1% of GDP (2017 est.)

Total fertility rate

2.25 children born/woman (2024 est.)

Unemployment rate

9.11% (2023 est.)
9.53% (2022 est.)
10.54% (2021 est.)

note: % of labor force seeking employment

Population

total: 37,387,585 (2024 est.)

male: 18,664,263

female: 18,723,322

Carbon dioxide emissions

64.173 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.)

from consumed natural gas: 1.82 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

Area

total : 716,550 sq km

land: 716,300 sq km

water: 250 sq km

Taxes and other revenues

22.11% (of GDP) (2022 est.)

note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)

$339.603 billion (2023 est.)
$328.425 billion (2022 est.)
$323.485 billion (2021 est.)

note: data in 2021 dollars

Airports

48 (2025)

Infant mortality rate

total: 18.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)

male: 20.4 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 16 deaths/1,000 live births

Telephones - mobile cellular

total subscriptions: 55.9 million (2023 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 137 (2021 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

6.09% (2023 est.)
6.66% (2022 est.)
1.4% (2021 est.)

note: annual % change based on consumer prices

Current account balance

-$891.222 million (2023 est.)
-$4.8 billion (2022 est.)
-$3.349 billion (2021 est.)

note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars

Real GDP per capita

$8,900 (2023 est.)
$8,700 (2022 est.)
$8,600 (2021 est.)

note: data in 2021 dollars

Broadband - fixed subscriptions

total: 2.42 million (2022 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 6 (2022 est.)

Tobacco use

total: 14.5% (2020 est.)

male: 28.2% (2020 est.)

female: 0.8% (2020 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

26.1% (2016)

note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara

Energy consumption per capita

23.52 million Btu/person (2023 est.)

Death rate

6.6 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Birth rate

16.8 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Electricity

installed generating capacity: 14.615 million kW (2023 est.)

consumption: 36.379 billion kWh (2023 est.)

exports: 462 million kWh (2023 est.)

imports: 2.311 billion kWh (2023 est.)

transmission/distribution losses: 7.781 billion kWh (2023 est.)

Merchant marine

total: 94 (2023)

by type: container ship 6, general cargo 5, oil tanker 2, other 81

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

2.8% (2019/20)

note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara

Imports

$73.759 billion (2023 est.)
$73.81 billion (2022 est.)
$60.215 billion (2021 est.)

note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars

Exports

$61.746 billion (2023 est.)
$58.575 billion (2022 est.)
$47.09 billion (2021 est.)

note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars

Heliports

17 (2025)

Telephones - fixed lines

total subscriptions: 2.874 million (2023 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 8 (2023 est.)

Alcohol consumption per capita

total: 0.51 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

beer: 0.18 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

wine: 0.24 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

spirits: 0.09 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

total population: 74.2 years (2024 est.)

male: 72.5 years

female: 76 years

Real GDP growth rate

3.4% (2023 est.)
1.53% (2022 est.)
8.02% (2021 est.)

note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency

Industrial production growth rate

1.34% (2023 est.)

note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

agriculture: 11.1% (2023 est.)

industry: 24.6% (2023 est.)

services: 54.3% (2023 est.)

note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data

Revenue from forest resources

0.13% of GDP (2018 est.)

Revenue from coal

0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Education expenditures

6.8% of GDP (2020)

note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara

Population growth rate

0.84% (2024 est.)
Sources:
Morocco - MA - MAR - MAR