Located on the northwest coast of Africa, Morocco is known not only for its breathtaking landscapes and rich history, but also for the diversity of its people. With a population of over 38 million, the kingdom is a fascinating mosaic of cultures, languages and traditions.
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Age structure in Morocco
The annual population growth rate is around 1.0%, with a birth rate of 17.2 per 1,000 people, significantly higher than the death rate of 5.8. In 2022, the average number of births per woman was 2.3, slightly below the regional average of 2.6 in the Middle East and North Africa.
Morocco’s demographic trends show some interesting patterns. It is a relatively young country. In 2023, 26.3% of the population was under the age of 15, while only 8.0% were over the age of 64. The median age is approximately 29 years (in 2024). This younger population offers a significant workforce potential, an important factor for innovation and economic growth.
Ethnic composition
Morocco’s ethnic landscape is shaped by centuries of conquests, migrations, trade, and cultural exchanges. The main ethnic groups include:
Berbers (Amazigh)
The Berbers, also known as the Amazigh, are the indigenous people of North Africa. They settled in what is now Morocco about 6,000 years ago and have maintained their unique culture and language despite various influences and invasions. Many Berbers continue to live as semi-nomads or farmers in the mountainous regions, particularly the Atlas Mountains. It is estimated that between 40% and 80% of Moroccans have Berber ancestry.
Arabs
Morocco’s Arab population traces back to several waves of migration, beginning with the Islamic expansion of the 7th and 8th centuries. Arab influences have significantly shaped the country’s culture, language, and religion. Today, most Arabs live in Morocco’s major cities and often form a significant part of the influential and wealthier social classes.
Minorities
Haratin
The Haratin are an ethnic minority whose ancestors were brought from the Sahel region as slaves. Today they live mostly in the southern regions, near the borders of Western Sahara and Mauritania. Although the Haratin have adopted the Arabic language, they maintain cultural traditions passed down from their ancestors.
Gnaoua
The Gnaoua differ from the Haratin in their distinctive religious practices, which combine Islamic elements with pre-Islamic African traditions. They are best known for their music and dance, celebrated annually at the International Gnaoua Music Festival in Essaouira.
Foreigners and expats
Approximately 60,000 and 100,000 foreigners live in Morocco, most of them from Spain and France. Many are descendants of European families who settled in Morocco during the protectorate era and remained after the country gained independence in 1956.
Languages and religions
Morocco’s linguistic diversity is as impressive as its ethnic variety. Arabic is the official language, while the Moroccan dialect, Darija, dominates everyday conversation. Since 2011, Tamazight, the Berber language, has also been officially recognized, reflecting the growing importance of the Amazigh culture. French remains a key language for business and education.
Morocco is predominantly Muslim, and Islam is the state religion. Around 99% of the population adheres to Islam, mainly the Sunni branch. In addition, small Christian and Jewish communities contribute to the religious landscape of the country.
Like many emerging economies, Morocco is experiencing rapid urbanization. By 2023, 65% of the population lived in cities, significantly transforming traditional lifestyles. The country’s largest cities, especially Casablanca, with more than 3.2 million residents, serve as economic, educational, and cultural hubs.
Urbanization has also affected family structures. While extended families are still common in rural areas, nuclear families are becoming more common in cities. This shift presents new challenges as well as opportunities for social mobility and economic development.
Education and future prospects
In recent decades, the Moroccan government has made significant efforts to improve the education system. Literacy rates are steadily increasing, and more young Moroccans have access to higher education. In 2019, there were 3,072 university students per 100,000 inhabitants, reflecting the growing educational level of the population.
Despite this progress, youth unemployment remains a major challenge, currently at nearly 40%. The government is increasingly focusing on education and training to improve employability and promote economic growth.
Conclusion on population of Morocco
Morocco’s population is a dynamic mix of cultural heritage and social change. With its diverse ethnic groups, languages, and modernization efforts, the country faces both challenges and opportunities.
Its future will depend largely on how well it balances traditional values with the demands of globalization. Its young and energetic population offers immense potential for economic and social progress.
Morocco’s ethnic and cultural diversity has made it a unique country where tradition and modernity, Berber and Arab cultures, and African and European influences coexist and enrich one another. Despite this diversity, Islam, the state religion, unites the vast majority of Moroccans and plays a central role in shaping daily life and national identity.
