Morocco Facts and Figures

Morocco, situated in North Africa, is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea to the west and north, respectively, with Algeria to the east and southeast. It shares a cultural heritage with both Arab and Berber influences, reflected in its diverse cities and landscapes. Key urban centers include Rabat, the capital, and Casablanca, a major economic hub renowned for its modern infrastructure and bustling markets.

Key Organizational Memberships
Morocco has actively pursued global integration, notably joining the African Union in 1963 and the Arab League in 1958. These memberships underscore Morocco's strategic importance in regional diplomacy and its commitment to fostering cooperative relationships across Africa and the Arab world. Additionally, Morocco became a non-NATO ally of the United States in 2004, highlighting its role in international security and cooperation.

Historical and Political Transformations
Gaining independence from France and Spain in 1956 stands as a pivotal event that shaped Morocco's modern identity and governance. The reign of King Mohammed VI, who ascended to the throne in 1999, ushered in reforms aimed at modernizing the nation's economy and society, promoting social development, and enhancing regional stability. One of the most transformative events in Morocco's recent history was the Arab Spring in 2011. While the country avoided the upheaval seen in some neighboring nations, the protests led to constitutional reforms that granted more powers to the parliament and the prime minister, marking a significant shift towards greater political inclusivity. Economically, Morocco's strategic location as a gateway between Europe and Africa has bolstered its trade relations, with sectors like agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing contributing significantly to its GDP growth.

Demographic Overview
Morocco, with a total population of 37.84 million as of 2023, maintains a population density of 83 people per square kilometer. The country's working-age population comprises 65.7%, indicating a robust labor force conducive to economic productivity. With a median age of 30 years (as of 2024), Morocco has a youthful demographic profile, which presents opportunities for investment in education and vocational training. The country has made strides in healthcare, evidenced by a life expectancy of 75 years as of 2022, though challenges remain with an infant mortality rate of 14.8 per 1,000 live births and the crude death rate of 5.8 per 1,000 person. The population growth rate is stable at 1%, influenced by factors such as fertility rate of 2.3 and healthcare advancements. Morocco's urbanization rate reached 65.1% in 2023, highlighting rapid urban expansion and its implications for infrastructure development and regional economic disparities.

Economic Overview
With a GDP totaling $141.1 billion in 2023, the country ranks 60th globally. A modest GDP growth rate of 3.2% in the same year suggests steady economic expansion. Despite a higher inflation rate of 6.1% in 2023, which moderated to 2.2% in 2024, Morocco maintains a balanced trade dynamic with exports at $41.6 billion and imports at $68.6 billion in 2023, resulting in a trade balance deficit of $27 billion. The labor market, with an unemployment rate decreasing from 12.3% in 2021 to 11.8% in 2022, reflects ongoing efforts to bolster employment opportunities. Sectoral contributions highlight a diversified economy, with agriculture contributing 10.3%, industry 25.5% (including manufacturing at 15%), and services 54.5% to GDP in 2022. Businesses exploring this market should leverage market research in Morroco to navigate sector-specific opportunities and enhance strategic decision-making.

Fiscal Overview
In 2022, Net ODA received constituted 1.1% of Gross National Income (GNI), reflecting international support for developmental initiatives. The country's net lending/borrowing, measured as a percentage of GDP, showed an improvement from -5.38% in 2022 to -4.43% in 2023, indicating efforts to manage fiscal deficits. Morocco's central government debt increased significantly from 52.28% in 2012 to 68.79% of GDP in 2022, highlighting a rising burden on government finances.

Military Dynamics
With 196,000 military personnel recorded in 2016, comprising approximately 0.56% of the total population, the country maintains a focused defense force. Military spending remained consistent at 3.9% of GDP in both 2021 and 2022, underscoring Morocco's sustained investment in national security infrastructure and defense operations.

Conclusion
Morocco's diverse economic sectors, demographic dynamics, digital adoption, military strategy, and political stability underscore the need for informed decision-making through market research. Partnering with a market research agency in Morocco is crucial for understanding consumer preferences, market trends, and regulatory landscapes.