Morocco has a population of approximately 38 million people as of 2025, making it the 36th most populous country in the world and one of the largest nations in North Africa. This places Morocco among the more heavily populated countries on the African continent, with a society shaped by a blend of Arab and Berber heritage, rapid urbanization, and a steadily maturing demographic profile.
How Many People Live in Morocco?
Morocco's roughly 38 million residents are spread across a country of about 446,000 square kilometres (excluding the disputed Western Sahara), giving a population density of around 85 people per square kilometre. That figure, however, hides a sharp imbalance: the Atlantic coastal corridor between Casablanca and Kenitra is densely packed and home to a large share of the population, while the Atlas Mountains and the Saharan interior to the south and east are sparsely settled.
This makes Morocco the fifth most populous country in Africa and one of the demographic anchors of the Maghreb region, alongside neighbouring Algeria. For deeper context on the country's geography, economy, and culture, see our morocco country guide.
Population Growth and Trends
Morocco's population is currently growing at an annual rate of about 1.03 percent, a moderate pace by global standards and a dramatic slowdown from the roughly 2.5 percent growth seen in the 1970s. The country has undergone one of the most successful demographic transitions in the Arab world.
The total fertility rate has fallen to around 2.3 children per woman, close to the replacement level of 2.1. This decline has been driven largely by improved access to education for women, later marriages, widespread use of family planning, and the social shifts that accompany urban living. Demographers project that Morocco's population will rise to roughly 45 million by 2050 before growth tapers off significantly as the population ages. The country is now entering a stage where the working-age share is large relative to dependents, a window often described as a demographic dividend.
The Largest Cities
Morocco is an increasingly urban nation, with about 65 percent of people now living in cities, up from just 29 percent in 1960. Its cities concentrate economic activity, government, and tourism.
- Casablanca is the largest city and the economic capital, with roughly 3.7 million residents in the city proper and about 4.3 million across its metropolitan area. It is the financial and industrial engine of the country and home to the vast Hassan II Mosque.
- Rabat, the political capital, has around 580,000 city residents and about 1.8 million in its wider metro area. It houses the royal palace, parliament, and the main government ministries.
- Marrakech, with roughly 930,000 residents, is Morocco's leading tourist destination, famous for its historic medina and the bustling Jemaa el-Fna square.
Other major urban centres include Fez, Tangier, Agadir, and Meknes, each contributing to the country's strongly coastal and northern population distribution.
Demographics and Society
The Moroccan population is overwhelmingly Arab-Berber, reflecting centuries of intermingling between indigenous Amazigh (Berber) peoples and Arab settlers. Both Arabic and Tamazight (Berber) are official languages, while French is widely used in business, government, and higher education, and Spanish lingers in the north. About 99 percent of Moroccans are Sunni Muslims, and Islam plays a central role in national identity and daily life.
Morocco has a median age of around 30 years, with a notable youth population that creates both opportunity and pressure. A large pool of young workers can power economic growth, but it also makes youth employment a persistent policy challenge. The country is governed as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with King Mohammed VI as head of state. Regional inequality remains significant, with the prosperous coastal cities contrasting sharply with poorer rural and mountainous areas.
Key Population Facts
- Population (2025 est.): approximately 38 million
- World rank: 36th most populous
- Annual growth rate: about 1.03 percent
- Fertility rate: about 2.3 children per woman
- Population density: around 85 people per square kilometre
- Urban population: roughly 65 percent
- Capital: Rabat
- Largest city: Casablanca
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Morocco in 2025?
Morocco's population is approximately 38 million people in 2025, ranking it 36th in the world and fifth among African nations.
What is the largest city in Morocco?
Casablanca is Morocco's largest city, with about 3.7 million residents in the city proper and roughly 4.3 million in its metropolitan area. It serves as the country's economic capital, while Rabat is the political capital.
Is Morocco's population growing?
Yes, but slowly. The population grows at about 1.03 percent per year, down from around 2.5 percent in the 1970s. With fertility near the replacement level of 2.3, growth is expected to continue easing, reaching roughly 45 million by 2050.
What languages and religion are most common in Morocco?
Arabic and Tamazight (Berber) are the official languages, with French widely used in business and education. About 99 percent of the population practises Sunni Islam.
