Title: Morocco‘s Demographic and Socio-Economic Landscape Shifts: Key Findings from the 2024 General Population and Housing Census
The recently conducted 2024 General Population and Housing Census (RGPH) has unveiled significant transformations in Morocco’s demographic, social, and economic fabric. With a population of 36.8 million, marking a 2.98 million increase since 2014 and an average annual growth rate of 0.85%, Morocco is experiencing a shift towards urbanization, with 62.8% of its population residing in urban areas.
One of the most notable changes is the decline in fertility rates, with the synthetic fertility index dropping to 1.97 children per woman, below the replacement threshold of 2.1. This reduction is a testament to Morocco’s progress in family planning and women’s empowerment initiatives. Conversely, the aging population has risen, with 13.8% of Moroccans aged 60 and above, compared to 9.4% in 2014.
The RGPH 2024 also provides insights into Morocco’s human capital development. Education levels have improved, with 95.8% of children aged 6 to 11 enrolled in school. Moreover, the average years of schooling have increased to 6.3 years, with disparities between urban (7.9 years) and rural (3.2 years) areas persisting. The literacy rate has also improved, standing at 75.2% nationally (62% in rural areas).
Economic indicators have shown mixed trends. While the activity rate has decreased to 41.6%, unemployment has risen to 21.3%. The latter remains a challenge, particularly in certain regions like Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab (10.6%) and Guelmim-Oued Noun (31.5%). However, housing conditions have improved, with modern dwellings and electricity access becoming more widespread.
The census also highlights the growing integration of technology, with 59.6% of Moroccans using the internet. This prevalence is higher among young people and urban residents. Despite these advancements, the RGPH points to key challenges: an increasing elderly population, rising unemployment in certain regions, and the need for improved urban planning to accommodate growing urban populations.
As Morocco continues to evolve, these insights from the RGPH 2024 underscore the need for targeted policies and infrastructure development to ensure sustainable growth and equitable development across the country.
Sources: High Commission for Planning – Morocco
Read More: RGPH 2024: Detailed Key Results
