As of September 1, 2024, Morocco’s population stands at 36,828,330, according to the latest figures from the Haut-Commissariat au Plan (HCP). This represents an increase of nearly three million people since 2014, though the annual growth rate has slowed to 0.85%, a significant drop compared to the 1.25% recorded between 2004 and 2014.
The population shift is largely driven by rapid urbanization. Morocco’s urban population reached 23.1 million in 2024, up from 20.4 million a decade earlier, with an annual growth rate of 1.24%. In contrast, rural areas grew at a much slower pace, rising from 13.4 million to just 13.7 million, reflecting a meager growth rate of 0.22%. This rural-to-urban divide has reshaped Morocco’s demographic landscape, with urban areas now home to 62.8% of the population, compared to 60.4% in 2014. Some regions illustrate this trend more starkly, such as Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra, where 92.4% of residents live in cities, followed closely by Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab at 80.4%, and Casablanca-Settat at 73.3%.
Population distribution reveals considerable regional disparities. Five key regions now account for over 71% of Morocco’s population: Casablanca-Settat leads with 7.7 million residents, followed by Rabat-Salé-Kénitra at 5.1 million, Marrakech-Safi at 4.9 million, Fès-Meknès at 4.4 million, and Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma with 4 million. These areas also recorded growth rates exceeding the national average and contributed significantly to the country’s overall population increase. In contrast, regions like the Oriental and Drâa-Tafilalet are experiencing stagnation, with near-zero growth over the past decade.
The slowing growth rate is closely linked to a sharp decline in fertility. Morocco’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has dropped from 2.5 children per woman in 2004 to 1.97 in 2024, falling below the replacement threshold of 2.1 children. Urban areas saw the steepest decline, with the TFR decreasing from 2.01 to 1.77 over the past decade, while rural areas experienced a smaller reduction from 2.55 to 2.37. However, regional variations remain. Fertility rates in Drâa-Tafilalet (2.35) and Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab (2.25) are still above replacement levels, while Casablanca-Settat and the Oriental region have fallen below the national average.
Compounding this trend is the rising rate of singlehood. In 2024, 9.4% of Moroccans aged 55 and older remain unmarried, a notable increase from 5.9% in 2014. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced among women, where the rate stands at 11.1%, and in urban areas, where 10.3% of residents in this age group remain single.
At the same time, Morocco’s population is aging at an accelerated pace. The proportion of people aged 60 and older has risen from 9.4% in 2014 to 13.8% in 2024. In absolute terms, this demographic now totals five million, up from 3.2 million a decade ago, reflecting an annual growth rate of 4.6%—far exceeding the overall population increase. In contrast, the share of youth under 15 has declined from 28.2% to 26.5%, marking a clear demographic shift toward an older population.
These changes pose significant challenges for Morocco’s future. The aging population requires urgent reforms in healthcare, retirement systems, and infrastructure to accommodate a growing number of elderly citizens. Urbanization continues to strain Morocco’s cities, intensifying the need for inclusive and sustainable urban development. Meanwhile, the decline in fertility rates and shifting marital behaviors demand deeper analysis to understand their economic and social implications. As Morocco navigates these transformations, proactive policies will be essential to ensure sustainable growth and social stability in the coming decades.
