The versatility of a country with a history built mainly on the centuries-old confrontation between the indigenous population - the Berbers - and the conquerors, is reflected in the inhabitants of Morocco. Monotonous religious composition, but at the same time linguistic difference is represented by the population of Morocco. In addition, the territories are unevenly populated, which only contributes to the diversity of the population.
Brief History of the Country
The state gained independence only in the second half of the twentieth century. Until 1956, Morocco was under the rule of Spain, then France, then it was part of several Arab states. On these lands at different times there were states of Almoravids, Almohads, Alauts, Idrisids, ruled by dynasties of Marinids and Wattasids, Saadites.
In ancient times, the coast was an important transit point and trading platform, and a little later the territories were nominally ruled by the Roman Empire. At the same time, agriculture began to develop actively in the northern part of the modern state, large cities were built: Banaza, Sale, Volubilis. The population of Morocco, which then consisted mainly of nomadic tribes, was little influenced by the empire, although nominally subordinated to Rome.
Today, the state is the main ally of the United States, not a member of the military alliance. Diplomatic relations with Russia are characterized by a turnover of more than 2 billion US dollars (as of 2010). In addition, Russian citizens can arrive in Morocco without having to obtain a visa.
Population dynamics
A history that dates back to prehistoric times distinguishes Morocco. The population living in the territory of the modern state in 150 AD was a million people. After the Great Migration of Peoples, the number of inhabitants decreased from 3 million in 300 to 2 million in 500. Almost until the middle of the seventeenth century, the population of Morocco was in the range of 2.7 to 4.2 million people.
Active population growth began in the twentieth century and continues to this day. In 1900, the population of Morocco totaled 5.1 million inhabitants, and by the beginning of the sixties the number of Moroccans had doubled. At the beginning of the twenty-first century, 30.1 million inhabitants were recorded. According to the latest relevant data (for 2016), the population of Morocco is 35 million people.
Morocco age and sex structure
The number of able-bodied citizens of Morocco is 23.2 million, which is 66.1% as a percentage. The proportion of Moroccans of retirement age is only 6.1% (2.1 million people), children under 15 inclusively, there are 9.7 million (27.8%). The number of men and women is approximately equal, the ratio between the sexes is 49% and 51%, respectively.
Social load factors
This ratio gives a relatively high percentage of the total social burden. Thus, every employed person in Morocco must ensure the production of one and a half times more goods and services than is required for himself.
The child load ratio (potential replacement) is 42.1%, which ensures a progressive type of sex and age pyramid and a youthful population. The pension burden ratio, which is calculated as the ratio of the population above the able-bodied population to employed citizens, is 9.2% in Morocco.
Life Expectancy and Literacy
Life expectancy of citizens (at birth) is 75.9 years. Only 72% of the adult population can read and write, while the literacy rate of the stronger sex is 82.7%, of the weak - 62.5%. Young people (15 to 24 years old) are more literate. Among young people, the literacy rate is 95.1%.
Density and population of Morocco
Given the population (35 million Moroccans) and the area of the state (446.5 thousand km 2 excluding Western Sahara or 710.8 thousand km 2 , if the disputed territory is included in Morocco), the population density of Morocco is calculated. The figure is 70 people per square kilometer, which puts the state on a par, for example, with Iraq, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Kenya and Cambodia.
Most of the country's population is concentrated in the north and west of the state, southeastern regions remain almost uninhabited, where the population density barely reaches 1-2 people per square kilometer. Half of Moroccans live in cities, the largest of which are:
- Casablanca is the most populous city and the largest port. Almost 10% of the state’s population live in the agglomeration.
- Rabat is the cultural and industrial center of Morocco. The urban population is 1.6 million people.
- Marrakech is the imperial city, the fourth largest in Morocco.
- Fez is the oldest of the imperial cities, the largest center of culture and education in northern Africa.
The number of municipalities with a population of 10 to 100 thousand people is growing rapidly in Morocco.
Occupations of the population depend on the territory of settlement. In cities, many are engaged in the service sector (45% of the total population), in rural areas they are engaged in the cultivation of grain and other crops, citrus fruits, and fruits. About 40% of Moroccans are employed in the agricultural sector.
Ethnic composition of Morocco
Morocco is the third most populous Arab country in the world. The majority of the inhabitants (60%) are Arabs, and 40% of the Berbers, descendants of the indigenous population, also live in the country. A small percentage is made up of Europeans (mainly French, Spaniards, Portuguese) and Jews.
Religious composition
Morocco declares Islam the state religion, which is professed by 98.7% of the population. A small part of the inhabitants are followers of Christianity (1.1%) or Judaism (0.2%). Compliance with the rules of Islam is controlled by the king, and religious orders themselves cannot be the subject of constitutional reform.
The population of Morocco is quite religious, but not all religious regulations are observed. For example, a large part of the population observes Ramadan, but does not give up alcohol (including during fasting). By the way, the relaxation of the anti-alcohol policy enshrined in law requires many foreigners who permanently reside in Morocco.
Moroccan language affiliation
The population of Morocco speaks two official languages - Arabic literary and one of the Berber dialects (native speakers number from 15 to 18 million, i.e. 50-65% of the population). The Moroccan dialect of Arabic is conversational.
In addition, French is spread - a rather prestigious language, the second for many citizens of the state. French is widely used in trade, government, and education. In the northern regions and in the vicinity of Fez, many speak Spanish, and an increasing number of young people choose English as their second foreign language.