The rise in unemployment, particularly in rural areas, highlights ongoing economic challenges in Morocco, necessitating targeted policies to stimulate job creation and support vulnerable populations.
The demographic shift towards an aging population may pose future economic and social challenges, including increased healthcare costs and a shrinking workforce.
If current trends continue, Morocco may face significant economic and social challenges related to high unemployment and an aging population, potentially impacting economic growth and social stability.
Future demographic studies could provide deeper insights into the implications of these trends, guiding policy decisions in areas such as healthcare, education, and labor market reforms.
Morocco's unemployment rate has surged to 21.3% according to the 2024 general census results, marking a significant increase from 16.2% in 2014. The head of the High Commission for Planning, Chakib Benmoussa, reported that urban unemployment rose from 19.3% to 21.2%, while rural areas saw an increase from 10.5% to 21.4%. The census also indicated that the unemployment rate among men reached 20.1% in 2024, compared to 12.4% a decade earlier.
The census revealed a slowing population growth rate of 0.85%, with a declining fertility rate now below the generational replacement threshold, indicating demographic shifts towards an aging population. The population of Morocco is currently estimated at 36.8 million, an increase of 8.8% from 2014, but projections suggest it will not reach 40 million before 2048 or 2050.
Additionally, the percentage of households led by women has risen to 19%, with urban areas seeing a higher rate of 22%. Urbanization has also increased significantly, from 51.4% in the 1990s to 62.8% in 2024.
