As of 2024, Morocco's population is estimated at 37.8 million, making it the 5th most populous country in Africa and the 39th globally. The population has grown steadily from approximately 11 million at independence in 1956.

The population is predominantly young, with approximately 27% under the age of 15 and 65% under 30. This demographic structure presents both opportunities (a large workforce) and challenges (education, employment) for the kingdom's development.

Morocco's ethnic identity is defined by two primary groups: Arabs and Amazigh (Berbers), who have coexisted and intermingled for over 1,300 years. The population is approximately:

It is important to note that most Moroccans today have mixed Arab and Amazigh ancestry. The distinction is more cultural and linguistic than strictly genetic. The 2011 constitution formally recognized Amazigh as an official language alongside Arabic, reflecting the importance of Berber identity in modern Morocco.

The Amazigh (singular: Amazigh, plural: Imazighen, meaning "free people") are the indigenous inhabitants of North Africa, with a presence in the region dating back over 5,000 years. They have inhabited Morocco long before the arrival of Phoenicians, Romans, and Arabs.

Since the 2011 constitution, Amazigh language (Tamazight) has been taught in schools and used in public administration. The Royal Institute of Amazigh Culture (IRCAM) works to preserve and promote Amazigh heritage.

Arab identity in Morocco is the result of centuries of migration and cultural assimilation, beginning with the Arab conquest in the 7th century and continuing with the arrival of Arab tribes (especially the Banu Hilal and Banu Sulaym in the 11th-12th centuries).

Today, most Moroccans identify as Arab or Arab-Berber, with Arabic (Darija) as their mother tongue. The Arab element is culturally dominant in urban centers, religious institutions, and formal education.

Key features of Arab-Moroccan identity:

• Language: Moroccan Arabic (Darija) as the primary spoken language
• Religion: Islam as a central component of identity
• Cultural heritage: Andalusian music, Malhun poetry, culinary traditions
• Genealogical heritage: Many families trace descent from the Prophet Muhammad (shorfa) or from Arab tribes

The distinction between Arab and Amazigh identity is increasingly fluid, with many Moroccans embracing both heritages. The concept of Moroccan-ness encompasses this synthesis.

Morocco is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the Arab world, with two official languages and several widely spoken vernaculars.

Darija (Moroccan Arabic): The mother tongue of most Moroccans, Darija incorporates Amazigh, French, Spanish, and classical Arabic elements. It differs significantly from Middle Eastern Arabic, making it distinct within the Arab world. The language is primarily spoken, with formal writing in Modern Standard Arabic.

Language policy: Since the 2011 constitution, Tamazight has been promoted in education and public life. French remains dominant in higher education and economic sectors. English is increasingly emphasized as a language of international opportunity.

Islam is the state religion of Morocco, and the country is deeply rooted in Islamic traditions. The King holds the title Amir al-Mu'minin (Commander of the Faithful), a spiritual authority unique to the Moroccan monarchy.

Sunni Islam (Maliki School): The vast majority of Moroccan Muslims adhere to the Maliki school of Sunni Islam. Morocco's religious identity is characterized by:

• Sufism: Morocco has a rich Sufi tradition with numerous brotherhoods (tariqas) like the Boutchichiya, Tijaniyya, and Qadiriyya. Sufi moussems (saints' festivals) are important cultural events.
• Religious tolerance: Morocco is known for its historically tolerant approach to religious diversity, particularly toward Jews.
• Modern reforms: Since 2003, Morocco has undertaken significant religious reforms, including training women as religious guides (mourchidat) and promoting moderate interpretations of Islam.

Religious minorities: Morocco's Jewish community, though small, maintains synagogues, schools, and cultural institutions. The Jewish Museum of Casablanca is the only museum of its kind in the Arab world.

The Moroccan diaspora is estimated at 5 to 6 million people, representing approximately 14% of the total population. Moroccans abroad (MRE – Marocains Résidant à l'Étranger) maintain strong ties to their homeland, contributing significantly to the economy through remittances (over $11 billion annually, one of Morocco's largest sources of foreign currency).

The Moroccan government actively engages with its diaspora through the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad (CCME) and has granted voting rights to Moroccans abroad in national elections. Many diaspora members return regularly for vacations, maintain property, and play key roles in cultural exchange and economic development.

Morocco is experiencing rapid urbanization. At independence in 1956, only 29% of the population lived in urban areas. Today, 62% are urban dwellers, with projections reaching 70% by 2030.

Largest Cities:

• Casablanca: 3.75 million (metropolitan: 4.5 million)
• Fes: 1.15 million
• Tangier: 1.1 million
• Marrakech: 1.05 million
• Rabat-Salé: 1.8 million (combined)
• Agadir: 500,000

Rural Morocco: Approximately 38% of Moroccans live in rural areas, primarily in the mountainous regions (Rif, Atlas) and the southern oases. Rural populations face distinct challenges: limited infrastructure, lower education rates, and higher poverty levels. The government's National Initiative for Human Development (INDH) focuses on rural development and poverty reduction.

Morocco's age structure is characterized by a "youth bulge" that is gradually transitioning toward an older population as fertility rates decline.

Demographic Transition: Morocco has experienced a significant decline in fertility rates from 7.2 children per woman in 1960 to 2.2 today. Life expectancy has increased to 76 years (74 for men, 78 for women). This transition presents challenges for education, employment, and social services, particularly the need to create sufficient jobs for young entrants into the labor market.

Education: Morocco has achieved near-universal primary school enrollment, though secondary and tertiary education rates lag. Youth literacy is approximately 85%, with a persistent gender gap in rural areas.