Understanding Morocco's Demographic Changes
Chakib Benmoussa, the High Commissioner for Planning, recently delivered a comprehensive presentation on the key demographic transformations occurring in Morocco during a conference held in Rabat. This event was organized in collaboration with the Rotary Club Rabat Excellence and other Rotary clubs from the region. Benmoussa highlighted several significant trends regarding the country's demographic evolution, including an urbanization rate projected to rise from 62.8% in 2024 to nearly 69.2% by 2040. This shift indicates a substantial increase in the urban population, which is expected to grow from 16.5 million in 2004 to 28 million by 2040, while the rural population is anticipated to decline from 13.7 million in 2024 to 12.5 million in 2040.
In addition, Benmoussa pointed out that the number of households in Morocco is set to increase dramatically, reaching approximately 12.3 million by 2040, representing a 32.5% rise from the 9.3 million households projected in 2024. This growth, however, will coincide with a decrease in the average household size, which is expected to drop from 3.9 individuals to 3.3 over the same period. The demographic landscape of the country is not uniform; disparities exist across different regions, with five areas—Casablanca-Settat, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, Marrakech-Safi, Fès-Meknès, and Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma—accounting for 86.2% of the total population growth from 2014 to 2024.
Implications of an Aging Population
Addressing the age structure of the population, Benmoussa underscored the accelerated aging phenomenon in Morocco, with the proportion of individuals aged 60 and above increasing from 7.2% in 1960 to an expected 22.9% by 2050. This demographic shift implies significant social and economic implications, particularly concerning the labor market and healthcare services. The youth demographic, defined as individuals aged 15 to 29, is also undergoing changes, with their representation in the total population decreasing from 26.3% in 2014 to 22.25% in 2024. While this segment comprises about 8.1 million people, it is noteworthy that 42.6% are still enrolled in educational institutions, alongside 24.2% engaged in employment and 11.1% facing unemployment.
Furthermore, Benmoussa provided insights into the living conditions of the elderly, indicating that marital status plays a crucial role in determining their socio-economic status and quality of life. The data revealed stark gender disparities, with 90% of older men being married compared to only 52% of older women, of whom 38% are widowed. The lifestyle of the elderly tends to be predominantly family-oriented, as 42% live in multi-generational households, while 43% live as couples, and a small percentage resides alone. The conference served as a platform for discussing not only the demographic shifts but also their broader implications on societal and economic structures in Morocco.
As reported by fr.allafrica.com.
