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 also reflected in the inhabitants of Morocco. The monotonous religious composition, but at the same time, the 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.
A 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 the Almoravids, Almohads, Alauts, Idrisids, ruled by the Marinid and Wattasid dynasties, Saadites.
In ancient times, the coast was an important transit point and trading platform, and a little later, the territories were nominally under the rule of the Roman Empire. At the same time, in the northern partIn the modern state, agriculture began to actively develop, 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 it was nominally subordinate to Rome.
Today, the state is the main ally of the United States, not part of a military alliance. Diplomatic relations with Russia are characterized by a trade turnover exceeding 2 billion US dollars (as of 2010). In addition, Russian citizens can enter Morocco without the need for a visa.
Population dynamics
A story that dates back to prehistoric times is what sets Morocco apart. The population living on the territory of the modern state in 150 AD was one million people. After the Great Migration of Nations, 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 the country 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 numbered 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 up-to-date data (for 2016), the population of Morocco is 35 million people.
Gender and age structure of Morocco
Number of able-bodied citizens of Moroccois 23.2 million people, which is equal to 66.1% in percentage terms. The share of Moroccans of retirement age is only 6.1% (2.1 million people), there are 9.7 million (27.8%) children under 15 years of age. The number of men and women is approximately equal, the ratio between the sexes is 49% and 51% respectively.
Coefficients of social burden on society
This ratio gives a relatively high percentage of the total social burden. Thus, each employed person in Morocco must ensure the production of one and a half times more goods and services than is required for himself.
The coefficient of child load (potential replacement) is 42.1%, which provides a progressive type of sex and age pyramid and the youth of the population. The pension burden ratio, which is calculated as the ratio of the population above the working-age population to employed citizens, in Morocco is 9.2%.
Life expectancy and literacy
The 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. The youth literacy rate is 95.1%.
Population density and settlement pattern of Morocco
Given the population (35 million Moroccans) and the area of the state (446.5 thousand km22excluding Western Sahara or 710.8 thousand km2, if the disputed territory is included in Morocco), the population density of Morocco is calculated. The indicator is 70 people per square kilometer, which puts the state on a par with, for example, Iraq, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Kenya and Cambodia.
Most of the country's population is concentrated in the north and west of the state, the south-eastern regions remain practically deserted, 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 largest port. Almost 10% of the state's population lives in the agglomeration.
- Rabat is the cultural and industrial center of Morocco. The urban population is 1.6 million.
- Marrakesh is an imperial city, the fourth largest in Morocco.
- Fes is the oldest of the imperial cities, the largest center of culture and education in northern Africa.
The number of municipalities with populations between 10,000 and 100,000 is growing rapidly in Morocco.
Occupations of the population depend on the territory of settlement. In cities, many are employed in the service sector (in general, 45% of the population), in rural areas they are engaged in the cultivation of grain and other crops, citrus fruits, and fruits. The agricultural sector employs about 40% of Moroccans.
Ethnic composition of Morocco
Morocco is the third most populous Arab countryin the world. Most of the inhabitants (60%) are Arabs, and 40% of the Berbers, descendants of the indigenous population, also live in the country. A small percentage are Europeans (mainly French, Spanish, Portuguese) and Jews.
Religious composition of the population
Morocco declares Islam the state religion, followed by 98.7% of the population. A small part of the inhabitants are adherents of Christianity (1.1%) or Judaism (0.2%). The observance of the rules of Islam is controlled by the king, and the religious prescriptions themselves cannot be objects of constitutional reforms.
The population of Morocco is quite religious, but does not comply with all religious regulations. For example, most of the population observes Ramadan, but does not give up alcohol (including during fasting). By the way, easing of the anti-alcohol policy enshrined at the legislative level is demanded by many foreigners who permanently reside in Morocco.
Linguistic affiliation of Moroccans
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). Moroccan Arabic is spoken.
In addition, French is widely spread - a rather prestigious language, the second for many citizens of the state. French is widely used in commerce, government, education. In the northern regions and around Fez, manySpanish is spoken, and an increasing number of young people are choosing English as their second foreign language.
