Core Insights - Morocco is undergoing significant demographic changes that are impacting its social and economic landscape, necessitating a reevaluation of public policies to address new opportunities and challenges [1] Population Dynamics - The fertility rate in Morocco has decreased from 7.2 children per woman in 1960 to 1.97 in 2024, driven by factors such as delayed marriage, increased access to education, improved transportation, and accelerated urbanization [1] - The total population has grown from 11.6 million in 1960 to 36.8 million in 2024, with projections suggesting it will reach nearly 40.5 million by 2040. The population growth rate peaked at 2.6% in the 1970s and is currently at 0.85%, expected to decline to 0.6% by 2040 [1] Age Structure - The population of children under 15 is projected to decrease from 9.76 million in 2024 to approximately 7.8 million by 2040, presenting an opportunity to improve education quality and reduce dropout rates [2] - The working-age population (ages 15-59) is increasing relative to the dependent population, providing potential for economic growth, referred to as the "demographic window of opportunity" [2] - Life expectancy has significantly increased from 47 years in 1960 to 76.4 years in 2024, leading to a more pronounced aging population, with the proportion of individuals aged 60 and above expected to rise from 13.8% in 2024 to 19.5% by 2040, a 58% increase [2] Urbanization - Urbanization is accelerating due to rural-to-urban migration and urban expansion, with urbanization rates projected to rise from 62.8% in 2024 to 69.2% by 2040, resulting in an urban population of 28 million [2] Family Structure - The average household size is expected to decrease from 3.9 individuals in 2024 to 3.3 by 2040, while the number of households is projected to increase by 32.5% [3] Migration Trends - Morocco, traditionally a country of emigration, is now experiencing a growing influx of immigrants, with over 148,000 foreign residents expected in 2024, primarily from sub-Saharan African countries, marking a 76.2% increase since 2014 [3]