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Rabat – Morocco’s latest census has revealed that the country’s population is currently estimated at 36.8 million people.
While the full details of the census have yet to be released, the preliminary figures have sparked discussion and concern among netizens.
Many are questioning the reported slow population growth over the past decade, with the census results suggesting an increase of only about four million people in the past decade.
The previous census conducted in 2014 estimated the number of Moroccan citizens at 33.8 million.
This means the reported results of the latest census only show an addition of 2.9 million people to the Moroccan population, representing a 8.80% increase in ten years.
A memorandum for a draft decree regarding the latest census indicated the total number of households in Morocco to have reached 9.27 million, a remarkable increase of 26.82% compared to the number of households recorded in 2014.
Foreign residents in Morocco are estimated at 148,152 people, reflecting an increase of 61,946 or 71.86% compared to 2014.
Morocco’s High Commission for Planning (HCP) launched the 7th general census of population and housing in September.
Read also: Where is Tamazight in Morocco’s 2024 Census?
About 55,000 participants contributed to the collecting of data, including graduates, students, as well as employees from the education sector; HCP carried out the census with specialized electronic tablets.
The budget for the census was estimated at MAD 1.46 billion, with 67% allocated for participant remuneration, 20% for material and logistical resources, and 13% for technological resources.
During the census, Moroccan citizens were provided with questionnaires that included inquiries related to demographic structures, while the second questionnaire included more detailed questions – including social protection, status and more.
The census came at the request of King Mohammed VI, who this past July issued directives outlining the importance of demographic data as Morocco sets out to implement a number of transformative reforms in the coming years.
The monarch emphasized the critical role of the endeavor in shaping informed policies at both national and local levels, highlighting the need for prompt data processing and analysis following the census to ensure its effectiveness as a tool for developmental planning.
The monarch stressed the need to expand the scope of the census to include new thematic areas like social protection, with the aim of addressing contemporary societal challenges.
He also reiterated the census’ role in supporting Morocco’s development goals to enhance the quality of life for all citizens.
