Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Rabat – Morocco’s prison population follows a clear pattern, with most inmates being young, single men.
According to the 2025 report of the General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration, the average age of prisoners is 33.6 years. A large majority of inmates, 62,982 people, are unmarried.
This shows that prisons in Morocco are mainly filled with young adults at a key stage of their lives. Experts often link this trend to social and economic factors, such as unemployment, lack of opportunities, and limited access to education.
Women make up only a small part of the prison population, with 2,456 female inmates recorded in 2025. This reflects a strong gender gap in incarceration rates.
The prison population also includes specific groups that require special attention, including 1,112 minors and 2,339 elderly prisoners. In addition, 1,696 inmates are foreign nationals.
These groups often face different challenges. For example, minors need education and rehabilitation, while elderly prisoners may require medical care. Foreign inmates may struggle with language barriers and legal procedures.
The report also points to a “positive dynamic” in 2025, with more people leaving prison than entering it. A total of 104,485 people were released in the past year, compared to 98,446 new arrivals.
At the same time, Morocco has begun applying alternative sentences, such as community service and electronic monitoring. These measures aim to reduce the number of people sent to prison and support reintegration into society.
However, challenges remain. Many former inmates, especially young people, face difficulties finding jobs and rebuilding their lives after release.
The data shows that incarceration in Morocco is not just a legal issue, but also a social one.
