Quick Facts
- Population:
- 37.3 million
- GDP (PPP):
- $308.6 billion
- 2.2% 5-year compound annual growth
- $8,497 per capita
- Unemployment:
- 9.3%
- Inflation (CPI):
- 1.4%
- Public Debt:
- 68.9%
Morocco’s economic freedom score is 58.4, making its economy the 97th freest in the 2023 Index. Its score is 0.8 point lower than last year. Morocco is ranked 7th out of 14 countries in the Middle East/North Africa region, and its overall score is approximately the world average.
Morocco’s gradual but notable progress is due partly to economic reforms that have encouraged private-sector dynamism. Competitiveness has improved, and the productive base has diversified. Some challenges, however, will require deeper institutional reforms. The labor market is not flexible, and much of the labor force remains marginalized in the informal sector.
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Background
A constitutional monarchy with an elected parliament, Morocco has been a key Western ally in the fight against Islamist terrorism. Aziz Akhannouch is prime minister, and King Mohammed VI remains chief executive and a key stabilizing influence. The 1991 U.N.-monitored cease-fire between Morocco and the Polisario Front in the Western Sahara broke down in November 2020 after the Front resumed its armed struggle with Morocco. A December 2020 peace agreement with Israel led to U.S. recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara and should facilitate the normalization of trade, investment, technological cooperation, and tourism between Israel and Morocco.
Rule of Law
Property Rights 57.1 Create a Graph using this measurement
Judicial Effectiveness 32.8 Create a Graph using this measurement
Government Integrity 38.7 Create a Graph using this measurement
The overall rule of law is weak in Morocco. The country’s property rights score is above the world average; its judicial effectiveness score is below the world average; and its government integrity score is below the world average.
Government Size
Tax Burden 67.9 Create a Graph using this measurement
Government Spending 72.0 Create a Graph using this measurement
Fiscal Health 41.3 Create a Graph using this measurement
The top individual and corporate tax rates are, respectively, 38 percent and 31 percent. The tax burden equals 28.4 percent of GDP. Three-year government spending and budget balance averages are, respectively, 30.5 percent and –5.5 percent of GDP. Public debt equals 68.9 percent of GDP.
Regulatory Efficiency
Business Freedom 65.3 Create a Graph using this measurement
Labor Freedom 47.6 Create a Graph using this measurement
Monetary Freedom 78.3 Create a Graph using this measurement
Procedures for establishing and registering private enterprises have been further streamlined. The cost of completing licensing requirements is still relatively high. Labor market rigidity continues to discourage dynamic job growth. Monetary stability has been maintained with relatively modest inflation.
Open Markets
Trade Freedom 64.4 Create a Graph using this measurement
Investment Freedom 65.0 Create a Graph using this measurement
Financial Freedom 70.0 Create a Graph using this measurement
The trade-weighted average tariff rate is 12.8 percent. Foreign and domestic investors are generally treated equally under the law. The competitive financial sector continues to grow and offers a range of financing options. The stock exchange does not restrict foreign participation.
