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Millions leave rural Morocco for cities, exposing development imbalance
A recent report by Morocco’s High Commission for Planning (HCP) reveals that internal migration continues to highlight disparities in the country’s development model, with rural areas losing millions of residents to urban centers. The findings underscore the need for more equitable territorial policies to address these imbalances and promote inclusive growth.
A structural shift in Morocco’s demographics
Data from the 2024 General Population and Housing Census shows that internal migration remains a significant driver of demographic changes in Morocco, redistributing populations between regions amid enduring territorial inequalities.
The HCP defines internal migration as the movement of individuals between local communes for a period exceeding six months. The report indicates that while 59.7% of Moroccans reside in their birthplace, nearly 39.6% have moved at least once within the country.
Urban areas continue to dominate as key destinations, benefiting from better job opportunities, infrastructure, and living standards. Notably, women now account for 43.7% of internal migrants, reflecting changing social and economic dynamics as more women pursue education, employment, and family-related relocations.
The regions of Casablanca-Settat, Rabat-Sale-Kenitra, and Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima remain the most preferred destinations due to their robust infrastructure, economic diversification, and administrative importance. In contrast, regions like Marrakech-Safi, Fez-Meknes, Beni Mellal-Khenifra, and Drâa-Tafilalet are experiencing significant population losses due to limited opportunities.
Rural areas continue to decline
The report highlights the persistent rural-to-urban migration, which accounts for nearly one-third of internal movements. This exodus is driven by aspirations for improved living conditions, access to education, and better healthcare.
Rural regions have lost approximately four million residents to cities, further widening the gap in territorial attractiveness. Reverse migration from urban centers to rural areas remains rare and is typically associated with retirees or those returning to family homes.
However, the southern provinces, including Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra and Dakhla-Oued Eddahab, are emerging as new migration hubs. Investments in infrastructure and large-scale development projects have made these areas increasingly appealing, with some reporting new resident entry rates exceeding 60%.
Addressing development disparities
While internal migration helps redistribute population, the HCP warns that it exposes the uneven concentration of opportunities along Morocco’s Atlantic axis. Casablanca-Settat and Rabat-Sale-Kenitra alone recorded net migration gains of over 800,000 and 480,000 people, respectively, while regions like Marrakech-Safi and Drâa-Tafilalet each lost more than 700,000 residents.
To counter these imbalances, the HCP calls for rethinking territorial policies to ensure more even development. Stimulating investment, creating job opportunities, and improving infrastructure in less-attractive regions are seen as essential steps to reduce social and spatial inequalities.