Full History Of Morocco In Timeline From 1900

1900: Birth of Mohammed al-Mokhtar Soussi

Mohammed al-Mokhtar Soussi, a writer who played an important role in the transition to independence, was born in 1900.

1904: France and Spain carve out zones of influence in Morocco.

In 1904, France and Spain carved out zones of influence in Morocco.

1905: Crisis looms

In 1905, Recognition by the United Kingdom of France's sphere of influence provoked a strong reaction from the German Empire; and a crisis loomed.

1906: Algeciras Conference

In 1906, the matter was resolved at the Algeciras Conference.

1910: Birth of Allal al-Fassi

Allal al-Fassi, a writer who played an important role in the transition to independence, was born in 1910.

1911: Agadir Crisis

The Agadir Crisis of 1911 increased tensions between European powers.

1912: France and Spain divide Morocco

In 1912, France and Spain divided Morocco into respective protectorates, with an international zone reserved in Tangier.

1912: Treaty of Fez

In 1912, the Treaty of Fez made Morocco a protectorate of France, and triggered the 1912 Fez riots. Spain continued to operate its coastal protectorate. By the same treaty, Spain assumed the role of protecting power over the northern coastal and southern Saharan zones.

1912: Start of the Protectorate

The period of the French and Spanish Protectorate in Morocco began in 1912, lasting until 1956.

1919: Birth of Abdelkrim Ghallab

Abdelkrim Ghallab, a writer who played an important role in the transition to independence, was born in 1919.

August 1921: Spanish loss at Annual

In July-August 1921, Spain lost more than 13,000 soldiers at Annual during an uprising in the Rif Mountains.

1922: Last Barbary Lion Shot

In 1922, the last Barbary lion in the wild, a subspecies native to Morocco and a national emblem, was shot in the Atlas Mountains, leading to its extinction in the wild.

1925: Institution of slavery abolished

In 1925, the institution of slavery was abolished in Morocco.

1926: Uprising in the Rif Mountains led to the establishment of the Republic of the Rif

Between 1921 and 1926, an uprising in the Rif Mountains, led by Abd el-Krim, led to the establishment of the Republic of the Rif.

1927: Suppression of the Riffi by Franco-Spanish military

In 1927, the Riffi were eventually suppressed by the Franco-Spanish military.

1943: Founding of the Istiqlal Party

In 1943, the Istiqlal Party (Independence Party) was founded to press for independence, with discreet US support.

1944: Establishment of Moroccan Cinematographic Centre

In 1944, the Moroccan Cinematographic Centre was established as the nation's film regulatory agency, and studios were opened in Rabat.

1948: Pre-State of Israel Jewish population

Before the founding of the State of Israel in 1948, Morocco had approximately 265,000 Jews, the largest Jewish community in the Muslim world. Current estimates show significantly smaller populations in Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakesh, with the remaining population dispersed throughout the country.

1948: Jewish Minority

Morocco's once prominent Jewish minority has decreased significantly since its peak of 265,000 in 1948.

1952: Othello Wins Palme d'Or

In 1952, Orson Welles' "Othello" won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival under the Moroccan flag.

1953: Exile of Sultan Mohammed V

In 1953, France's exile of Sultan Mohammed V to Madagascar and his replacement by the unpopular Mohammed Ben Aarafa sparked active opposition to the French and Spanish protectorates.

1955: Return of Mohammed V

In 1955, France allowed Mohammed V to return, leading to negotiations for Moroccan independence.

1955: Death of Mohammed Ben Brahim

Mohammed Ben Brahim, an important representative of the first generation of Moroccan writers, died in 1955.

March 1956: Morocco regains independence from France

In March 1956 Morocco regained its independence from France as the Kingdom of Morocco.

1956: Independence and Language Use

After Morocco declared independence in 1956, both French and Arabic became the primary languages used in administration and education.

1956: Morocco's Independence and Christian Community

In 1956, following Morocco's independence, many Christian settlers, who had previously numbered over 500,000, left for Spain and France. Currently, the foreign-resident Christian community consists of approximately 40,000 members, while the Moroccan Association of Human Rights estimates there are 25,000 Christian citizens.

1956: Morocco regains its independence and reunifies

In 1956, following intermittent riots and revolts against colonial rule, Morocco regained its independence and reunified.

1956: Foundation of Moroccan National Theatre

The Moroccan National Theatre was founded in 1956, offering regular productions of Moroccan and French dramatic works.

1956: End of the Protectorate

The period of the French and Spanish Protectorate in Morocco, which began in 1912, ended in 1956.

1957: Morocco receives aid from US

In 1957, Morocco began receiving more than $400 million in American aid.

1957: Mohammed becomes King

In 1957, Sultan Mohammed became King.

1960: Renewable Water Resources Availability

Between 1960 and 2020, the per capita availability of renewable water resources went from 2,560 m to about 620 m per person annually.

1960: Infant Mortality Rate in 1960

In 1960, Morocco experienced a high infant mortality rate of 144 deaths per 1,000 live births.

1960: Population in 1960

In 1960, Morocco's population was 11.6 million.

March 1961: Hassan II becomes King

Upon the death of Mohammed V, Hassan II became King of Morocco on 3 March 1961.

1961: Start of Hassan II's Leadership

During the early 1960s, under the leadership of Hassan II, Morocco had one of the worst human rights records in both Africa and the world.

1963: Morocco receives aid from US

In 1963, Morocco had received more than $400 million in American aid.

1963: Sand War fought between Algeria and Morocco

In 1963, the Sand War was fought between Algerian and Moroccan troops over Moroccan claims to parts of Algerian territory.

1963: Death of Mohammed al-Mokhtar Soussi

Mohammed al-Mokhtar Soussi, a writer who played an important role in the transition to independence, died in 1963.

1963: First general elections

Morocco held its first general elections in 1963.

February 1964: Peace agreement signed between Algeria and Morocco

In February 1964, a formal peace agreement was signed between Algeria and Morocco following the Sand War.

1965: King terminates tenure of ministers

In 1965 the King dissolved the Parliament, suspended the constitution, called for new elections, or ruled by decree.

1965: State of emergency declared

In 1965, Hassan declared a state of emergency and suspended parliament.

1966: Morocco fifth-largest recipient of US agricultural assistance

In 1966, Morocco had become the fifth-largest recipient of US agricultural assistance.

1968: First Mediterranean Film Festival

In 1968, the first Mediterranean Film Festival was held in Tangier; it is now held in Tetouan.

1969: Return of Ifni to Morocco

In 1969, the Spanish enclave of Ifni in the south was returned to Morocco.

1971: Failed attempt to depose the king

In 1971, there was a failed attempt to depose King Hassan II and establish a republic.

1972: Second failed attempt to depose the king

In 1972, there was a second failed attempt to depose King Hassan II and establish a republic.

1973: Formation of the Polisario movement

In 1973, the Polisario movement was formed, with the aim of establishing an independent state in the Spanish Sahara.

1974: Death of Allal al-Fassi

Allal al-Fassi, a writer who played an important role in the transition to independence, died in 1974.

November 1975: "Green March" into the Spanish Sahara

On 6 November 1975, King Hassan asked for volunteers to cross into the Spanish Sahara. Some 350,000 civilians were reported as being involved in the "Green March".

1975: Morocco annexes Western Sahara

In 1975, Morocco annexed Western Sahara during the Green March.

1975: Spain agrees to decolonise Western Sahara

In 1975, Spain agreed to decolonize the territory of Western Sahara and cede its control to Morocco and Mauritania, leading to a guerrilla war.

1976: Start of Western Sahara War

In 1976, the Western Sahara War began, with the Polisario Front battling both Morocco and Mauritania.

1979: Mauritania relinquishes claim to Western Sahara

In 1979, Mauritania relinquished its claim to the area of Western Sahara, but the war continued.

1980: Yves Saint-Laurent Buys Majorelle Garden

In 1980, the Majorelle botanical garden in Marrakech was bought by fashion designer Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé.

1982: Polisario claimed to have killed more than 5,000 Moroccan soldiers

Between 1982 and 1985, Polisario claimed to have killed more than 5,000 Moroccan soldiers

1982: African Union admits Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic

In 1982, the African Union (then the Organisation of African Unity) admitted the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic without a referendum.

1982: First National Festival of Cinema

In 1982, the first national festival of cinema was held in Rabat.

1983: Cancellation of planned elections

In 1983, Hassan cancelled planned elections amid political unrest and economic crisis.

1984: Olympic Gold Medals

At the 1984 Olympic Games, Nawal El Moutawakel won gold in the 400 metres hurdles, and Saïd Aouita won the 5000 metres.

1984: Morocco leaves the Organisation of African Unity

In 1984, Morocco left the Organisation of African Unity in protest at the SADR's admission to the body.

1984: Morocco Withdraws from African Union

In 1984, Morocco withdrew from the African Union (then the Organisation of African Unity) after it admitted the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic in 1982 without a referendum.

1985: Polisario claimed to have killed more than 5,000 Moroccan soldiers

Between 1982 and 1985, Polisario claimed to have killed more than 5,000 Moroccan soldiers

1986: Morocco in FIFA World Cup

In 1986, Morocco became the first Arab and African country to qualify for the second round of the FIFA World Cup.

1988: Restoration of diplomatic relations with Algeria

In 1988, diplomatic relations with Algeria were restored.

1988: Morocco Hosts Africa Cup of Nations

Morocco hosted the Africa Cup of Nations in 1988.

1990: Maternal Mortality Rate Reduction

Based on World Bank data, between 1990 and 2010, Morocco's maternal mortality ratio fell by 67%.

1990: Under-Five Mortality Rate

Between 1990 and 2011, Morocco's under-five mortality rate dropped by 60%.

1991: UN-monitored ceasefire begins in Western Sahara

In 1991, a UN-monitored ceasefire began in Western Sahara, but the territory's status remained undecided and ceasefire violations are reported.

1991: Ceasefire agreement in Western Sahara

In 1991, a ceasefire agreement was reached in the conflict over Western Sahara, but the issue of sovereignty remained unresolved.

1991: Ceasefire in Western Sahara War

In 1991, a ceasefire was established in the Western Sahara War between the Polisario Front, Morocco, and Mauritania.

1992: Expanded Parliamentary Powers

In 1992, the Parliament's powers were expanded to include budgetary matters, approving bills, questioning ministers, and establishing commissions of inquiry.

1993: Privatisation Policy

Since 1993, Morocco has followed a policy of privatisation of certain economic sectors which used to be in the hands of the government.

1994: National Liquid Sanitation Master Plan Study

According to a study by the National Liquid Sanitation Master Plan (SNDAL) that started in 1994, only 15 of their 63 treatment plants are operational, and out of approximately 500 million cubic meters of wastewater generated annually, 95% is discharged untreated into natural water bodies.

1994: Border closed between Algeria and Morocco

The border between Algeria and Morocco has been closed since 1994.

1995: Al-Akhawayn University Inauguration

In 1995, Al-Akhawayn University in Ifrane, the first English-language university in Northwest Africa, was inaugurated with contributions from Saudi Arabia and the United States.

1996: Expanded Parliamentary Powers

In 1996, the Parliament's powers were expanded to include budgetary matters, approving bills, questioning ministers, and establishing commissions of inquiry.

1996: Constitution of 1996

In 1996, the constitution theoretically allowed the king to terminate the tenure of any minister, and after consultation with the heads of the higher and lower Assemblies, to dissolve the Parliament, suspend the constitution, call for new elections, or rule by decree.

1996: Bicameral Legislature

Since the constitutional reform of 1996, the bicameral legislature consists of two chambers.

March 1998: Coalition Government Formed

In March 1998, following elections, a coalition government headed by opposition socialist leader Abderrahmane Youssoufi was formed in Morocco, marking the first government primarily from opposition parties.

1999: End of Hassan II's Reign

In 1999, the reign of King Hassan II ended, after which King Mohammed set up an Equity and Reconciliation Commission to examine abuses committed during Hassan II's rule from 1961 to 1999.

1999: Death of King Hassan II

King Hassan II died in 1999 and was succeeded by his son, Mohammed VI.

1999: First Davis Cup Team

Morocco fielded its first Davis Cup team in 1999.

2000: Economic Growth

From 2000 to 2007, government reforms and steady yearly growth in the region of 4–5% helped the Moroccan economy to become much more robust.

2000: Infant Mortality Rate in 2000

In 2000, the infant mortality rate in Morocco had decreased to 42 deaths per 1,000 live births.

2000: Health Expenditure Per Capita

Since 2000, health expenditure per capita (PPP) has steadily increased in Morocco.

2001: First International Film Festival of Marrakech

In 2001, the first International Film Festival of Marrakech (FIFM) was held in Marrakech.

October 2002: End of Coalition Government

In October 2002, the coalition government formed in March 1998, which was drawn primarily from opposition parties, ended.

2002: Cannabis Represents GDP

According to the UN World Drugs Report of 2004, in 2002, cultivation and transformation of cannabis represented 0.57% of the national GDP of Morocco.

2002: Controversial visit to Western Sahara

In 2002, Mohammed VI paid a controversial visit to the Western Sahara.

2002: Resolution over Perejil Island

In 2002, Morocco and Spain agreed to a US-brokered resolution over the disputed island of Perejil.

2002: Dispute with Spain over Perejil Island

In 2002, a dispute with Spain over the small island of Perejil arose, which brought attention to the issue of the sovereignty of Melilla and Ceuta.

2003: ONEP Investment Programme

An investment programme of about MAD 15 billion was made to cover the centers managed by ONEP from 2003–2017.

2003: Economic Growth

From 2003 to 2007, the Moroccan economy experienced a 4.9% year-on-year growth.

2003: Casablanca Bombings

In 2003, Casablanca bombings killed 45 people.

2004: Foreign Language Speakers Census

According to the 2004 census, 2.19 million Moroccans spoke a foreign language other than French.

2004: Hicham El Guerrouj Wins Gold Medals

Hicham El Guerrouj won gold medals for Morocco at the 2004 Summer Olympics in the 1500 metres and 5000 metres.

2004: UN World Drugs Report on Cannabis

In 2004, according to the UN World Drugs Report, cultivation and transformation of cannabis represented 0.57% of the national GDP of Morocco in 2002.

2004: Major Non-NATO Ally Status

In 2004, the George W. Bush administration granted Morocco the status of major non-NATO ally.

2005: Health Insurance Coverage

According to research published in 2005, only 16% of citizens in Morocco had health insurance or coverage.

2005: National Sanitation Programme Approved

In 2005, a National Sanitation Programme was approved that aims at treating 60% of collected wastewater and connecting 80% of urban households to sewers by 2020.

2005: Truth commission investigates human rights abuses

In 2005, a truth commission was set up to investigate human rights abuses during Hassan II's reign, confirming nearly 10,000 cases.

2005: Migrants storm Spanish enclaves

In 2005, dozens of African migrants stormed the borders of the Spanish enclaves of Melilla and Ceuta. Spain deported dozens of illegal migrants to Morocco from Melilla in response.

2005: Government Reforms to Expand Health Insurance

In 2005, the government of Morocco approved two reforms to expand health insurance coverage. The first reform introduced a mandatory health insurance plan for public and private sector employees, aiming to expand coverage from 16 percent to 30 percent. The second reform established a fund to cover services for the poor.

2005: First Technopark Established

Since the first technopark was established in Rabat in 2005, a second has been set up in Casablanca, followed, in 2015, by a third in Tangers.

September 2006: UNESCO Literacy Prize

In September 2006, UNESCO awarded Morocco the "UNESCO 2006 Literacy Prize", along with other countries like Cuba, Pakistan, India and Turkey.

2006: Death of Abdelkrim Ghallab

Abdelkrim Ghallab, a writer who played an important role in the transition to independence, died in 2006.

2006: Cannabis Resin Origin

According to a French Ministry of the Interior 2006 report, 80% of the cannabis resin (hashish) consumed in Europe comes from the Rif region in Morocco.

2006: Adventure Tourism Growth

As of 2006, activity and adventure tourism in the Atlas and Rif Mountains was the fastest-growing area in Moroccan tourism.

2006: Spanish Premier Zapatero visits Spanish enclaves

In 2006, the Spanish Premier Zapatero visited Spanish enclaves. He was the first Spanish leader in 25 years to make an official visit to the territories.

2006: Autonomous Status Suggestion

In 2006, the government of Morocco suggested autonomous status for the Western Sahara region through the Moroccan Royal Advisory Council for Saharan Affairs (CORCAS).

April 2007: Project Presented to UN Security Council

In mid-April 2007, the project suggesting autonomous status for the Western Sahara region was presented to the United Nations Security Council.

2007: Economic Growth

From 2000 to 2007, government reforms and steady yearly growth in the region of 4–5% helped the Moroccan economy to become much more robust.

2007: Autonomy blueprint for Western Sahara

In 2007, Morocco unveiled an autonomy blueprint for Western Sahara to the United Nations. The Polisario rejected the plan and put forward its own proposal.

2008: Badr Hari in K-1 World Grand Prix

In 2008, Moroccan-Dutch Badr Hari was a K-1 World Grand Prix finalist.

2008: Coal Provides Electricity

In 2008, about 56% of Morocco's electricity supply was provided by coal.

2008: Investment in Science and Technology

In May 2009, Morocco's prime minister, Abbas El Fassi, announced that investment in science and technology would rise from US$620,000 in 2008 to US$8.5 million (69 million Moroccan dirhams) in 2009.

May 2009: Investment in Science and Technology Announced

In May 2009, Morocco's prime minister, Abbas El Fassi, announced that investment in science and technology would rise from US$620,000 in 2008 to US$8.5 million (69 million Moroccan dirhams) in 2009.

June 2009: Moroccan Innovation Strategy Launched

In June 2009, the Moroccan Innovation Strategy was launched at the country's first National Innovation Summit by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Investment and the Digital Economy.

2009: Badr Hari in K-1 World Grand Prix

In 2009, Moroccan-Dutch Badr Hari was a K-1 World Grand Prix finalist.

2009: Unregulated Trade of Wildlife

Starting in 2009, the unregulated trade of animals and plants for various purposes became common across Morocco, leading to unknown reductions of wild populations. Species such as cacti, tortoises, and mammal skins were harvested and exported, especially to Europe, with large volumes of eel exported to the Far East.

2010: Maternal Mortality Rate Reduction

Based on World Bank data, between 1990 and 2010, Morocco's maternal mortality ratio fell by 67%.

2010: Government Invests in Infrastructure

From 2010 to 2015, the Moroccan government invested more than $15 billion in upgrading its basic infrastructure to meet growing domestic demand.

2010: French Speakers in Morocco

In 2010, approximately 10,366,000 people in Morocco, representing about 32% of the population, spoke French.

2010: Violent demonstrations in El Aaiún

In 2010, security forces stormed a protest camp in the Western Sahara, triggering violent demonstrations in the regional capital El Aaiún.

2010: Government Launches Vision 2020

In 2010, the Moroccan government launched its Vision 2020, planning to make Morocco one of the top 20 tourist destinations globally and double international arrivals to 20 million by 2020.

2010: Religious Affiliation Estimate

The Pew Forum estimated in 2010 that 99% of Morocco's population was Muslim, with all remaining groups accounting for less than 1%.

2010: R&D Investment Level

The Vision for Education in Morocco 2015-2030 report recommended developing an integrated national innovation system which would be financed by gradually increasing the share of GDP devoted to research and development (R&D) from 0.73% of GDP in 2010 to '1% in the short term, 1.5% by 2025 and 2% by 2030'.

July 2011: Referendum on reformed constitution

In July 2011, the King won a landslide victory in a referendum on a reformed constitution he had proposed to placate the Arab Spring protests.

2011: Under-Five Mortality Rate Improvement

Between 1990 and 2011, Morocco's under-five mortality rate dropped by 60%.

2011: Unregulated Trade of Wildlife

Ending in 2011, the unregulated trade of animals and plants for various purposes was common across Morocco, leading to unknown reductions of wild populations. During the period of 2009 to 2011, 60 tons of eel were exported to the Far East.

2011: Constitutional Reforms

In 2011, constitutional reforms in Morocco retained the monarchy but enlarged the powers of the prime minister while reducing the King's executive powers.

2011: Moroccan Club of Innovation Created

In 2011, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and New Technologies created a Moroccan Club of Innovation, in partnership with the Moroccan Office of Industrial and Commercial Property.

2011: Expanded Parliamentary Powers

In 2011, the Parliament's powers were expanded to include budgetary matters, approving bills, questioning ministers, and establishing commissions of inquiry.

May 2012: Trade union rally in Casablanca

In May 2012, hundreds took part in a trade union rally in Casablanca. Participants accused the government of failing to deliver on reforms.

2012: Patent Applications

In 2012, Moroccan inventors applied for 197 patents, up from 152 two years earlier.

2012: Energy Requirements Forecast

In 2012, forecasts indicated that energy requirements in Morocco would rise 6% per year between 2012 and 2050, leading to a new law encouraging diversification of the energy supply.

2012: Hassan II Academy Identifies Strategic Sectors

In 2012, the Hassan II Academy of Sciences and Technologies identified a number of sectors where Morocco has a comparative advantage and skilled human capital, including mining, fisheries, food chemistry and new technologies. It also identified a number of strategic sectors, such as renewable energies, health sectors, the environment and geosciences.

2012: World Bank Forecast

In 2012, the World Bank forecast a rate of 4% growth for Morocco.

2012: Estimated Literacy Rate

In 2012, the estimated literacy rate for Morocco was 72%.

November 2013: Launch of National Plan for Maternal and Child Health

On November 13, 2013, the Moroccan Minister of Health, El Houssaine Louardi, and Ala Alwan, WHO Regional Director, launched a national plan in Rabat to increase progress on maternal and child health.

2013: World Bank Forecast

In 2013, the World Bank forecast a rate of 4.2% growth for Morocco.

2014: Population Census

According to the 2014 Morocco population census, there were around 84,000 immigrants in the country, with most being of French origin, followed by individuals from West Africa and Algeria.

2014: Adoption of National Plan for Maternal and Child Health

In 2014, Morocco adopted a national plan to increase progress on maternal and child health.

2014: High-Speed Railway Construction Begins

In 2014, Morocco began construction of the first high-speed railway system in Africa, linking Tangier and Casablanca.

2014: Healthcare Spending

In 2014, spending on healthcare accounted for 5.9% of Morocco's GDP. Since then, this percentage has decreased, but health expenditure per capita (PPP) has steadily increased since 2000.

2014: Innovation Strategy Target Year

The Moroccan Innovation Strategy, launched in June 2009, fixed the target of producing 1,000 Moroccan patents and creating 200 innovative start-ups by 2014.

May 2015: Vision for Education Report Presented

On 20 May 2015, less than a year after its inception, the Higher Council for Education, Training and Scientific Research presented a report to the king offering a Vision for Education in Morocco 2015–2030.

2015: Government Invests in Infrastructure

From 2010 to 2015, the Moroccan government invested more than $15 billion in upgrading its basic infrastructure to meet growing domestic demand.

2015: Maternal Mortality Rates

In 2015, data from the World Bank indicated high maternal mortality rates in Morocco, with 121 deaths per 100,000 births.

2015: Moroccan Health Expenditure Per Capita

In 2015, the Moroccan health expenditure was $435.29 per capita.

2015: Morocco Refuses to Host Africa Cup of Nations

Morocco was originally scheduled to host the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, but refused to host due to concerns over the Ebola outbreak.

2015: Gallup International Poll

The 2015 Gallup International poll reported that 93% of Moroccans considered themselves to be religious.

2016: Human Rights Watch Report

According to a 2016 Human Rights Watch annual report, Moroccan authorities restricted the rights to peaceful expression, association, and assembly through several laws, and there were allegations of violence against Sahrawi pro-independence demonstrators in Western Sahara.

2016: Spanish Speakers in Morocco

As of 2016, Ethnologue reports that approximately 1,536,590 individuals in Morocco, accounting for about 4.5% of the population, speak Spanish.

2016: Life Expectancy and Healthcare Professionals

In 2016, the life expectancy at birth in Morocco was 74.3 years (73.3 for men and 75.4 for women), with 6.3 physicians and 8.9 nurses and midwives per 10,000 inhabitants.

2017: ONEP Investment Programme

An investment programme of about MAD 15 billion was made to cover the centers managed by ONEP from 2003–2017.

2017: Morocco Rejoined the African Union

In 2017, Morocco rejoined the African Union, reversing its 1984 decision to withdraw.

2017: Infant Mortality Rates

In 2017, data from the World Bank indicated high infant mortality rates in Morocco, with 20 deaths per 1,000 births.

2018: Instituto Cervantes Study on Spanish Speakers

A 2018 study by the Instituto Cervantes found approximately 1.7 million Moroccans proficient in Spanish, making Morocco the country with the most Spanish speakers outside the Hispanophone world.

2018: Arab Barometer Survey

According to a 2018 survey conducted by the research network Arab Barometer, nearly 15% of Moroccans describe themselves as non religious.

2018: High-Speed Railway Inaugurated

In 2018, the high-speed railway system linking Tangier and Casablanca was inaugurated by the King, following over a decade of planning and construction by Moroccan national railway company Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF).

2019: Patent Filing Growth

According to Office Marocain de la Propriété Industrielle et Commerciale, patent filing in Morocco grew by 167% during the period 2015–2019.

2019: Global Competitiveness Report Ranking

According to the Global Competitiveness Report of 2019, Morocco was ranked 32nd in the world in terms of Roads, 16th in Sea, 45th in Air, and 64th in Railways.

2019: Shift in Employment Sectors

Between 2000 and 2019, the share of Moroccan workers in agriculture declined, while those in industry increased.

2019: Climate Change Performance Index Ranking

In 2019, Morocco was ranked second in preparedness for climate change impacts, according to the Climate Change Performance Index.

November 2020: End of Ceasefire Agreement

In November 2020, Brahim Ghali, leader of the Polisario Front, unilaterally ended a 29-year ceasefire agreement with Morocco, which had been overseen by the United Nations.

December 2020: Military Cooperation with Israel

In December 2020, Morocco started pursuing military cooperation with Israel following a normalization agreement between the two countries.

December 2020: Israel–Morocco normalisation agreement

On 10 December 2020, the Israel–Morocco normalisation agreement was announced, and Morocco announced its intention to resume diplomatic relations with Israel. Joint Declaration of the Kingdom of Morocco, the United States of America and the State of Israel was signed on 22 December 2020.

2020: Renewable Water Resources Availability

Between 1960 and 2020, the per capita availability of renewable water resources went from 2,560 m to about 620 m per person annually.

2020: Vision 2020 Deadline

By 2020, the Moroccan government had aimed to make Morocco one of the top 20 tourist destinations globally, and to double the annual number of international arrivals to 20 million, as part of their Vision 2020 plan launched in 2010.

2020: US Backs Morocco's Sovereignty

In 2020, the United States, under the Trump administration, became the first Western country to back Morocco's contested sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara region, on the agreement that Morocco would simultaneously normalise relations with Israel. The Polisario later declared an end to the ceasefire, leading to occasional clashes. Morocco launched a military operation in Guerguerat, Western Sahara. Germany's request for consultations led to Rabat suspending diplomatic ties in retaliation.

2020: Global Innovation Index Ranking

In 2024, Morocco was ranked 66th in the Global Innovation Index, an increase in ranking from 2020 at 75th.

2020: National Sanitation Programme Target

The National Sanitation Programme, approved in 2005, aimed to treat 60% of collected wastewater and connect 80% of urban households to sewers by 2020.

August 2021: Algeria Severs Diplomatic Relations

In August 2021, Algeria severed diplomatic relations with Morocco, accusing Rabat of supporting the Movement for the Self-Determination of Kabylie (MAK).

August 2021: Algeria cuts diplomatic relations with Morocco

On 24 August 2021, neighbouring Algeria cut diplomatic relations with Morocco, accusing Morocco of supporting a separatist group and hostile actions against Algeria.

September 2021: Parliamentary Elections

On 8 September 2021, the latest parliamentary elections were held in Morocco, with an estimated voter turnout of 50.35%.

November 2021: Phones of Sahraoui human rights defender were infected

Amnesty International found that two phones of Sahraoui human rights defender Aminatou Haidar were infected in November 2021 by Pegasus spyware.

2021: Population Estimate

According to a 2021 estimate, Morocco has a population of around 37,076,584 inhabitants.

2021: Arab Barometer Survey

Another 2021 Arab Barometer survey found that 67.8% of Moroccans identified as religious, 29.1% as somewhat religious, and 3.1% as non-religious.

April 2022: Nor II Solar Energy Plant Phase One Launch

On April 17, 2022, the Rabat-Moroccan agency for solar energy (Masen) and the ministry of energy transition and sustainable development announced the launch of phase one of the mega project Nor II solar energy plant, a multi-site solar energy project with a total capacity set at 400 megawatts (MN).

2022: Economist Democracy Index

According to the 2022 Economist Democracy Index, Morocco is ruled under a hybrid regime.

2022: Infant Mortality Rate in 2022

By 2022, the infant mortality rate in Morocco had further decreased to 15 deaths per 1,000 live births.

2022: Morocco Reaches FIFA World Cup Semifinals

In 2022, Morocco became the first African and Arab team to reach the semifinals and finished 4th in the FIFA World Cup tournament.

2022: Number of Internet Users

In 2022, the number of internet users in Morocco reached around 31.6 million.

2022: Tourism Surpasses Average

In 2022, tourism in Morocco had surpassed the average number of visitors recorded in the 2010s.

2022: Jewish Minority

Morocco's once prominent Jewish minority has decreased significantly since its peak of 265,000 in 1948, declining to around 3,500 in 2022.

August 2023: Imprisonment for Criticizing the King

In August 2023, a Moroccan resident of Qatar was sentenced to five years' imprisonment for criticizing the King's policy decisions on Facebook.

September 2023: Earthquake hits Morocco

On 8 September 2023, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit Morocco killing more than 2,800 people and injuring thousands. The epicentre of the quake was around 70 km southwest of city of Marrakech.

October 2023: Criticism over the Israel–Morocco normalisation agreement

In October 2023, The Israel–Morocco normalisation agreement was met with criticism due to the October 2023 Gaza war. Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita argues that maintaining relations does not signify endorsement of Israeli government actions.

2023: World Press Freedom Index Ranking

In 2023, Morocco received a "difficult" ranking on the World Press Freedom Index.

2023: Tourism Reaches All-Time High

In 2023, tourism in Morocco set an all-time high with 14.5 million international tourist arrivals and MAD 104.7 billion in receipts.

January 2024: Internet User Statistics

As of January 2024, Morocco had approximately 34.5 million internet users and a penetration rate of about 90.7%.

November 2024: Tourism Contributes to GDP

In November 2024, Morocco had nearly 16 million tourists visiting, contributing to 7% of the country's GDP.

2024: Literacy Rate and Native Languages

According to the 2024 census, 99.2% of the literate population in Morocco can read and write in Arabic, while 1.5% can read and write in Berber. The census also reported that 80.6% of Moroccans consider Arabic to be their native language, while 18.9% regard any of the various Berber languages as their mother tongue.

2024: Gender Demographics

In 2024, 49.7% of Morocco's population is female, while 50.3% is male.

2024: Global Innovation Index Ranking

In 2024, Morocco was ranked 66th in the Global Innovation Index, an increase in ranking from 2020 at 75th.

2024: Life Expectancy

In 2024, according to the World Factbook, the life expectancy for Morocco is 74.2 years.

2025: Morocco to Host Africa Cup of Nations

Morocco will host the Africa Cup of Nations again in 2025 after Guinea was stripped of hosting rights.

2025: R&D Investment Target

The Vision for Education in Morocco 2015-2030 report recommended developing an integrated national innovation system which would be financed by gradually increasing the share of GDP devoted to research and development (R&D) from 0.73% of GDP in 2010 to '1% in the short term, 1.5% by 2025 and 2% by 2030'.

2030: Expressway and Highway Construction Target

By 2030, the Moroccan Ministry of Equipment, Transport and Logistics aims to build an additional 3,380 kilometers of expressway and 2,100 kilometers of highway, with SNCF at an expected cost of US$9.6 billion.

2030: National Digital Development Strategy

Morocco has several Internet-related projects; an example of such is the National Digital Development Strategy 2030.

2030: Morocco to Co-Host FIFA World Cup

Morocco will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup along with Portugal and Spain.

2030: R&D Investment Target

The Vision for Education in Morocco 2015-2030 report recommended developing an integrated national innovation system which would be financed by gradually increasing the share of GDP devoted to research and development (R&D) from 0.73% of GDP in 2010 to '1% in the short term, 1.5% by 2025 and 2% by 2030'.

2050: Energy Requirements Forecast

In 2012, forecasts indicated that energy requirements in Morocco would rise 6% per year between 2012 and 2050, leading to a new law encouraging diversification of the energy supply.