History of Morocco in Timeline
Morocco, officially the Kingdom of Morocco, is a North African country in the Maghreb region. It borders the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, with land borders to Algeria and the disputed Western Sahara. The country has a population of approximately 37 million. Islam is the official religion, and Arabic and Berber are the official languages. French is also widely spoken. Moroccan culture is a mix of Arab, Berber, African, and European influences. Rabat is the capital, and Casablanca is its largest city.
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.
1906: Resolution at 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 increases tensions
The Agadir Crisis of 1911 increased tensions between European powers.
1912: Start of the Protectorate
Morocco, as a French and Spanish protectorate from 1912 to 1956, left Moroccan intellectuals the opportunity to exchange and to produce literary works freely with the contact of other Arabic literature and Europe.
1919: Birth of Abdelkrim Ghallab
Abdelkrim Ghallab, a writer who played an important role in the transition to independence, was born in 1919.
1922: Extinction of the Barbary Lion
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: Slavery abolished in Morocco
In 1925, the institution of slavery was abolished in Morocco.
1926: Uprising in the Rif Mountains
By 1926, an uprising in the Rif Mountains, led to the establishment of the Republic of the Rif.
1927: Riffi suppressed by Franco-Spanish military
The Riffi were eventually suppressed by 1927 by the Franco-Spanish military.
1943: Istiqlal Party founded
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 (CCM), the nation's film regulatory agency, was established, and studios were opened in Rabat.
1948: Peak of Jewish Minority
In 1948, Morocco's Jewish minority reached its peak of 265,000.
1948: Pre-Israel Jewish Population
In 1948, prior to the establishment of the State of Israel, Morocco had the largest Jewish community in the Muslim world, with approximately 265,000 Jews residing in the country.
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 exiled Sultan Mohammed V to Madagascar.
1955: France allows Mohammed V to return
In 1955, France allowed Mohammed V to return, and negotiations leading to Moroccan independence began.
1955: Death of Mohammed Ben Brahim
Mohammed Ben Brahim, a key representative of the first generation of Moroccan writers during the Protectorate, 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 Adoption
After Morocco declared independence in 1956, French and Arabic became the main languages of administration and education.
1956: Morocco regains independence
In 1956, Morocco regained its independence and reunified.
1956: Moroccan National Theatre Founded
In 1956, the Moroccan National Theatre was founded, offering regular productions of Moroccan and French dramatic works.
1956: End of the Protectorate
Morocco, as a French and Spanish protectorate from 1912 to 1956, left Moroccan intellectuals the opportunity to exchange and to produce literary works freely with the contact of other Arabic literature and Europe.
1957: Economic and Military Aid From US
After gaining independence, Morocco established strong ties with the United States, receiving significant economic and military aid in 1957.
1960: Water Resource Availability
Between 1960 and 2020, the per capita availability of renewable water resources in Morocco went from 2,560 m to about 620 m per person annually.
1960: Infant Mortality Rate in 1960
In 1960, the infant mortality rate in Morocco was 144 deaths per 1,000 live births.
March 1961: Hassan II becomes King of Morocco
On March 3, 1961, upon the death of Mohammed V, Hassan II became King of Morocco.
1961: Start of Hassan II's Rule
Beginning in the early 1960s, under the leadership of Hassan II, Morocco experienced a period with one of the worst human rights records in both Africa and the world.
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: Economic and Military Aid From US
Morocco continued to receive significant economic and military aid from the United States in 1963.
1963: First general elections held
Morocco held its first general elections in 1963.
February 1964: Peace agreement signed after Sand War
In February 1964, a formal peace agreement was signed between Algeria and Morocco; however, relations remained strained.
1965: State of emergency declared
In 1965, Hassan declared a state of emergency and suspended parliament.
1965: King Dissolves Parliament
In 1965, the King dissolved the Parliament, suspended the constitution, called for new elections, or ruled by decree.
1966: Fifth-Largest Recipient of US Agricultural Assistance
By 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.
1969: Ifni returned to Morocco
The Spanish enclave of Ifni in the south was returned to Morocco in 1969.
1971: Failed attempt to depose the king
In 1971, there was a failed attempt to depose the king and establish a republic.
1972: Second failed attempt to depose the king
In 1972, there was another failed attempt to depose the king and establish a republic.
1973: Polisario movement formed
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 Spanish Sahara
On 6 November 1975, King Hassan asked for volunteers to cross into the Spanish Sahara in the "Green March."
1975: Annexation of Western Sahara
In 1975, Morocco annexed the Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, during the Green March, claiming it as part of its territory referred to as the Southern Provinces.
1975: Morocco occupies Western Sahara
In 1975, Morocco occupied the disputed territory of Western Sahara, which it has controlled since then.
1975: Guerrilla war breaks out in Western Sahara
In 1975, after Spain agreed to decolonise Western Sahara and cede control to Morocco and Mauritania, a guerrilla war broke out between those powers and some local inhabitants.
1976: Western Sahara War
In 1976, the Western Sahara War saw the Polisario Front, the Sahrawi rebel national liberation movement, 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 purchased by fashion designer Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé, making it a popular tourist attraction.
1982: Admission of Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic
In 1982, the African Union admitted the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic without conducting a referendum of self-determination in the disputed territory of Western Sahara.
1982: First National Festival of Cinema
In 1982, the first national festival of cinema was held in Rabat.
1983: Elections cancelled amid unrest
In 1983, Hassan cancelled planned elections amid political unrest and economic crisis.
1984: Moroccan 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 for Morocco.
1984: Morocco leaves 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 the African Union
In 1984, Morocco withdrew from the African Union after it admitted the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic in 1982 without conducting a referendum of self-determination in the disputed territory of Western Sahara.
1986: Morocco at 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: Diplomatic relations with Algeria restored
Diplomatic relations with Algeria were restored in 1988.
1988: Africa Cup of Nations Hosted by Morocco
Morocco hosted the Africa Cup of Nations in 1988.
1990: Maternal Mortality Rate in 1990
Between 1990 and 2010, Morocco's maternal mortality ratio fell by 67%.
1991: UN-monitored ceasefire begins in Western Sahara
In 1991, a UN-monitored ceasefire began in Western Sahara, but the territory's status remains undecided and ceasefire violations are reported.
1991: Ceasefire reached in Western Sahara
In 1991, a ceasefire agreement was reached in Western Sahara, but the issue of sovereignty remained unresolved.
1992: Expansion of Parliament's Powers
In 1992, the Parliament's powers were expanded to include budgetary matters, approving bills, questioning ministers, and establishing ad hoc commissions of inquiry to investigate the government's actions.
1993: Privatization Policy
Since 1993, Morocco has followed a policy of privatization of certain economic sectors which used to be in the hands of the government.
1994: National Liquid Sanitation Master Plan (SNDAL)
According to a study by the National Liquid Sanitation Master Plan (SNDAL) that started in 1994, only 15 of 63 treatment plants were operational, and 95% of the approximately 500 million cubic meters of wastewater generated annually was discharged untreated into natural water bodies.
1994: Border closure with Algeria
Algeria borders Morocco to the east and southeast, though the border between the two countries has been closed since 1994.
1995: Inauguration of Al-Akhawayn University
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: Expansion of Parliament's Powers Continued
In 1996, the Parliament's powers were further expanded to include budgetary matters, approving bills, questioning ministers, and establishing ad hoc commissions of inquiry to investigate the government's actions.
1996: King's Authority
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: Establishment of Bicameral Legislature
Since the constitutional reform of 1996, the bicameral legislature consists of two chambers.
March 1998: Formation of Opposition Coalition Government
Following the March 1998 elections, a coalition government headed by opposition socialist leader Abderrahmane Youssoufi was formed, marking the first time a government was drawn primarily from opposition parties.
1999: King Hassan II dies, succeeded by Mohammed VI
In 1999, King Hassan II died and was succeeded by his son, Mohammed VI.
1999: First Davis Cup Team
Morocco fielded its first Davis Cup team in 1999.
1999: End of Hassan II's Reign
The government under King Mohammed set up an Equity and Reconciliation Commission (IER) to examine abuses committed during the reign of King Hassan II which ended 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 compared to a few years earlier.
2000: Health Expenditure Per Capita
Health expenditure per capita (PPP) has steadily increased since 2000.
2000: Infant Mortality Rate in 2000
In 2000, the infant mortality rate in Morocco was 42 deaths per 1,000 live births.
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 Opposition Coalition Government
In October 2002, the coalition government formed in March 1998, which was drawn primarily from opposition parties, ended.
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.
2002: Cannabis Impact on GDP
In 2002, cannabis cultivation and transformation represented 0.57% of Morocco's national GDP, as reported in the 2004 UN World Drugs Report.
2002: Mohammed VI visits Western Sahara
Mohammed VI paid a controversial visit to the Western Sahara in 2002.
2003: Investment in Water Management
An investment programme of about MAD 15 billion was made to cover the centres managed by ONEP from 2003–2017.
2003: Economic Growth
From 2003 to 2007, Government reforms and steady yearly growth in the region of 4.9% year-on-year helped the Moroccan economy to become much more robust compared to a few years earlier.
2003: Casablanca Bombings
In 2003, the Casablanca bombings occurred, resulting in the deaths of 45 people.
2004: Foreign Language Speakers Census
According to the 2004 census, 2.19 million Moroccans spoke a foreign language other than French.
2004: UN World Drugs Report on Cannabis
According to the UN World Drugs Report in 2004, cannabis cultivation and transformation represented 0.57% of Morocco's national GDP in 2002.
2004: Hicham El Guerrouj's Olympic Gold Medals
At the 2004 Summer Olympics, Hicham El Guerrouj won gold medals for Morocco in the 1500 metres and 5000 metres.
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 Approval
In 2005, Morocco approved a National Sanitation Programme aimed 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 set up to investigate human rights abuses during Hassan II's reign confirmed nearly 10,000 cases.
2005: First Technopark Established
Since the first technopark was established in Rabat in 2005, a second was set up in Casablanca, followed by a third in Tangers in 2015.
2005: Migrants storm borders of Melilla and Ceuta
There were renewed tensions in 2005, as dozens of African migrants stormed the borders of the Spanish enclaves of Melilla and Ceuta.
September 2006: UNESCO Literacy Prize
In September 2006, UNESCO awarded Morocco, amongst other countries such as Cuba, Pakistan, India and Turkey, the "UNESCO 2006 Literacy Prize".
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 report in 2006, 80% of the cannabis resin (hashish) consumed in Europe originated from the Rif region in Morocco.
2006: Growth of Adventure Tourism
As of 2006, activity and adventure tourism in Morocco's Atlas and Rif Mountains experienced rapid growth, providing opportunities for walking and trekking, from late March to mid-November.
2006: No UN recognition
As of 2006, no UN member state had recognised Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.
2006: Spanish Premier visits Spanish enclaves
In 2006, the Spanish Premier Zapatero visited Spanish enclaves.
April 2007: Presentation to United Nations Security Council
In mid-April 2007, the Moroccan Royal Advisory Council for Saharan Affairs presented autonomous status for the region 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 compared to a few years earlier.
2007: Autonomy blueprint for Western Sahara
In 2007, Morocco unveiled an autonomy blueprint for Western Sahara to the United Nations.
2008: Badr Hari K-1 World Grand Prix finalist
In 2008, Badr Hari was a K-1 World Grand Prix finalist.
2008: Coal Provides Majority of Electricity
In 2008, approximately 56% of Morocco's electricity was supplied 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 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 in 2009 to finance laboratories construction, training courses for researchers and a scholarship programme for science during a meeting at the National Centre for Scientific and Technical Research.
June 2009: Launch of Moroccan Innovation Strategy
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 K-1 World Grand Prix finalist
In 2009, Badr Hari was a K-1 World Grand Prix finalist.
2009: Unregulated Animal and Plant Trade
In 2009, the unregulated trade of animals and plants for various purposes was common across Morocco, leading to reductions in wild populations.
2010: Maternal Mortality Rate in 2010
Based on World Bank data, the nation's maternal mortality ratio fell by 67% between 1990 and 2010.
2010: Government Invests in Infrastructure
From 2010 to 2015, the Moroccan government invested over $15 billion in upgrading its basic infrastructure to meet the growing domestic demand.
2010: French Speakers in Morocco
In 2010, approximately 32% of the population in Morocco, or 10,366,000 people, were French-speakers.
2010: Security forces storm protest camp
In 2010, security forces stormed a protest camp in the Western Sahara, triggering violent demonstrations.
2010: Vision 2020 Tourism Plan
In 2010, the Moroccan government launched Vision 2020, with aims to become one of the top 20 tourist destinations globally and double the annual international arrivals to 20 million by 2020.
2010: Religious Affiliation Estimate by Pew Forum
The Pew Forum estimated in 2010 that 99% of Morocco's population was Muslim, with virtually all being Sunni Muslims, and Shia Muslims accounting for less than 0.1%.
2010: R&D Investment
The Vision for Education in Morocco 2015-2030 report recommends increasing the share of GDP devoted to research and development (R&D) from 0.73% of GDP in 2010.
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.
2011: Under-Five Mortality Rate in 2011
Between 1990 and 2011, Morocco's under-five mortality rate dropped by 60%.
2011: Eel Exports
In 2011, Morocco exported 60 tons of eel to the Far East due to the proximity of northern Morocco to Europe
2011: Constitutional Reforms
In 2011, constitutional reforms in Morocco were implemented, which retained less executive powers with the King of Morocco, whereas those of the prime minister were enlarged.
2011: Creation of Moroccan Club of Innovation
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: Further Expansion of Parliament's Powers
In 2011, the Parliament's powers were expanded to include budgetary matters, approving bills, questioning ministers, and establishing ad hoc commissions of inquiry to investigate the government's actions.
May 2012: Trade union rally in Casablanca
In May 2012, hundreds took part in a trade union rally in Casablanca where participants accused the government of failing to deliver on reforms.
2012: World Bank Forecast
For 2012, the World Bank forecast a rate of 4% growth for Morocco and 4.2% for following year, 2013.
2012: Patent Applications by Moroccan Inventors
In 2012, Moroccan inventors applied for 197 patents, which was an increase from 152 two years earlier.
2012: New Law Encourages Energy Diversification
In 2012, a new law was passed in Morocco encouraging Moroccans to diversify the energy supply, including increasing the use of renewable resources.
2012: Sectors with Comparative Advantage Identified
In 2012, the Hassan II Academy of Sciences and Technologies identified sectors where Morocco has a comparative advantage and skilled human capital, including mining, fisheries, food chemistry, and new technologies.
2012: Literacy Rate in Morocco
In 2012, the estimated literacy rate for the country was 72%.
November 2013: Moroccan National Plan
The Moroccan Plan was started by the Moroccan Minister of Health, El Houssaine Louardi and Ala Alwan, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, on 13 November 2013 in Rabat.
2013: World Bank Forecast
For 2013, the World Bank forecast a rate of 4.2% growth for Morocco.
2014: National Plan for Maternal and Child Health
In 2014, Morocco adopted a national plan to increase progress on maternal and child health.
2014: Construction of High-Speed Railway Begins
In 2014, Morocco started constructing Africa's first high-speed railway system linking Tangier and Casablanca.
2014: Healthcare Spending as Percentage of GDP
In 2014, spending on healthcare accounted for 5.9% of the country's GDP. Since 2014, spending on healthcare as part of the GDP has decreased.
2014: Moroccan Census
Other cities recording a population over 500,000 in the 2014 Moroccan census are Fes, Marrakesh, Meknes, Salé and Tangier.
2014: Innovation Strategy Target
The Moroccan Innovation Strategy 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 May 20, 2015, the Higher Council for Education, Training and Scientific Research presented a report to the king offering a Vision for Education in Morocco 2015–2030, advocating for egalitarian education.
2015: Government Invests in Infrastructure
From 2010 to 2015, the Moroccan government invested over $15 billion in upgrading its basic infrastructure to meet the growing domestic demand.
2015: Maternal Mortality Rate
In 2015, Morocco had high maternal mortality rates, with 121 deaths per 100,000 births, according to the World Bank.
2015: Moroccan Health Expenditure
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 due to fears over the Ebola outbreak.
2015: Gallup International Poll on Religious Identity
The 2015 Gallup International poll reported that 93% of Moroccans considered themselves to be religious.
2016: Human Rights Watch Annual Report
According to a Human Rights Watch annual report in 2016, Moroccan authorities restricted the rights to peaceful expression, association and assembly through several laws.
2016: Spanish Speakers in Morocco
As of 2016, approximately 4.5% of the population in Morocco, or 1,536,590 individuals, speak Spanish, according to Ethnologue.
2016: Life Expectancy at Birth
In 2016, the life expectancy at birth was 74.3, or 73.3 for men and 75.4 for women, and there were 6.3 physicians and 8.9 nurses and midwives per 10,000 inhabitants.
2017: Investment in Water Management
An investment programme of about MAD 15 billion was made to cover the centres managed by ONEP from 2003–2017.
2017: Morocco Rejoins the African Union
In 2017, Morocco rejoined the African Union, signalling a shift in its diplomatic stance.
2017: Infant Mortality Rate
In 2017, data from the World Bank indicated that Morocco had high infant mortality rates, with 20 deaths per 1,000 births.
2018: Morocco's Spanish Speakers
A 2018 study by the Instituto Cervantes found 1.7 million Moroccans who were at least proficient in Spanish, making Morocco the country with the most Spanish speakers outside the Hispanophone world (excluding the United States).
2018: Arab Barometer Survey on Religious Identity
According to a 2018 survey by the research network Arab Barometer, nearly 15% of Moroccans described themselves as non-religious, while nearly 100 percent of respondents identified as Muslim.
2018: High-Speed Railway Inauguration
In 2018, the high-speed railway system in Morocco was inaugurated by the King, after over a decade of planning and construction by 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 Rankings
According to the 2019 Global Competitiveness Report, Morocco ranked 32nd in roads, 16th in sea, 45th in air, and 64th in railways, making its infrastructure the best in Africa.
2019: Change in Moroccan Worker Share
Between 2000 and 2019, the share of Moroccan workers in agriculture declined, while those that are 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, placing it behind Sweden.
November 2020: End of Ceasefire Agreement with Polisario Front
In November 2020, Brahim Ghali, leader of the Polisario Front and the Sahrawi president, unilaterally ended a 29-year-old ceasefire agreement with Morocco overseen by the United Nations.
December 2020: Military Cooperation with Israel
In December 2020, Morocco began to pursue military cooperation with Israel from a normalisation agreement.
December 2020: Morocco to resume diplomatic relations with Israel
On 10 December 2020, the Israel–Morocco normalisation agreement was announced, and Morocco announced its intention to resume diplomatic relations with Israel.
2020: Water Resource Availability
Between 1960 and 2020, the per capita availability of renewable water resources in Morocco went from 2,560 m to about 620 m per person annually.
2020: US Backing of Moroccan Sovereignty over Western Sahara
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.
2020: Global Innovation Index Ranking
In 2024, Morocco was ranked 66th in the Global Innovation Index, which is an increase from 2020 when it was ranked 75th.
2020: Target Year for Sanitation Program
The National Sanitation Programme aimed to treat 60% of collected wastewater and connect 80% of urban households to sewers by 2020.
2020: Vision 2020 Target Year
Vision 2020's target of making Morocco a top 20 tourist destination and doubling international arrivals to 20 million was set for the year 2020.
August 2021: Algeria Severs Diplomatic Relations with Morocco
In August 2021, Algeria severed diplomatic relations with Morocco, accusing Rabat of supporting the Movement for the Self-Determination of Kabylie (MAK).
September 2021: Parliamentary Elections
On 8 September 2021, the latest parliamentary elections were held in Morocco, with a voter turnout estimated to be 50.35% of registered voters.
November 2021: Phones of human rights defender infected
Amnesty International found that two phones of Sahraoui human rights defender Aminatou Haidar were infected in November 2021 with Pegasus spyware.
2021: Arab Barometer Survey on Religious Identity
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.
2021: Population Estimate
In 2021, Morocco's estimated population was around 37,076,584 inhabitants.
April 2022: Launch of Nor II Solar Energy Plant
On April 17, 2022, 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 with a total capacity set at 400 megawatts (MN).
2022: Economist Democracy Index Ranking
According to the 2022 Economist Democracy Index, Morocco is ruled under a hybrid regime, ranking #3 in the Middle East and North Africa, and #95 in the world.
2022: Jewish Minority Population
By 2022, Morocco's Jewish minority had decreased significantly to around 3,500, a decline from its peak of 265,000 in 1948.
2022: Morocco Reaches World Cup Semifinals
In 2022, Morocco became the first African and Arab team to reach the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup, finishing 4th in the tournament.
2022: Infant Mortality Rate in 2022
In 2022, the infant mortality rate in Morocco was 15 deaths per 1,000 live births.
2022: Number of Internet Users
In 2022, the number of internet users in Morocco reached around 31.6 million.
2022: Tourism Surpasses 2010s Average
In 2022, tourism in Morocco exceeded the average number of visitors recorded in the 2010s.
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.
October 2023: Criticism of Morocco-Israel agreement
The Israel–Morocco normalisation agreement was met with criticism due to the October 2023 Gaza war.
2023: World Press Freedom Index Ranking
In 2023, Morocco received a "difficult" ranking on the World Press Freedom Index.
2023: All-Time High in Tourist Arrivals
In 2023, Morocco's tourism reached an all-time high with 14.5 million international tourist arrivals and MAD 104.7 billion in receipts.
January 2024: Internet Users and Penetration Rate
As of January 2024, Morocco had approximately 34.5 million internet users, with an internet penetration rate of about 90.7%.
November 2024: Tourism Contributions to GDP
In November 2024, Morocco's tourism sector contributed to 7% of its GDP, with nearly 16 million tourists visiting the country.
2024: 2024 Census on Language
According to the 2024 census, 99.2% of the literate population in Morocco can read and write in Arabic, while 1.5% can do so in Berber. 80.6% consider Arabic their native language, and 18.9% consider any Berber language their mother tongue.
2024: Gender Distribution
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, which is an increase from 2020 when it was ranked 75th.
2024: Life Expectancy Projection
In 2024, according to the World Factbook, 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 recommends increasing the share of GDP devoted to research and development (R&D) to 1.5% by 2025.
2030: Expressway and Highway Expansion Aim
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.
2030: National Digital Development Strategy
Morocco has several Internet-related projects, one of which is the National Digital Development Strategy 2030.
2030: R&D Investment Target
The Vision for Education in Morocco 2015-2030 report recommends increasing the share of GDP devoted to research and development (R&D) to 2% by 2030.
2050: Forecasted Energy Requirements
Forecasts indicate that energy requirements in Morocco will rise 6% per year between 2012 and 2050.
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