In Morocco,ethnic identity is deeply intertwined with language and culture, with the population primarily comprising two major groups:Arabs andBerbers.[50][51] Moroccans are primarily of Arab and Berber origin[46] as in other neighboring countries in theMaghreb region.[52]Arabs form the largest and majorityethnic group,[53][54] making up between 65%[55][56] and 80%[55][56][57] of the Moroccan population. It is estimated that the indigenousBerbers constitute between 30%[55][53][54] and 35% of the population.[58][59]
According toEncyclopædia Britannica, 44% of Moroccans are Arab, 24% areArabized Berbers, 21% are Berbers and 10% are Mauritanian Moors.[60] Additionally,Minority Rights Group International estimates that around 90,000Sahrawis reside in internationally recognized Morocco, compared to approximately 190,000 in the disputedWestern Sahara.[61] Socially, there are two contrasting groups of Moroccans: those living in the cities and those in the rural areas. Among the rural, several classes have formed such as landowners, peasants, and tenant farmers. Moroccans live mainly in the north and west portions of Morocco. However, they prefer living in the more fertile regions near the Mediterranean Sea.[citation needed]
The Arab population of Morocco is a result of theinflow of nomadic Arab tribes from theArabian Peninsula since theMuslim conquest of the Maghreb in the 7th century with a major wave in the 11th century.[62] Since the 7th century, the influx of Arab migrants from theArabian Peninsula has contributed to shaping Morocco's demographic, cultural, and genetic landscape.[63] The major migration to the region by Arab tribes was in the 11th century when the tribes ofBanu Hilal andBanu Sulaym, along with others, were sent by theFatimids to defeat aBerber rebellion and then settle in theMaghreb.[64] According toIbn Khaldun, whole tribes set off with women, children, ancestors, animals and camping equipment.[65] These tribes, who arrived in the region of Morocco around the 12th-13th centuries, and later theMa'qil in the 14th century, contributed to a more extensive ethnic, genetic, cultural, and linguistic Arabization of Morocco over time,[66] especially beyond the major urban centres and the northern regions which were the main sites of Arabization up to that point.[67][47]
A small minority of the population are identified asHaratin andGnawa,[74] These are sedentary agriculturalists of non-Arab and non-Berber origin, who inhabit the southern and eastern oases and speak either Berber or Arabic.[75] Even though it is commonly believed that the Haratin all descend fromWest African slaves, many of them were native to southern Morocco descending from black people who inhabited theDraa since time immemorial.[76] Some parts of the population are descendants of refugees who fled Spain after theReconquista in the 15th century calledMoriscos. TheTrans-Saharan slave trade brought a population ofSub-Saharan Africans to Morocco. After thefounding of Israel and start of theArab-Israeli conflict in 1948, manyJews felt compelled to leave Morocco especially after theanti-Jewish riots in Oujda, and many fled toIsrael,Europe, andNorth America, and by 1967, 250,000 Jews left Morocco.[69]
In 670 AD, the firstArab conquest of the North African coastal plain took place underUqba ibn Nafi, a general serving under theUmayyad Caliphate, marking the first wave of Arab migration to Morocco. Arab tribes such asBanu Muzaina migrated, and the Arab Muslims in the region had more impact on the culture of the Maghreb than the region's conquerors before and after them.[77] TheUmayyads brought their language, their system of government, and Islam to Morocco and many Berbers converted to Islam. The first independent state in the area of modern Morocco was theEmirate of Nekor, an Arab emirate in north Morocco ruling as a client state of the Umayyad Caliphate.[78] It was founded by theHimyarite descendantSalih ibn Mansur in 710.[78] After the outbreak of theBerber Revolt in 739, the Berbers formed other independent states such as theEmirate of Sijilmasa and theBarghawata Confederation.[79]
From the 11th century onwards, a series of dynasties ofBerber origin arose.[83][84][85] Under theAlmoravid dynasty[86] and theAlmohad dynasty dominated the Maghreb, much of present-day Spain and Portugal, and the western Mediterranean region. In the 13th and 14th centuries theMerinids held power in Morocco and strove to replicate the successes of theAlmohads by military campaigns in Algeria and Iberia. They were followed by theWattasids. In the 15th century, theReconquista ended Muslim rule in central and southern Iberia and manyMuslims andJews fled to Morocco.[87]Portuguese efforts to control the Atlantic coast in the 15th century did not greatly affect the interior of Morocco. According to Elizabeth Allo Isichei, "In 1520, there was afamine in Morocco so terrible that for a long time other events were dated by it. It has been suggested that the population of Morocco fell from 5 to under 3 million between the early sixteenth and nineteenth centuries."[88]
The major migration to the region by Arab tribes was in the 11th century when the tribes ofBanu Hilal andBanu Sulaym, along with others, were sent by theFatimids to defeat aBerber rebellion and then settle in the Maghreb.[64] These tribes advanced in large numbers all the way toMorocco, contributing to a more extensive ethnic, genetic, cultural, and linguisticArabization in the region.[66] The Arab tribes ofMaqil migrated to the Maghreb a century later and even immigrated southwards toMauritania.
Under the Saadian dynasty, the country repulsedOttoman incursions and aPortuguese invasion at thebattle of Ksar el Kebir in 1578. The reign ofAhmad al-Mansur brought new wealth and prestige to the Sultanate, and a large expedition to West Africa inflicted a crushing defeat on theSonghay Empire in 1591. However, managing the territories across theSahara proved too difficult. After the death of al-Mansur the country was divided among his sons.[91] The Saadi dynasty is credited with the birth of a Moroccannational consciousness.[92] HistorianDahiru Yahaya describes it as the "most lasting impact that the Saʿdīs had upon Morocco".[93]
In 1666, Morocco was reunited by the Arab'Alawi dynasty, who have been the ruling house of Morocco ever since. Morocco was facing aggression from Spain and the Ottoman Empire lies pressing westward. The 'Alawis succeeded in stabilizing their position, and while the kingdom was smaller than previous ones in the region, it remained quite wealthy. Against the opposition of local tribesIsmail Ibn Sharif (1672–1727) began to create a unified state.[94]
Morocco was the first nation to recognize the fledgling United States as an independent nation in 1777.[95][96][97][98] In the beginning of theAmerican Revolution, American merchant ships in theAtlantic Ocean were subject to attack by theBarbary pirates. On 20 December 1777, Morocco's SultanMohammed III declared that American merchant ships would be under the protection of the sultanate and could thus enjoy safe passage. TheMoroccan–American Treaty of Friendship, signed in 1786, stands as the U.S.'s oldest non-broken friendshiptreaty.[99][100]
Morocco has a population of around 37,076,584 inhabitants (2021 estimate).[111][112] Morocco's population was 11.6 million in 1960.[113] In 2024, 49.7% of the population is female, while 50.3% of it is male. According to the 2014 Morocco population census, there were around 84,000 immigrants in the country. Of these foreign-born residents, most were ofFrench origin, followed by individuals mainly from various nations in West Africa and Algeria.[114] There are also a number of foreign residents ofSpanish origin. Some of them are descendants of colonial settlers, who primarily work for European multinational companies, while others are married to Moroccans or are retirees. Prior to independence, Morocco was home to half a millionEuropeans, most of whom wereChristians.[115] Also, prior to independence, Morocco was home to 250,000 Spaniards.[116] Morocco's once prominentJewish minority has decreased significantly since its peak of 265,000 in 1948, declining to around 3,500 in 2022.[117]
Morocco has a largediaspora, most of which is located in France, which has reportedly over one million Moroccans of up to the third generation. There are also large Moroccan communities in Spain (about 700,000 Moroccans),[118] the Netherlands (360,000), and Belgium (300,000).[119] Other large communities can be found in Italy, Canada, the United States and Israel, whereMoroccan Jews are thought to constitute the second biggest Jewish ethnic subgroup.[120] Morocco is also the country with the largest Berber population in the world,[121][122] with estimates typically ranging between 40–60% of the population.[123][124]
Theculture of Morocco is a blend ofArab,Berber,Jewish, andWestern European cultures.[125] ThroughMoroccan history, the country had many cultural influences (Europe, Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa). The culture of Morocco shares similar traits with those of neighboring countries, particularly Algeria and Tunisia and to a certain extent Spain.[126]
Each region possesses its own uniqueness, contributing to the national culture. Morocco has set among its top priorities the protection of its diversity and the preservation of its cultural heritage.[citation needed]
The traditional dress for men and women is calleddjellaba (جلابة), a long, loose, hooded garment with full sleeves. For special occasions, men also wear a red cap called a bernousse, more commonly known as afez. Women wearkaftans decorated with ornaments. Nearly all men, and most women, wearbalgha (بلغة). These are soft leather slippers with no heel, often dyed yellow. Women also wear high-heeled sandals, often with silver or gold tinsel.[citation needed]
Moroccan style is a new trend in decoration, which takes its roots fromMoorish architecture. It has been made popular by the vogue ofriad renovation in Marrakech. Dar is the name given to one of the most common types of domestic structures in Morocco; it is a home found in a medina, or walled urban area of a city. Dar exteriors are typically devoid of ornamentation and windows, except occasional small openings in secondary quarters, such as stairways and service areas. These piercings provide light and ventilation.Moroccan cuisine primarily consists of a blend of Arab, Berber, and Andalusi influences. It is known for dishes likecouscous andpastilla, among others. Spices such as cinnamon are also used in Moroccan cooking. Sweets likehalwa are popular, as well as other confections. Cuisines from neighboring areas have also influenced the country's culinary traditions. Additionally, Moroccan craftsmanship has a rich tradition of jewellery-making, pottery, leather-work and woodwork.
Themusic of Morocco ranges and differs according to the various areas of the country. Moroccan music has a variety of styles from complex sophisticated orchestral music to simple music involving only voice and drums. There are three varieties of folk music: village and ritual music, and the music performed by professional musicians.Chaabi (الشعبي) is a music consisting of numerous varieties which descend from the multifarious forms of Moroccan folk music. Chaabi was originally performed in markets, but is now found at any celebration or meeting.Gnawa is a form of music that is mystical. It was gradually brought to Morocco by the Gnawa and later became part of the Moroccan tradition.Sufi brotherhoods (tariqas) are common in Morocco, and music is an integral part of their spiritual tradition. This music is an attempt at reaching a trance state which inspires mystical ecstasy.
Moroccan cuisine is considered one of the most diversified cuisines in the world.[127] This is a result of the centuries-long interaction of Morocco with the outside world.[128] The cuisine of Morocco is mainly a fusion of Moorish,European andMediterranean cuisines. Spices are used extensively in Moroccan cuisine. While spices have been imported to Morocco for thousands of years, many ingredients such assaffron fromTiliouine,mint andolives fromMeknes, and oranges and lemons from Fez, are home-grown.
Chicken is the most widely eaten meat in Morocco. The most commonly eaten red meat in Morocco is beef;lamb is preferred but is relatively expensive.[129] The main Moroccan dish most people are familiar with iscouscous,[130] the old national delicacy. Beef is the most commonly eaten red meat in Morocco, usually eaten in a tagine with vegetables or legumes. Chicken is also very commonly used in tagines; one of the most famous tagine is the tagine of chicken, potatoes and olives.Lamb is also consumed, but as Northwest African sheep breeds store most of their fat in their tails, Moroccan lamb does not have the pungent flavor that Westernlamb and mutton have. Poultry is also very common, and the use of seafood is increasing in Moroccan food. In addition, there are dried salted meats and salted preserved meats such as kliia/khlia and "g'did" which are used to flavor tagines or used in "el ghraif", a folded savory Moroccan pancake.
Among the most famous Moroccan dishes areCouscous,Pastilla (also spelled Bsteeya or Bestilla),Tajine,Tanjia andHarira. Although the latter is asoup, it is considered a dish in itself and is served as such or withdates especially during the month ofRamadan. Pork consumption is forbidden in accordance withSharia, religious laws of Islam.
A big part of the daily meal is bread. Bread in Morocco is principally from durum wheat semolina known askhobz. Bakeries are very common throughout Morocco and fresh bread is a staple in every city, town and village. The most common is whole grain coarse ground or white flour bread. There are also a number of flat breads and pulled unleavened pan-fried breads. The most popular drink is "atai",green tea with mint leaves and other ingredients.
The majority of the population speaksMoroccan Arabic.[132] According to the 2024 Moroccan census, 92.7% of the population spoke Arabic, whereas 24.8% spoke Berber languages.[133] The census also indicated that 99.2%, or almost the entire literate population of Morocco, could read and write in Arabic, while only 1.5% of the population could read and write in Berber. The census also reveals 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.[133][134]
Hassaniya Arabic is spoken in the southern part of the country, spoken by over 200,000 people.[135] Morocco has recently included the protection ofHassaniya in the constitution as part of theJuly 2011 reforms.
French is taught universally and still serves as Morocco's primary language ofcommerce andeconomics; it is also used in education, sciences, government and most education fields.
Spanish is also spoken in the northern and southern parts of the country as a secondary foreign language afterFrench. Meanwhile,English is increasingly becoming more popular among the educated, particularly in the science fields.
In 2010, the Pew Forum estimated that 99% of Morocco's population was Muslim, with all other religious groups making up less than 1%.[136] The majority of Moroccan Muslims follow theMalikiSunni school of thought, while other significant groups include adherents ofZahirism andnon-denominational Muslims. With a deep-rooted history in Morocco, Islam remains the dominant faith. Since Islamic culture profoundly influences Moroccan society, many Moroccans are considered nominal orcultural Muslims.[137] The rhythm of life for Moroccans is dictated by religious celebrations throughout the year, such asRamadan andEid Al Adha. During these celebrations, most of them being public holidays, Moroccans focus on praying and spending time with their family. Moroccans also celebrateal-Mawlid al-Nabawi, the birthday ofMuhammad, and theIslamic New Year.
Moroccan Jews form an ancient community dating back to Roman times, with Jewish migration to the region beginning as early as 70 CE. A second wave of Jewish immigrants arrived from theIberian Peninsula during and after the issuance of the 1492Alhambra Decree, which expelled Jews from Spain, followed shortly by their expulsion from Portugal. This wave significantly influenced Moroccan Jewry, leading to the widespread adoption of theAndalusianSephardic liturgy and a shift toward a predominantly Sephardic identity. Before theestablishment of theState of Israel in 1948, Morocco had approximately 265,000Jews, making it home to the largest Jewish community in theMuslim world.[138] Today, the historic Jewish community of Morocco is estimated to number around 2,000.[139] The majority of Moroccan Jews emigrated, primarily to Israel and France. As of 2019, Israel was home to approximately 472,800Jews of Moroccan descent, accounting for around 5% of the country's total population.[140]
Christianity in Morocco dates back toRoman times when it was practiced byChristian Berbers in the Roman province ofMauretania Tingitana.[141] However, its presence began to decline following theIslamic conquests in the 7th century.Indigenous Christianity in North Africa persisted after the Muslim conquest until the early 15th century.[142][143] During theFrench andSpanish protectorates, Morocco had a significantCatholic population. On the eve of independence, an estimated 470,000Catholics lived in the country, andCatholicism held a strong historical legacy and influence.[144] Today,Christianity is the second-largest religion in Morocco.[145] The number of Moroccan converts to Christianity, most of whom practice in secret, is estimated to range between 8,000 and 50,000.[146][147] Since the 1960s, an increasing number of Moroccan Muslims have converted toChristianity.[148][149] Additionally, among the Moroccan diaspora, there are Christian communities; for example, according to a 2020 national survey conducted byINSEE, 5% of people ofMoroccan origin in France identified as Christian.[150]
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^abcThe Report: Morocco 2012. Oxford Business Group. 2012.ISBN978-1-907065-54-5.Archived from the original on 7 March 2023. Retrieved28 December 2022.Morocco's population is approximately 67% Arab, 31% indigenous Berber and 2% Sahrawi
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^Picard, Louis A.; Buss, Terry F.; Seybolt, Taylor B.; Lelei, Macrina C. (22 April 2015).Sustainable Development and Human Security in Africa: Governance as the Missing Link. CRC Press.ISBN978-1-4822-5543-0.Although the majority of Moroccans are Arabs, the Berbers (or Amazigh) represent 30%. Berbers are spread out in rural areas: the Rif Mountains, Middle High, and Anti-Atlas, and southern Souss Valley, as well as Morocco's major cities.
^Idris I, D. Eustache, The Encyclopaedia of Islam, Vol. III, ed. B.Lewis, V. L. Menage, C. Pellat and J. Schact, (Brill, 1986), 1031.
^Benchekroun, Chafik T. (2018)."Idrīsids". In Fleet, Kate; Krämer, Gudrun; Matringe, Denis; Nawas, John; Rowson, Everett (eds.).Encyclopaedia of Islam, THREE. Brill Online.ISSN1873-9830.The Idrīsids (al-Adārisa) were an ʿAlid dynasty—that is, descendants of ʿAlī b. Abī Ṭālib (d. 40/661)—that reigned in the western part of the north Maghrib from 172/788 to 375/985 (although only intermittently in the fourth/tenth century).
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