Two days ahead of World Population Day, Morocco's High Commission for Planning (HCP) and the UNFPA unveiled striking data on fertility trends, both globally and nationally. The figures point to a steady decline, driven by a complex combination of social and economic factors. In Morocco, one in three people over the age of 50 say they had fewer children than they had hoped for, with nearly half (47%) citing financial constraints as the primary reason. These findings were shared by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Morocco and the High Commission for Planning (HCP) to mark World Population Day, celebrated annually on July 11. The data was presented during a joint event in Rabat on Wednesday, alongside the launch of the UN's annual report on the state of the world population. According to a statement, the figures draw on academic research and new insights from a UNFPA/YouGov survey conducted in 14 countries, including Morocco. Titled «The Real Fertility Crisis: The Quest for Reproductive Autonomy in a Changing World», the report highlights a global phenomenon also visible in Morocco: millions of people are having fewer children than they would like—not by choice, but due to economic and social barriers. A Decline in Fertility, an Aging Population The Moroccan data shows a clear trend: people are having fewer children and living longer. The event served as a platform to reflect on current demographic dynamics and their implications, particularly in light of the preliminary results of Morocco's seventh General Population and Housing Census (RGPH), conducted in September 2024. In its presentation, «Demographic Situation and Prospects in Morocco», HCP noted that the country is nearing the end of its demographic transition and moving toward a model seen in more advanced economies, marked by slower natural population growth, falling fertility rates, and increased life expectancy. This shift is driven by a combination of factors: later marriage, greater use of contraception, improved healthcare, enhanced status of women, changing family norms, and growing economic pressures. Notably, HCP forecasts that the population aged 60 and above will grow at an annual rate of 3% between 2024 and 2030. By 2030, Morocco's elderly population is expected to reach 6.1 million, up from 5.1 million in 2024, representing 15.4% of the population (compared to 13.8% today). The number of people aged over 75 will also grow, reaching 1.4 million by 2030. This aging trend is expected to be more pronounced in urban areas. Not a «Demographic Collapse» Morocco's demographic shift mirrors a global reality : falling fertility and population aging are not signs of crisis, but indicators of change. These shifts highlight the growing need for investments in reproductive health, education, and economic inclusion, said Marielle Sander, UNFPA Representative in Morocco. «Contrary to alarmist headlines about demographic collapse», Sander explained, «the report reminds us that the real concern is not how many children people are having, but why they can't have as many as they want». She added: «Morocco, like many countries, stands at a demographic crossroads. The latest census confirms what we already observe: declining fertility, an aging population, accelerated urbanization, and increasingly diverse family structures». Sander called for urgent policy investments: «We must invest in education, especially for girls. We must bridge the gender gap in employment, where women's participation remains under 17%. And we must ensure that every young person has access to sexual and reproductive health services, so that the first pregnancy is a choice, not a consequence». Looking Ahead The event brought together experts from Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the Royal Institute for Strategic Studies (IRES), Mohammed V University in Rabat, and the Policy Center for the New South. Their contributions helped identify promising policy pathways for addressing Morocco's demographic evolution. The event also celebrated the 50th anniversary of UNFPA's presence in Morocco, with the launch of a new visual paying tribute to intergenerational dialogue, strong family bonds, and the richness of Moroccan culture.
