Morocco Sees Shift in Family Dynamics as Birth Rates Decline

The total fertility rate is declining. Moroccan women have an average of 1.97 children in 2024, compared to 2.2 in 2014. The HCP explains this decline by "a wider use of contraceptive methods". The aspirations of Moroccans are evolving, their economic and social priorities leading them to limit or even delay the birth of their children.

The average age of women at first marriage is slightly decreasing, from 25.7 years to 24.6 years. At the same time, the number of households where the woman is the head of the family is increasing significantly. It goes from 16.2% to 19.2% in ten years. This phenomenon is more pronounced in the city (21.6%) than in the countryside (14.5%).

Another striking fact: the progression of definitive celibacy. In 2024, 9.4% of Moroccans over 55 have never been married, compared to 5.9% in 2014. It is women (11.1%) and city dwellers (10.3%) who are the most affected.

The divorce rate is also on the rise. It goes from 2.2% to 3.3% for people aged 15 and over. Among women, it even reaches 4.6%.

These transformations in family behaviors are explained by several factors. The evolution of mentalities, the growing urbanization and the Covid-19 pandemic, which may have prompted some couples to postpone their marriage or parenting projects, have played a role in these changes.