Morocco  

Morocco’s domestic savings rate, of 23% of GDP, and household expenditure, of 24%, are in line with global averages. The unemployment rate stands at 10%, which ranks Morocco 80th, globally, on this variable, and the level of capital stock per worker ranks 69th, globally. Non-performing loans are at a relatively low level of 7.9%; however, inflation is very low at just 2%, ranking the country 16th, globally. In addition, the net interest margin stands at just 3.1 percentage points, indicating a relatively competitive financial services sector. The low concentration of raw materials in export levels confirms the developed nature of the economy; however, foreign direct investment is low at 4% of GDP. Morocco’s ratio of export revenues compared to the cost of imported goods is low, suggesting weak terms of trade.

With only six procedures required to start up a new business, Morocco has comparatively few barriers to entry for new businesses and registered 18,520 new companies in 2007, ranking the country 39th on this variable. Value added in the service sector ranks Morocco 59th on this measure, contributing to 57% of GDP. However, high-tech products account for only 10% of exports, whilst ICT exports contribute just 6.5%. Internet bandwidth is extremely high; however, the availability of secure internet servers ranks the country at 77th, on this variable. Similarly, personal computer ownership rates are very low at just three computers per 100 people and R&D expenditure is equivalent to only 0.4% of GDP. The level of royalty receipts ranks Morocco near the global average at 58th.

Morocco has an independent judiciary and well-regulated elections, featuring multi-party competition for positions in the legislature. However, its citizens are limited in their ability to directly influence political decision making. This is largely because the executive is appointed and thus the country retains characteristics of an autocracy. Political rights are also limited, although civil liberties are better protected. Morocco’s current political system is relatively young by global standards, with the last fundamental regime change occurring less than 50 years ago.

Primary school enrolment rates in Morocco are average at 88%, and the student to teacher ratio is 27 pupils per teacher, ranking Morocco in the bottom third on both variables. Secondary school enrolment drops to 52%, and tertiary enrolment to 12%, ranking the country 86th and 78th on these variables, respectively. There is also significant gender inequality, with just 87 girls to every 100 boys in primary and secondary education, ranking Morocco 96th on this measure. The average amount of tertiary schooling possessed by workers is 3.4 years, which is in line with global averages, but secondary schooling is below the global average at 4.1 years. Morocco is ranked 60th for expenditure on primary and secondary education, spending a comparatively low $1,072 per student.

In Morocco, 86% of respondents reported themselves in good health, ranking the country 25th on this variable.* A further 73% of people describe themselves as well rested, the number reporting health problems is in line with the global average at 25%, and the number who reported experiencing pain recently is also at 25%.* Health-adjusted life expectancy is 60 years, and undernourishment is comparatively low at 6%, ranking the country 54th, internationally. Satisfaction with water quality is also reasonable, at 72%, but access to improved sanitation, also at 72%, ranks 71st, globally. There are only five doctors and nurses per 10,000 people and less than one hospital bed per 1,000, placing Morocco 79th and 80th respectively on these measures. In addition, the infant mortality rate is high at 36 deaths per thousand births, ranking the country 80th, globally.

The homicide rate in Morocco is the fifth lowest in the world. Levels of theft are also low at 11%, and assault is average at 5%, for which Morocco ranks 31st and 51st, respectively.* There were no casualties due to civil or ethnic war in 2008, and 66% of people feel safe walking alone at night, in line with global averages.* Morocco does face some challenges relating to the presence of refugees and internally displaced people, ranking the country 79th on this variable. Group grievance and human flight are also concerns, ranking Morocco below the global average on both variables. Additionally, Morocco scores below the international median on variables assessing government use of violent methods against its own citizens, such as torture or political imprisonment.

The quality and fairness of enforcement of the rule of law, and the quality of regulation in business and commerce, are both below average, ranking the country 55th and 61st, respectively. The effectiveness of the government process in implementing policy is similarly below the international median, ranking 58th, globally. Furthermore, Moroccan citizens’ rights to self determination in a political context are limited and mistrust in public bodies is widespread. More than nine out of 10 Moroccans believe that corruption is prevalent in business and local government, and only 28% of the population believe that elections are honest, ranking in the bottom 20, internationally, on all three variables.* However, confidence in the courts and judiciary is in line with international averages at 59% and confidence in the military is high at 87%.

Morocco ranks poorly on variables relating to freedom of movement and religion by international standards, yet 70% of the population are satisfied with the amount of choice they have in their lives.* Tolerance for ethnic minorities and immigrants is also low, as just 57% of respondents agreed that the country was a good place for ethnic groups, ranking Morocco 81st, internationally.*

Although the importance placed upon friends is high, ranking Morocco 35th, globally, only 13% of Moroccans believe that others can be trusted.* Further, only 32% have helped a stranger, ranking the country 90th on this variable, and only 4% of Moroccans report having volunteered, ranking the country 103rd on this variable.* Levels of religious practice are in line with global averages, ranking the country 60th and suggesting some access to religious support networks.* Membership of social organisations is comparatively low, with 5% of respondents reporting membership of religious institutions, 13% belonging to a sports club, and 7% associated with an arts organisation. Overall, membership levels place Morocco 53rd in the global rankings. However, the percentage of the population that note they have donated money to charity in the previous month is high at 55%, ranking the country 16th on this variable.*

* Data taken from the Gallup World Poll

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