Morocco vs Malaysia
Morocco has a population of 36.8M, compared to Malaysia's 34.2M. Morocco is 1.1 times more populous than Malaysia. Economically, Malaysia ($422.2B) has a GDP 2.6 times larger than Morocco's ($160.6B). Morocco covers 446,550 km², 1.3 times larger than Malaysia's 330,803 km². Life expectancy in Malaysia stands at 76.7 years, 1.3 years higher than Morocco's 75.3 years.
MoroccoMalaysia| Population | +7.6%36.8M | -7.1%34.2M |
| Area | +35.0%446,550 km² | -25.9%330,803 km² |
| GDP | -62.0%$160.6B | +162.9%$422.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | -65.0%$4,153.194 | +185.9%$11,874.427 |
| Life Expectancy | -1.8%75.3 yrs | +1.8%76.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +127.9%15.5 | -56.1%6.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +139.1%9.0% | -58.2%3.8% |
| Capital | Rabat | Kuala Lumpur |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic, Berber | English, Malay |
| Currencies | MAD (د.م.) | MYR (RM) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Morocco is 1.1 times more populous than Malaysia, with 36.8M residents compared to 34.2M. Morocco is a nation of 36.8M people, while Malaysia is a nation of 34.2M people. In terms of population density, Morocco averages 82 people per km² (moderate), while Malaysia averages 103 people per km² (moderate). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Morocco is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Malaysia is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Malaysia economy ($422.2B) is 2.6 times larger than Morocco's ($160.6B). Morocco's GDP per capita of $4,153.194 is 89% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Malaysia's GDP per capita of $11,874.427 is 6% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Malaysia are on average 2.9 times wealthier than those in Morocco.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Morocco is 75.3 years, compared to 76.7 years in Malaysia, a gap of 1.3 years. Malaysia (76.7 years) is 4.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Morocco (75.3 years) is 3.3 years above the global average of 72 years. At 15.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Morocco's infant mortality is 128% higher than Malaysia's 6.8.
Geographic Comparison
Morocco (446,550 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Malaysia (330,803 km²). Morocco shares borders with 3 countries, while Malaysia borders 3 countries. Morocco spans 1 timezone, compared to Malaysia's 1 timezone. Morocco lies in Africa, while Malaysia is located in Asia. Morocco is categorized within the Africa region (Northern Africa), whereas Malaysia belongs to Asia (South-Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Morocco and Malaysia is in GDP per capita: Morocco's $4,153.194 compared to Malaysia's $11,874.427 represents a 65% gap. The most significant difference between Morocco and Malaysia is in GDP: Morocco's $160.6B compared to Malaysia's $422.2B represents a 62% gap. The most significant difference between Morocco and Malaysia is in infant mortality: Morocco's 15.5 per 1,000 compared to Malaysia's 6.8 per 1,000 represents a 56% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Morocco's lower-middle-income economy and Malaysia's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Malaysia has a GDP per capita of $11,874.427, which is 2.9x that of Morocco ($4,153.194). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Malaysia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Malaysia is 1.3x more densely populated than Morocco (103 vs 82 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Morocco's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Malaysia live an average of 1.3 years longer than those of Morocco (76.7 vs 75.3 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Malaysia's economy grew at 5.1% compared to Morocco's 3.8%. Malaysia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Morocco vs Malaysia for Families
For family travel, Malaysia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.8 vs 15.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Morocco offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Malaysia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Morocco vs Malaysia for Budget Travelers
Morocco is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,153.194 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Morocco can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Malaysia. However, Malaysia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Morocco vs Malaysia for Retirees
Malaysia's life expectancy of 76.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Morocco may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Morocco vs Malaysia Cost of Living
Malaysia's GDP per capita is 2.9x that of Morocco, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Malaysia, while Morocco offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Morocco can approach or exceed average costs in Malaysia's smaller cities.
Morocco vs Malaysia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Morocco and Malaysia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Morocco spans 1 timezone while Malaysia covers 1. Morocco's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Morocco or Malaysia by population?
Morocco is larger by population, with 36.8M residents compared to Malaysia's 34.2M. Morocco is 1.1 times more populous than Malaysia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Morocco or Malaysia?
Malaysia has the higher GDP at $422.2B, compared to Morocco's $160.6B. Malaysia's economy is 2.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Morocco and Malaysia?
Malaysia has a higher life expectancy at 76.7 years, compared to Morocco's 75.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.3 years. Morocco's life expectancy is 3.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Malaysia's is 4.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Morocco or Malaysia?
Morocco is larger by land area, covering 446,550 km² compared to Malaysia's 330,803 km². Morocco is 1.3 times larger than Malaysia.
What languages are spoken in Morocco and Malaysia?
Morocco recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Berber. Malaysia recognizes: English, Malay. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Morocco or Malaysia?
Morocco has lower inflation at 1.0%, compared to Malaysia's 1.8%. Morocco's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Malaysia's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Morocco or Malaysia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Malaysia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.8 vs 15.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Morocco offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly ...
Is Morocco or Malaysia cheaper to visit?
Morocco is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,153.194 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Morocco can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Malaysia. However, Malaysia may offer better val...
Is Morocco or Malaysia better for retirement?
Malaysia's life expectancy of 76.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Morocco may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clim...
Is Morocco or Malaysia more expensive to live in?
Malaysia's GDP per capita is 2.9x that of Morocco, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Malaysia, while Morocco offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Morocco or Malaysia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Morocco and Malaysia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Morocco spans 1 timezone while Malaysia covers 1. Morocco's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote in...