Morocco vs Somalia
Morocco has a population of 36.8M, compared to Somalia's 19.7M. Morocco is 1.9 times more populous than Somalia. Economically, Morocco ($160.6B) has a GDP 13.4 times larger than Somalia's ($12.0B). Somalia covers 637,657 km², 1.4 times larger than Morocco's 446,550 km². Life expectancy in Morocco stands at 75.3 years, 16.5 years higher than Somalia's 58.8 years.
MoroccoSomalia| Population | +87.4%36.8M | -46.6%19.7M |
| Area | -30.0%446,550 km² | +42.8%637,657 km² |
| GDP | +1242.1%$160.6B | -92.5%$12.0B |
| GDP Per Capita | +559.7%$4,153.194 | -84.8%$629.539 |
| Life Expectancy | +28.0%75.3 yrs | -21.9%58.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -77.1%15.5 | +337.4%67.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -52.5%9.0% | +110.5%18.9% |
| Capital | Rabat | Mogadishu |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, Berber | Arabic, Somali |
| Currencies | MAD (د.م.) | SOS (Sh) |
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 1.9 times more populous than Somalia, with 36.8M residents compared to 19.7M. Morocco is a nation of 36.8M people, while Somalia is a nation of 19.7M people. In terms of population density, Morocco averages 82 people per km² (moderate), while Somalia averages 31 people per km² (sparse). 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 Somalia is classified as a low-income economy. The Morocco economy ($160.6B) is 13.4 times larger than Somalia's ($12.0B). Morocco's GDP per capita of $4,153.194 is 89% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Somalia's GDP per capita of $629.539 is 71% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Morocco are on average 6.6 times wealthier than those in Somalia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Morocco is 75.3 years, compared to 58.8 years in Somalia, a gap of 16.5 years. Morocco (75.3 years) is 3.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Somalia (58.8 years) is 13.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 67.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, Somalia's infant mortality is 337% higher than Morocco's 15.5.
Geographic Comparison
Somalia (637,657 km²) is 1.4 times larger by land area than Morocco (446,550 km²). Morocco shares borders with 3 countries, while Somalia borders 3 countries. Morocco spans 1 timezone, compared to Somalia's 1 timezone. Both Morocco and Somalia are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Northern Africa and Eastern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Morocco and Somalia is in GDP: Morocco's $160.6B compared to Somalia's $12.0B represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Morocco and Somalia is in GDP per capita: Morocco's $4,153.194 compared to Somalia's $629.539 represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Morocco and Somalia is in infant mortality: Morocco's 15.5 per 1,000 compared to Somalia's 67.8 per 1,000 represents a 77% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Morocco's lower-middle-income economy and Somalia's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Morocco has a GDP per capita of $4,153.194, which is 6.6x that of Somalia ($629.539). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Morocco is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Morocco is 2.7x more densely populated than Somalia (82 vs 31 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Somalia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Morocco live an average of 16.5 years longer than those of Somalia (75.3 vs 58.8 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Economic Momentum
Somalia's economy grew at 4.1% compared to Morocco's 3.8%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Somalia has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Morocco vs Somalia for Families
For family travel, Morocco generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (15.5 vs 67.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Somalia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Morocco's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Morocco vs Somalia for Budget Travelers
Somalia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $629.539 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Somalia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Morocco. However, Morocco 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 Somalia for Retirees
Morocco's life expectancy of 75.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Somalia 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 Somalia Cost of Living
Morocco's GDP per capita is 6.6x that of Somalia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Morocco, while Somalia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Somalia can approach or exceed average costs in Morocco's smaller cities.
Morocco vs Somalia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Morocco and Somalia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Morocco spans 1 timezone while Somalia covers 1. Somalia'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 Somalia by population?
Morocco is larger by population, with 36.8M residents compared to Somalia's 19.7M. Morocco is 1.9 times more populous than Somalia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Morocco or Somalia?
Morocco has the higher GDP at $160.6B, compared to Somalia's $12.0B. Morocco's economy is 13.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Morocco and Somalia?
Morocco has a higher life expectancy at 75.3 years, compared to Somalia's 58.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 16.5 years. Morocco's life expectancy is 3.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Somalia's is 13.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Morocco or Somalia?
Somalia is larger by land area, covering 637,657 km² compared to Morocco's 446,550 km². Somalia is 1.4 times larger than Morocco.
What languages are spoken in Morocco and Somalia?
Morocco recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Berber. Somalia recognizes: Arabic, Somali. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Morocco or Somalia?
Inflation data is not available for Somalia. Morocco's inflation rate is 1.0%.
Is Morocco or Somalia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Morocco generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (15.5 vs 67.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Somalia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly ...
Is Morocco or Somalia cheaper to visit?
Somalia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $629.539 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Somalia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Morocco. However, Morocco may offer better value i...
Is Morocco or Somalia better for retirement?
Morocco's life expectancy of 75.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Somalia may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clima...
Is Morocco or Somalia more expensive to live in?
Morocco's GDP per capita is 6.6x that of Somalia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Morocco, while Somalia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Morocco or Somalia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Morocco and Somalia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Morocco spans 1 timezone while Somalia covers 1. Somalia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inco...