SpainMorocco
Spain has a population of 49.3M, compared to Morocco's 36.8M. Spain is 1.3 times more populous than Morocco. Economically, Spain ($1.73T) has a GDP 10.7 times larger than Morocco's ($160.6B). Spain covers 505,992 km², 1.1 times larger than Morocco's 446,550 km². Life expectancy in Spain stands at 83.9 years, 8.6 years higher than Morocco's 75.3 years.
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Metric
SpainMorocco| Population | 49.3M | 36.8M |
| Area | 505,992 km² | 446,550 km² |
| GDP | $1.73T | $160.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | $35,326.768 | $4,153.194 |
| Life Expectancy | 83.9 yrs | 75.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 2.6 | 15.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 10.4% | 9.0% |
| Capital | Madrid | Rabat |
| Region | Europe | Africa |
| Languages | Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician | Arabic, Berber |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | MAD (د.م.) |
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
Spain is 1.3 times more populous than Morocco, with 49.3M residents compared to 36.8M. Spain is a nation of 49.3M people, while Morocco is a nation of 36.8M people. In terms of population density, Spain averages 97 people per km² (moderate), while Morocco averages 82 people per km² (moderate). Spain has grown at 0.37% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Morocco.
Economy Comparison
Spain is classified as a high-income economy, while Morocco is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Spain economy ($1.73T) is 10.7 times larger than Morocco's ($160.6B). Spain's GDP per capita of $35,326.768 is 26% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Morocco's GDP per capita of $4,153.194 is 89% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Spain are on average 8.5 times wealthier than those in Morocco.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Spain is 83.9 years, compared to 75.3 years in Morocco, a gap of 8.6 years. Spain (83.9 years) is 11.9 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 496% higher than Spain's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Spain (505,992 km²) is 1.1 times larger by land area than Morocco (446,550 km²). Spain shares borders with 5 countries, while Morocco borders 3 countries. Spain spans 2 timezones, compared to Morocco's 1 timezone. Spain lies in Europe, while Morocco is located in Africa. Spain is categorized within the Europe region (Southern Europe), whereas Morocco belongs to Africa (Northern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Spain and Morocco is in GDP: Spain's $1.73T compared to Morocco's $160.6B represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Spain and Morocco is in GDP per capita: Spain's $35,326.768 compared to Morocco's $4,153.194 represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Spain and Morocco is in infant mortality: Spain's 2.6 per 1,000 compared to Morocco's 15.5 per 1,000 represents a 83% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Spain's high-income economy and Morocco's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Spain has a GDP per capita of $35,326.768, which is 8.5x 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 Spain is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Spain is 1.2x more densely populated than Morocco (97 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 Spain live an average of 8.6 years longer than those of Morocco (83.9 vs 75.3 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
Morocco's economy grew at 3.8% compared to Spain's 3.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Morocco has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Spain vs Morocco for Families
For family travel, Spain generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 15.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Morocco offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Spain's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Spain vs Morocco 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 Spain. However, Spain may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Spain vs Morocco for Retirees
Spain's life expectancy of 83.9 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.
Spain vs Morocco Cost of Living
Spain's GDP per capita is 8.5x that of Morocco, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Spain, 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 Spain's smaller cities.
Spain vs Morocco for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Spain and Morocco, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Spain spans 2 timezones while Morocco 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, Spain or Morocco by population?
Spain is larger by population, with 49.3M residents compared to Morocco's 36.8M. Spain is 1.3 times more populous than Morocco.
Which country has a higher GDP, Spain or Morocco?
Spain has the higher GDP at $1.73T, compared to Morocco's $160.6B. Spain's economy is 10.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Spain and Morocco?
Spain has a higher life expectancy at 83.9 years, compared to Morocco's 75.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.6 years. Spain's life expectancy is 11.9 years above the global average of 72 years, while Morocco's is 3.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Spain or Morocco?
Spain is larger by land area, covering 505,992 km² compared to Morocco's 446,550 km². Spain is 1.1 times larger than Morocco.
What languages are spoken in Spain and Morocco?
Spain recognizes the following languages: Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician. Morocco recognizes: Arabic, Berber. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Spain or Morocco?
Morocco has lower inflation at 1.0%, compared to Spain's 2.8%. Morocco's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Spain's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Spain or Morocco better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Spain generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 15.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Morocco offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries...
Is Spain or Morocco 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 Spain. However, Spain may offer better value in ...
Is Spain or Morocco better for retirement?
Spain's life expectancy of 83.9 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...
Is Spain or Morocco more expensive to live in?
Spain's GDP per capita is 8.5x that of Morocco, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Spain, while Morocco offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Spain or Morocco better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Spain and Morocco, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Spain spans 2 timezones while Morocco covers 1. Morocco's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income....