Morocco vs Malawi
Morocco has a population of 36.8M, compared to Malawi's 20.7M. Morocco is 1.8 times more populous than Malawi. Economically, Morocco ($160.6B) has a GDP 14.2 times larger than Malawi's ($11.3B). Morocco covers 446,550 km², 3.8 times larger than Malawi's 118,484 km². Life expectancy in Morocco stands at 75.3 years, 8.0 years higher than Malawi's 67.4 years.
MoroccoMalawi| Population | +77.6%36.8M | -43.7%20.7M |
| Area | +276.9%446,550 km² | -73.5%118,484 km² |
| GDP | +1319.3%$160.6B | -93.0%$11.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +694.8%$4,153.194 | -87.4%$522.57 |
| Life Expectancy | +11.8%75.3 yrs | -10.6%67.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -47.3%15.5 | +89.7%29.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +77.4%9.0% | -43.6%5.1% |
| Capital | Rabat | Lilongwe |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, Berber | English, Chewa |
| Currencies | MAD (د.م.) | MWK (MK) |
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 1.8 times more populous than Malawi, with 36.8M residents compared to 20.7M. Morocco is a nation of 36.8M people, while Malawi is a nation of 20.7M people. In terms of population density, Morocco averages 82 people per km² (moderate), while Malawi averages 175 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 Malawi is classified as a low-income economy. The Morocco economy ($160.6B) is 14.2 times larger than Malawi's ($11.3B). Morocco's GDP per capita of $4,153.194 is 89% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Malawi's GDP per capita of $522.57 is 76% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Morocco are on average 7.9 times wealthier than those in Malawi.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Morocco is 75.3 years, compared to 67.4 years in Malawi, a gap of 8.0 years. Morocco (75.3 years) is 3.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Malawi (67.4 years) is 4.6 years below the global average of 72 years. At 29.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Malawi's infant mortality is 90% higher than Morocco's 15.5.
Geographic Comparison
Morocco (446,550 km²) is 3.8 times larger by land area than Malawi (118,484 km²). Morocco shares borders with 3 countries, while Malawi borders 3 countries. Morocco spans 1 timezone, compared to Malawi's 1 timezone. Both Morocco and Malawi 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 Malawi is in GDP: Morocco's $160.6B compared to Malawi's $11.3B represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Morocco and Malawi is in GDP per capita: Morocco's $4,153.194 compared to Malawi's $522.57 represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Morocco and Malawi is in land area: Morocco's 446,550 km² compared to Malawi's 118,484 km² represents a 73% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Morocco's lower-middle-income economy and Malawi'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 7.9x that of Malawi ($522.57). 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
Malawi is 2.1x more densely populated than Morocco (175 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 Morocco live an average of 8.0 years longer than those of Malawi (75.3 vs 67.4 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 Malawi's 1.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Morocco has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Morocco vs Malawi for Families
For family travel, Morocco generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (15.5 vs 29.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Malawi offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. 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 Malawi for Budget Travelers
Malawi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $522.57 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Malawi 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 Malawi for Retirees
Morocco's life expectancy of 75.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Malawi 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 Malawi Cost of Living
Morocco's GDP per capita is 7.9x that of Malawi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Morocco, while Malawi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Malawi can approach or exceed average costs in Morocco's smaller cities.
Morocco vs Malawi for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Morocco and Malawi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Morocco spans 1 timezone while Malawi covers 1. Malawi'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 Malawi by population?
Morocco is larger by population, with 36.8M residents compared to Malawi's 20.7M. Morocco is 1.8 times more populous than Malawi.
Which country has a higher GDP, Morocco or Malawi?
Morocco has the higher GDP at $160.6B, compared to Malawi's $11.3B. Morocco's economy is 14.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Morocco and Malawi?
Morocco has a higher life expectancy at 75.3 years, compared to Malawi's 67.4 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.0 years. Morocco's life expectancy is 3.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Malawi's is 4.6 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Morocco or Malawi?
Morocco is larger by land area, covering 446,550 km² compared to Malawi's 118,484 km². Morocco is 3.8 times larger than Malawi.
What languages are spoken in Morocco and Malawi?
Morocco recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Berber. Malawi recognizes: English, Chewa. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Morocco or Malawi?
Morocco has lower inflation at 1.0%, compared to Malawi's 32.2%. Morocco's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Malawi's rate is severely elevated at 32.2%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Morocco or Malawi better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Morocco generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (15.5 vs 29.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Malawi offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countri...
Is Morocco or Malawi cheaper to visit?
Malawi is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $522.57 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Malawi can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Morocco. However, Morocco may offer better value in s...
Is Morocco or Malawi better for retirement?
Morocco's life expectancy of 75.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Malawi may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climat...
Is Morocco or Malawi more expensive to live in?
Morocco's GDP per capita is 7.9x that of Malawi, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Morocco, while Malawi offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Morocco or Malawi better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Morocco and Malawi, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Morocco spans 1 timezone while Malawi covers 1. Malawi's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income....