Morocco vs Portugal
Morocco has a population of 36.8M, compared to Portugal's 10.7M. Morocco is 3.4 times more populous than Portugal. Economically, Portugal ($313.3B) has a GDP 2.0 times larger than Morocco's ($160.6B). Morocco covers 446,550 km², 4.8 times larger than Portugal's 92,090 km². Life expectancy in Portugal stands at 82.3 years, 7.0 years higher than Morocco's 75.3 years.
MoroccoPortugal| Population | +242.6%36.8M | -70.8%10.7M |
| Area | +384.9%446,550 km² | -79.4%92,090 km² |
| GDP | -48.7%$160.6B | +95.0%$313.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -85.8%$4,153.194 | +605.3%$29,292.242 |
| Life Expectancy | -8.5%75.3 yrs | +9.3%82.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +496.2%15.5 | -83.2%2.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +46.0%9.0% | -31.5%6.2% |
| Capital | Rabat | Lisbon |
| Region | Africa | Europe |
| Languages | Arabic, Berber | Portuguese |
| Currencies | MAD (د.م.) | EUR (€) |
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 3.4 times more populous than Portugal, with 36.8M residents compared to 10.7M. Morocco is a nation of 36.8M people, while Portugal is a nation of 10.7M people. In terms of population density, Morocco averages 82 people per km² (moderate), while Portugal averages 117 people per km² (moderate). Portugal has grown at 0.11% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Morocco.
Economy Comparison
Morocco is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Portugal is classified as a high-income economy. The Portugal economy ($313.3B) is 2.0 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. Portugal's GDP per capita of $29,292.242 is 5% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Portugal are on average 7.1 times wealthier than those in Morocco.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Morocco is 75.3 years, compared to 82.3 years in Portugal, a gap of 7.0 years. Portugal (82.3 years) is 10.3 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 Portugal's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Morocco (446,550 km²) is 4.8 times larger by land area than Portugal (92,090 km²). Morocco shares borders with 3 countries, while Portugal borders 1 country. Morocco spans 1 timezone, compared to Portugal's 2 timezones. Morocco lies in Africa, while Portugal is located in Europe. Morocco is categorized within the Africa region (Northern Africa), whereas Portugal belongs to Europe (Southern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Morocco and Portugal is in GDP per capita: Morocco's $4,153.194 compared to Portugal's $29,292.242 represents a 86% gap. The most significant difference between Morocco and Portugal is in infant mortality: Morocco's 15.5 per 1,000 compared to Portugal's 2.6 per 1,000 represents a 83% gap. The most significant difference between Morocco and Portugal is in land area: Morocco's 446,550 km² compared to Portugal's 92,090 km² represents a 79% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Morocco's lower-middle-income economy and Portugal's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Portugal has a GDP per capita of $29,292.242, which is 7.1x 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 Portugal is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Portugal is 1.4x more densely populated than Morocco (117 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 Portugal live an average of 7.0 years longer than those of Morocco (82.3 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 Portugal's 2.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Morocco has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Morocco vs Portugal for Families
For family travel, Portugal 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 more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Portugal's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Morocco vs Portugal 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 Portugal. However, Portugal 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 Portugal for Retirees
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 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 Portugal Cost of Living
Portugal's GDP per capita is 7.1x that of Morocco, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Portugal, 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 Portugal's smaller cities.
Morocco vs Portugal for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Morocco and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Morocco spans 1 timezone while Portugal covers 2. 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 Portugal by population?
Morocco is larger by population, with 36.8M residents compared to Portugal's 10.7M. Morocco is 3.4 times more populous than Portugal.
Which country has a higher GDP, Morocco or Portugal?
Portugal has the higher GDP at $313.3B, compared to Morocco's $160.6B. Portugal's economy is 2.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Morocco and Portugal?
Portugal has a higher life expectancy at 82.3 years, compared to Morocco's 75.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.0 years. Morocco's life expectancy is 3.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Portugal's is 10.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Morocco or Portugal?
Morocco is larger by land area, covering 446,550 km² compared to Portugal's 92,090 km². Morocco is 4.8 times larger than Portugal.
What languages are spoken in Morocco and Portugal?
Morocco recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Berber. Portugal recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Morocco or Portugal?
Morocco has lower inflation at 1.0%, compared to Portugal's 2.4%. Morocco's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Portugal's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Morocco or Portugal better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Portugal 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 more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly ...
Is Morocco or Portugal 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 Portugal. However, Portugal may offer better val...
Is Morocco or Portugal better for retirement?
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 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 Portugal more expensive to live in?
Portugal's GDP per capita is 7.1x that of Morocco, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Portugal, while Morocco offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Morocco or Portugal better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Morocco and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Morocco spans 1 timezone while Portugal covers 2. Morocco's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote in...