Italy vs Morocco
Italy has a population of 58.9M, compared to Morocco's 36.8M. Italy is 1.6 times more populous than Morocco. Economically, Italy ($2.38T) has a GDP 14.8 times larger than Morocco's ($160.6B). Morocco covers 446,550 km², 1.5 times larger than Italy's 301,336 km². Life expectancy in Italy stands at 83.7 years, 8.4 years higher than Morocco's 75.3 years.
| Population | +60.0%58.9M | -37.5%36.8M |
| Area | -32.5%301,336 km² | +48.2%446,550 km² |
| GDP | +1382.4%$2.38T | -93.3%$160.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | +872.4%$40,385.341 | -89.7%$4,153.194 |
| Life Expectancy | +11.1%83.7 yrs | -10.0%75.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -85.2%2.3 | +573.9%15.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -29.0%6.4% | +40.8%9.0% |
| Capital | Rome | Rabat |
| Region | Europe | Africa |
| Languages | Italian, Catalan | 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
Italy is 1.6 times more populous than Morocco, with 58.9M residents compared to 36.8M. Italy is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Morocco is a nation of 36.8M people. In terms of population density, Italy averages 196 people per km² (moderate), while Morocco averages 82 people per km² (moderate). Italy has grown at -0.22% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Morocco.
Economy Comparison
Italy is classified as a high-income economy, while Morocco is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Italy economy ($2.38T) is 14.8 times larger than Morocco's ($160.6B). Italy's GDP per capita of $40,385.341 is 44% 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 Italy are on average 9.7 times wealthier than those in Morocco.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Italy is 83.7 years, compared to 75.3 years in Morocco, a gap of 8.4 years. Italy (83.7 years) is 11.7 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 574% higher than Italy's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Morocco (446,550 km²) is 1.5 times larger by land area than Italy (301,336 km²). Italy shares borders with 6 countries, while Morocco borders 3 countries. Italy spans 1 timezone, compared to Morocco's 1 timezone. Italy lies in Europe, while Morocco is located in Africa. Italy is categorized within the Europe region (Southern Europe), whereas Morocco belongs to Africa (Northern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Italy and Morocco is in GDP: Italy's $2.38T compared to Morocco's $160.6B represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Morocco is in GDP per capita: Italy's $40,385.341 compared to Morocco's $4,153.194 represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Morocco is in infant mortality: Italy's 2.3 per 1,000 compared to Morocco's 15.5 per 1,000 represents a 85% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Italy's high-income economy and Morocco's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Italy has a GDP per capita of $40,385.341, which is 9.7x 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 Italy is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Italy is 2.4x more densely populated than Morocco (196 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 Italy live an average of 8.4 years longer than those of Morocco (83.7 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 Italy's 0.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Morocco has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Italy vs Morocco for Families
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 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 Italy's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Italy 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 Italy. However, Italy may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Italy vs Morocco for Retirees
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 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.
Italy vs Morocco Cost of Living
Italy's GDP per capita is 9.7x that of Morocco, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, 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 Italy's smaller cities.
Italy vs Morocco for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Morocco, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone 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, Italy or Morocco by population?
Italy is larger by population, with 58.9M residents compared to Morocco's 36.8M. Italy is 1.6 times more populous than Morocco.
Which country has a higher GDP, Italy or Morocco?
Italy has the higher GDP at $2.38T, compared to Morocco's $160.6B. Italy's economy is 14.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Italy and Morocco?
Italy has a higher life expectancy at 83.7 years, compared to Morocco's 75.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.4 years. Italy's life expectancy is 11.7 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, Italy or Morocco?
Morocco is larger by land area, covering 446,550 km² compared to Italy's 301,336 km². Morocco is 1.5 times larger than Italy.
What languages are spoken in Italy and Morocco?
Italy recognizes the following languages: Italian, Catalan. Morocco recognizes: Arabic, Berber. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Italy or Morocco?
Italy has lower inflation at 1.0%, compared to Morocco's 1.0%. Italy's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Morocco's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Italy or Morocco better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 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 att...
Is Italy 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 Italy. However, Italy may offer better value in ...
Is Italy or Morocco better for retirement?
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 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...
Is Italy or Morocco more expensive to live in?
Italy's GDP per capita is 9.7x that of Morocco, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, while Morocco offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Italy or Morocco better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Morocco, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone while Morocco covers 1. Morocco's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...