MoroccoBenin
Morocco has a population of 36.8M, compared to Benin's 13.2M. Morocco is 2.8 times more populous than Benin. Economically, Morocco ($160.6B) has a GDP 7.5 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Morocco covers 446,550 km², 4.0 times larger than Benin's 112,622 km². Life expectancy in Morocco stands at 75.3 years, 14.5 years higher than Benin's 60.8 years.
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Metric
MoroccoBenin| Population | 36.8M | 13.2M |
| Area | 446,550 km² | 112,622 km² |
| GDP | $160.6B | $21.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | $4,153.194 | $1,485.38 |
| Life Expectancy | 75.3 yrs | 60.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 15.5 | 46.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 9.0% | 1.6% |
| Capital | Rabat | Porto-Novo |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic, Berber | French |
| Currencies | MAD (د.م.) | XOF (Fr) |
Last updated: April 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 2.8 times more populous than Benin, with 36.8M residents compared to 13.2M. Morocco is a nation of 36.8M people, while Benin is a nation of 13.2M people. In terms of population density, Morocco averages 82 people per km² (moderate), while Benin averages 117 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 Benin is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Morocco economy ($160.6B) is 7.5 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Morocco's GDP per capita of $4,153.194 is 89% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Benin's GDP per capita of $1,485.38 is 32% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Morocco are on average 2.8 times wealthier than those in Benin.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Morocco is 75.3 years, compared to 60.8 years in Benin, a gap of 14.5 years. Morocco (75.3 years) is 3.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Benin (60.8 years) is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Benin's infant mortality is 199% higher than Morocco's 15.5.
Geographic Comparison
Morocco (446,550 km²) is 4.0 times larger by land area than Benin (112,622 km²). Morocco shares borders with 3 countries, while Benin borders 4 countries. Morocco spans 1 timezone, compared to Benin's 1 timezone. Both Morocco and Benin are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Northern Africa and Western Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Morocco and Benin is in GDP: Morocco's $160.6B compared to Benin's $21.5B represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Morocco and Benin is in land area: Morocco's 446,550 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km² represents a 75% gap. The most significant difference between Morocco and Benin is in infant mortality: Morocco's 15.5 per 1,000 compared to Benin's 46.4 per 1,000 represents a 67% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Morocco's lower-middle-income economy and Benin's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Morocco has a GDP per capita of $4,153.194, which is 2.8x that of Benin ($1,485.38). 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
Benin 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 Morocco live an average of 14.5 years longer than those of Benin (75.3 vs 60.8 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
Benin's economy grew at 7.5% compared to Morocco's 3.8%. Benin's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Morocco vs Benin for Families
For family travel, Morocco generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (15.5 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin 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 Benin for Budget Travelers
Benin is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,485.38 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Benin 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 Benin for Retirees
Morocco's life expectancy of 75.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin 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 Benin Cost of Living
Morocco's GDP per capita is 2.8x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Morocco, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Benin can approach or exceed average costs in Morocco's smaller cities.
Morocco vs Benin for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Morocco and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Morocco spans 1 timezone while Benin covers 1. Benin'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 Benin by population?
Morocco is larger by population, with 36.8M residents compared to Benin's 13.2M. Morocco is 2.8 times more populous than Benin.
Which country has a higher GDP, Morocco or Benin?
Morocco has the higher GDP at $160.6B, compared to Benin's $21.5B. Morocco's economy is 7.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Morocco and Benin?
Morocco has a higher life expectancy at 75.3 years, compared to Benin's 60.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 14.5 years. Morocco's life expectancy is 3.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Benin's is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Morocco or Benin?
Morocco is larger by land area, covering 446,550 km² compared to Benin's 112,622 km². Morocco is 4.0 times larger than Benin.
What languages are spoken in Morocco and Benin?
Morocco recognizes the following languages: Arabic, Berber. Benin recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Morocco or Benin?
Morocco has lower inflation at 1.0%, compared to Benin's 1.2%. Morocco's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Benin's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Morocco or Benin better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Morocco generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (15.5 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countrie...
Is Morocco or Benin cheaper to visit?
Benin is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,485.38 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Benin can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Morocco. However, Morocco may offer better value in s...
Is Morocco or Benin better for retirement?
Morocco's life expectancy of 75.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin 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 Morocco or Benin more expensive to live in?
Morocco's GDP per capita is 2.8x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Morocco, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Morocco or Benin better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Morocco and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Morocco spans 1 timezone while Benin covers 1. Benin's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...