South Africa vs Morocco
South Africa has a population of 63.1M, compared to Morocco's 36.8M. South Africa is 1.7 times more populous than Morocco. Economically, South Africa ($401.1B) has a GDP 2.5 times larger than Morocco's ($160.6B). South Africa covers 1,221,037 km², 2.7 times larger than Morocco's 446,550 km². Life expectancy in Morocco stands at 75.3 years, 9.2 years higher than South Africa's 66.1 years.
South AfricaMorocco| Population | +71.3%63.1M | -41.6%36.8M |
| Area | +173.4%1,221,037 km² | -63.4%446,550 km² |
| GDP | +149.8%$401.1B | -60.0%$160.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | +50.9%$6,267.187 | -33.7%$4,153.194 |
| Life Expectancy | -12.2%66.1 yrs | +13.9%75.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +57.4%24.4 | -36.5%15.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +259.9%32.4% | -72.2%9.0% |
| Capital | Pretoria | Rabat |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu | Arabic, Berber |
| Currencies | ZAR (R) | 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
South Africa is 1.7 times more populous than Morocco, with 63.1M residents compared to 36.8M. South Africa is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Morocco is a nation of 36.8M people. In terms of population density, South Africa averages 52 people per km² (moderate), while Morocco averages 82 people per km² (moderate). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
South Africa is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Morocco is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The South Africa economy ($401.1B) is 2.5 times larger than Morocco's ($160.6B). South Africa's GDP per capita of $6,267.187 is 185% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 South Africa are on average 1.5 times wealthier than those in Morocco.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Africa is 66.1 years, compared to 75.3 years in Morocco, a gap of 9.2 years. Morocco (75.3 years) is 3.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while South Africa (66.1 years) is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 24.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, South Africa's infant mortality is 57% higher than Morocco's 15.5.
Geographic Comparison
South Africa (1,221,037 km²) is 2.7 times larger by land area than Morocco (446,550 km²). South Africa shares borders with 6 countries, while Morocco borders 3 countries. South Africa spans 1 timezone, compared to Morocco's 1 timezone. Both South Africa and Morocco are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Africa and Northern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Africa and Morocco is in land area: South Africa's 1,221,037 km² compared to Morocco's 446,550 km² represents a 63% gap. The most significant difference between South Africa and Morocco is in GDP: South Africa's $401.1B compared to Morocco's $160.6B represents a 60% gap. The most significant difference between South Africa and Morocco is in population: South Africa's 63.1M compared to Morocco's 36.8M represents a 42% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Africa's upper-middle-income economy and Morocco's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
South Africa has a GDP per capita of $6,267.187, which is 1.5x 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 South Africa is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Morocco is 1.6x more densely populated than South Africa (82 vs 52 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. South Africa's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Morocco live an average of 9.2 years longer than those of South Africa (75.3 vs 66.1 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 South Africa's 0.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Morocco has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
South Africa vs Morocco for Families
For family travel, Morocco generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (15.5 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Africa offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. 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.
South Africa 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 South Africa. However, South Africa may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
South Africa vs Morocco for Retirees
Morocco's life expectancy of 75.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. South Africa 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.
South Africa vs Morocco Cost of Living
South Africa's GDP per capita is 1.5x that of Morocco, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Africa, 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 South Africa's smaller cities.
South Africa vs Morocco for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Africa and Morocco, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Africa 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, South Africa or Morocco by population?
South Africa is larger by population, with 63.1M residents compared to Morocco's 36.8M. South Africa is 1.7 times more populous than Morocco.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Africa or Morocco?
South Africa has the higher GDP at $401.1B, compared to Morocco's $160.6B. South Africa's economy is 2.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between South Africa and Morocco?
Morocco has a higher life expectancy at 75.3 years, compared to South Africa's 66.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.2 years. South Africa's life expectancy is 5.9 years below 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, South Africa or Morocco?
South Africa is larger by land area, covering 1,221,037 km² compared to Morocco's 446,550 km². South Africa is 2.7 times larger than Morocco.
What languages are spoken in South Africa and Morocco?
South Africa recognizes the following languages: Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu. Morocco recognizes: Arabic, Berber. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Africa or Morocco?
Morocco has lower inflation at 1.0%, compared to South Africa's 4.4%. Morocco's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while South Africa's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is South Africa or Morocco better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Morocco generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (15.5 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Africa offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-frie...
Is South Africa 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 South Africa. However, South Africa may offer be...
Is South Africa or Morocco better for retirement?
Morocco's life expectancy of 75.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. South Africa may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, ...
Is South Africa or Morocco more expensive to live in?
South Africa's GDP per capita is 1.5x that of Morocco, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Africa, while Morocco offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sig...
Is South Africa or Morocco better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Africa and Morocco, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Africa spans 1 timezone while Morocco covers 1. Morocco's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching r...