Morocco's fertility rate drops to 1.97 children per woman, below replacement level
via Le Matin2 min read
A recent study by the French National Institute of Demographic Studies indicates that Morocco's average number of children per woman has fallen to 1.97 in 2024. This figure places the Kingdom below the generational replacement threshold of 2.1 children per woman, suggesting a potential gradual decline in birth rates. Unlike neighboring Maghreb countries such as Algeria and Tunisia, which experienced periods of fertility increase in the 2000s and 2010s, Morocco has shown a consistent downward trend without significant rebounds. This decline is largely attributed to the increased use of contraception. In Morocco, 70% of married women aged 15 to 49 now use a contraceptive method, a significant rise from approximately 40% in the 1990s. Modern contraceptive methods, including the pill, IUD, injections, implants, and sterilization, are particularly prevalent, used by 58% of married women. This trend suggests that the decrease in Moroccan fertility is not primarily due to women marrying later. In fact, the average age for women at first marriage decreased from 26.3 years in 2004 to 24.6 years in 2024, while for men, it increased from 31.2 to 32.4 years over the same period. This indicates that couples are having fewer children and exercising greater control over births, with the peak fertility remaining concentrated among women aged 25 to 29, and the average age of maternity stable at around 30. The transformation also reflects broader societal factors. The rising cost of living, ex
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Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan presided over the 17th Mohammed VI International Athletics Meeting, held under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI. This event highlights the King's sustained interest in sports as a driver for human development, inclusion, social cohesion, and youth empowerment. It also underscores the King's focus on athletics, which embodies values of perseverance and fair play, and his commitment to providing optimal conditions for young people to excel. Upon his arrival at the Olympic Stadium, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan reviewed a section of the Royal Guard and was greeted by several dignitaries, including the Minister of National Education, Preschool and Sports, Mohamed Saad Berrada, and the president of the Moroccan National Olympic Committee, Faïçal Laraichi. He was also greeted by the president of the Royal Moroccan Athletics Federation, Abdeslam Ahizoune, and the director of the Diamond League circuit, Petr Stastny. The Crown Prince then attended the national anthem and a balloon release, marking the start of the international competition, which features top global athletes and is broadcast live on 150 channels. He observed various high-level competitions where athletes set new meeting records. Established on June 14, 2008, the Mohammed VI International Athletics Meeting in Rabat is a key part of the Royal Moroccan Athletics Federation's development plan, aligned with King Mohammed VI's directives. This event annually attracts world-class athletes
Moroccan runner Soufiane El Bakkali secured a victory in the 3,000m steeplechase at the Mohammed VI International Meeting, held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Olympic Stadium. El Bakkali, a double Olympic and world champion, achieved the best world performance of the year with a time of 7 minutes, 57 seconds, and 25 hundredths. He stated that this win, marking the third stage of the Diamond League, motivates him to pursue the ultimate 3,000m steeplechase world record of 7 minutes, 53 seconds, and 63 hundredths. El Bakkali noted that starting his season with such a strong time reinforces his quest for the world record, which he believes requires specific conditions, rigorous preparation, and a well-defined strategy. He acknowledged the high level of competition, particularly from Kenyan, Ethiopian, and European athletes. El Bakkali views this victory as a positive sign for upcoming events in Stockholm and Doha, as well as the Los Angeles Olympic Games. The Mohammed VI International Meeting, held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, brought together athletes from 40 countries, including Olympic and world champions. The event is a collaboration between the Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports, the Moroccan National Olympic Committee, the Royal Moroccan Athletics Federation, and the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region.
Cosumar recorded a consolidated revenue of 2.2 billion dirhams in the first quarter of 2026, a 17.3% decrease compared to the same period last year. This decline is attributed to temporary logistical disruptions caused by exceptional weather conditions affecting port flows and distribution, as well as a decrease in global sugar prices since 2025. Consolidated sales volumes reached 461,000 tons by the end of March 2026, down 53,000 tons from the previous year. The group expects to recover volumes in the coming months due to its industrial and logistical capacities, including a daily refining capacity exceeding 7,000 tons. Net debt increased to 986 million dirhams from 206 million dirhams at the end of December 2025, mainly due to a larger agricultural campaign. Investments totaled 25 million dirhams, primarily for maintenance and industrial upgrades. Preparations for the 2026 agricultural campaign are favorable, supported by significant rainfall across the Kingdom, leading to the highest dam filling rates in ten years. While floods in the Gharb and Loukkos regions partially affected sugar crops, national sugar production growth prospects remain positive. Cosumar maintained regular national sugar supply through its storage and refining capacities and resilient logistics. Global sugar prices continued their downward trend in early 2026 but rebounded 10% to 15% in March due to macroeconomic and geopolitical factors and less favorable Indian export outlooks. Cosumar maintains its
New strikes between Iran and the United States have further complicated indirect negotiations aimed at ending the conflict, which began on February 28 with a joint Israeli-American attack on Iran. Tehran reiterated on Monday that the Iranian nuclear program is not currently part of discussions, contrary to Donald Trump's expectations. Iran's diplomatic spokesperson, Esmaïl Baghaï, also stated that a ceasefire in Lebanon, where its ally Hezbollah is fighting Israel, is an essential condition for any agreement. The US military announced it conducted a new wave of "defensive" strikes on southern Iran on Saturday and Sunday, the third in just over a week. These bombings targeted radar and drone control systems in Goruk and Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the US Central Command Centcom on Sunday evening. These operations were in response to aggressive actions by Iran, including the destruction of a US MQ-1 drone operating over international waters. The Revolutionary Guards claimed on Monday to have attacked a base used by the US military for strikes against its territory, without naming the country where they struck. Kuwait reported intercepting "hostile" missiles and drones, attributing the attack to Iran. Washington and Tehran had previously accused each other on Thursday of violating the ceasefire in effect since April 8, following US strikes on southern Iran and an attack on Kuwait. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths, primarily in Iran and Leba