Total population | |
---|---|
c. 5 million[1] | |
Regions with significant populations | |
France | 1,600,000[1] |
Spain | 1,000,000[2] |
Belgium | 570,000[1] |
Italy | 500,000[3] |
Netherlands | 415,000[1] |
Germany | 250,000[1] |
Languages | |
Arabic (Moroccan Arabic, Judeo-Moroccan Arabic, Hassaniya Arabic, Jebli Arabic) Berber (Tashlhit, Tarifit, Central Atlas Tamazight) | |
Religion | |
Predominantly Islam Minority Judaism and Christianity[4][5][6] | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Other Berbers, Arabs and Maghrebis |
The Moroccan diaspora (Arabic: الجالية المغربية), part of the wider Arab diaspora, consists of emigrants from Morocco and their descendants. An estimated five million Moroccans live abroad,[7] with the majority of the diaspora being located in Europe, and especially France.
Five million Moroccans live abroad, encompassing a diverse range of roles including executives, high-ranking or well-respected professionals, shopkeepers, teachers, workers, researchers, and artisans.[8] Their remittances and various investments back home, and they are invaluable contributors to both the immaterial and material wealth of Morocco.
Moroccans are one of the largest migrant populations in Europe, with the Moroccan diaspora community living in France estimated at 1,146,000, Spain 766,000, Italy 487,000, the Netherlands 363,000, Belgium 700,000 and Germany 127,000.[1]
The Moroccan diaspora is mainly composed of Sunni Muslims, along with a substantial number of Moroccan Jews especially in Israel.[9]
There is also a minority of Shia Muslims as well a Christian minority, especially in France, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands.[10][11]