Algeria vs Morocco: Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Algeria and Morocco on population, area, economy, geography, language and culture. A detailed side-by-side guide to two of Africa's most-searched countries.
| Metric | Algeria | Morocco |
|---|---|---|
| Capital | Algiers | Rabat |
| Region | North Africa | North Africa |
| Population | 45,400,000 | 37,500,000 |
| Area (km²) | 2,381,741 | 446,550 |
| GDP (USD billion) | $224.1 | $142.9 |
| Currency | Algerian Dinar (DZD) | Moroccan Dirham (MAD) |
| Official language(s) | Arabic, Berber | Arabic, Berber |
| Landlocked | No | No |
| Island nation | No | No |
Population
Algeria has the larger population, with approximately 45,400,000 people compared to Morocco's 37,500,000 — a difference of roughly 17%. Population size affects everything from labor markets and consumer demand to political influence within Africa.
Area and Geography
Algeria covers 2,381,741 km², while Morocco covers 446,550 km². The two countries sit in different parts of the continent: Algeria is in North Africa and Morocco is in North Africa.
Economy
Algeria has the larger nominal GDP at approximately $224.1 billion, compared to $142.9 billion for Morocco. Both economies have distinct strengths and structural challenges that shape their development trajectories.
Language and Culture
Algeria uses Arabic, Berber as official language(s), while Morocco uses Arabic, Berber. These linguistic differences reflect distinct colonial histories and cultural traditions that continue to shape each country's identity, education system and international relationships.
Currency
Algeria uses the Algerian Dinar (DZD) while Morocco uses the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Exchange rates between the two should be checked before any commercial transaction.
Quick Facts
- Algeria has 1.2× the population of Morocco.
- Algeria is 5.3× the size of Morocco by area.
- Both countries are members of the African Union and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).