Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Prospects for the Future
Economic Mobility
Fatima, Driss and Amina would be considered very fortunate in Morocco, where steady in-
come is a rarity and 35% of the average Moroccan income covers basic foodstuffs. Only
10% of Moroccans can afford imported foods at the supermarket, let alone eating at res-
taurants occasionally like Amina. While the gap between rich and poor is growing in Mo-
rocco, Driss and Fatima represent an emerging middle class - though on average, Moroc-
cans make much less in a day than Europeans do in an hour.
Career Opportunities
Driss, Amina and Fatima's incomes come from foreign trade, tourism, farming and remit-
tances from relatives living abroad - broadly representative of the country as a whole. So-
cial security is provided by the family in Morocco, not the government, so like Fatima,
most Moroccans cannot afford to consider retirement. With fierce competition for limited
employment opportunities and spots in state-sponsored universities, even star students like
Amina must rely on family for help - and some take extreme risks to seek opportunities
abroad.
Like many Moroccans born and raised in rural villages, 11-year-old Rashid probably
won't be able to stay home much longer. Since 55% of rural Moroccan families struggle to
meet subsistence-level needs, rural teens often must move to larger towns and cities to find
work and educational opportunities.
Your visit to Morocco can have a positive impact on future prospects for Moroccans like
Driss, Amina and Fatima, but especially Rashid - tourism in rural areas makes it possible
for youth to remain with their families, and avoid an at-risk existence in the city. While
Moroccans are working hard to extend their welcome to visitors, tourism can be a strain on
local resources; your choice of sustainable alternatives can help reverse that pattern, and
make tourism a net benefit for Morocco.
