Morocco ranks 111 globally in tobacco use, but big gaps remain between men and women

Moroccans don’t smoke as much as many other countries, but tobacco use is still a public health concern, according to a new report by the CIA’s World Factbook. 

The report says that about 12.3% of the Moroccan population over the age of 15 smokes, placing the country 111th globally in terms of tobacco consumption.

Even though this seems like a relatively low number, the report highlights a big gap between men and women. 

Around 23.7% of Moroccan men smoke, compared to just 0.9% of women. 

Experts say this difference is tied to cultural, religious, and social factors that discourage smoking among women.

Across Africa, Egypt tops the list with a smoking rate of 25.8%, ranking 39th worldwide. 

Morocco comes in at 14th place in Africa, ahead of countries like Namibia and Zambia, but just behind Burkina Faso (12.4%). 

Algeria is higher up with 21.4%, while Tunisia is at 19%. 

On the other hand, Mauritania has one of the lowest rates on the continent with just 8.3%.

Compared to global heavy-smoking nations like Nauru (47.7%), Myanmar (42.2%), and Indonesia (39%), Morocco’s figures seem relatively low. 

In fact, Morocco has the second-lowest smoking rate in the Maghreb, just after Mauritania. 

Still, it lags behind countries like Nigeria (2.6%) and Ghana (2.8%), which are among the lowest in the world.

While Morocco appears to be on the safer side when it comes to tobacco consumption, experts warn that more efforts are needed. 

The low overall rate might look good on paper, but there are still major concerns about the effectiveness of anti-smoking policies. 

Many smokers don’t have access to quitting support programs, and the country’s health coverage is limited in this area.

There’s also the issue of illegally sold tobacco products. The black market is still active in several regions, making cigarettes easily available at cheap prices, especially for young people and low-income groups. 

Reports from the Finance Ministry and the Moroccan Anti-Smoking Authority show that smuggled tobacco is a growing problem, undermining efforts to control the habit.