Census figures clarified: How unemployment and amazigh usage were measured

The High Commission for Planning (HCP) has addressed the intense public debate surrounding the results of the 2024 General Census of Population and Housing, particularly regarding two key issues: the percentage of Amazigh speakers and the unemployment rate in Morocco. 

According to the census, 24.8% of the population uses Amazigh languages in daily life, while the unemployment rate was recorded at 21.3%.  

In its statement, the HCP defended its findings, noting that the census adhered to international standards set by the United Nations Statistics Division. 

The agency explained that the census measures daily language use, distinguishing it from linguistic proficiency, which means individuals who can speak Amazigh but do not use it daily are excluded from the percentage.  

The HCP highlighted that 33.3% of rural residents use Amazigh languages compared to 19.9% in urban areas, resulting in an overall figure of 24.8%. 

This represents a slight decrease from 25.8% in 2014 and 27.5% in 2004. The agency attributed this trend to factors such as urbanization, internal migration, and evolving linguistic practices.  

HCP also outlined its methodology, stating that the census questions were designed to reflect regional linguistic diversity, including variants of Amazigh languages such as Tashlhit, Tamazight, and Tarifit. 

It further noted that the results will inform public policies aimed at promoting Amazigh use in education, culture, and institutions.  

On the unemployment rate, the HCP clarified that the 21.3% figure differs from the results of the Quarterly Labor Force Survey, which is the primary reference for employment data. 

The census uses a simplified approach, including fewer questions, which may result in higher unemployment estimates compared to the more detailed labor survey.  

The HCP acknowledged that its method could misclassify underemployed individuals as unemployed and miss some temporary or irregular jobs due to its shorter reference period. 

By contrast, the labor survey, conducted quarterly in line with International Labor Organization standards, provides more detailed and frequent data on employment, unemployment, and inactivity.  

The HCP said that similar discrepancies in the 2014 census, where unemployment was estimated at 16% compared to 9% in the labor survey. 

The agency noted that such differences are not unique to Morocco but are common internationally, underscoring the need to consider context and methodology when interpreting labor market data.  

The HCP reaffirmed that its census and labor survey complement each other, offering distinct insights to guide policy and decision-making.