How Many Moroccans Live in the UK and USA? A Complete Guide to the Moroccan Diaspora

If you have ever wondered how many Moroccans live in the UK and USA, you are tapping into a fascinating story of migration, cultural exchange, and community building. The Moroccan diaspora in the English-speaking world may be smaller than in continental European countries, but it is remarkably vibrant, well-educated, and increasingly influential.

Across the Atlantic, approximately 147,528 people of Moroccan ancestry live in the United States according to the 2020 Census, while in the United Kingdom, estimates range between 40,000 and 70,000 people of Moroccan origin. These communities, though geographically distant from North Africa, have built strong cultural bridges between their adopted countries and their homeland.

The History of Moroccan Immigration to the UK and USA

Moroccans in the United Kingdom

Moroccan migration to the UK began in the 1960s, when workers were recruited for the hotel and catering industries. Unlike the large-scale labour migration to France or the Netherlands, the Moroccan presence in Britain grew more slowly but steadily.

By the 2001 Census, there were 12,348 Moroccan-born residents in the UK. This number rose to 21,880 by the 2011 Census. However, community organisations estimate the total number of people of Moroccan origin — including British-born children and naturalised citizens — to be between 40,000 and 70,000.

The town of Trowbridge in Wiltshire has a particularly notable concentration of Moroccans, so much so that it became the first UK town to be twinned with a city from a Muslim-majority country — Oujda in Morocco. London remains the primary hub, with significant communities also in Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds.

Moroccans in the United States

The Moroccan presence in America has a surprisingly long history. The first known Moroccan to set foot on what is now US soil was Estebanico Al Azemmouri, who arrived in Florida in 1527 as part of a Spanish expedition and later traversed much of the American Southwest.

However, significant Moroccan immigration to the US only began in the late 1970s, driven primarily by university students and professionals. During the 1980s and 1990s, many Moroccans came to attend American colleges, graduate schools, and medical programmes, with many choosing to stay and build their lives.

By 1990, there were approximately 15,000 Moroccan Americans, mostly concentrated in New York City. The 2020 Census recorded 147,528 people of Moroccan ancestry, a figure that reflects steady growth over three decades. Importantly, half of Moroccan immigrants arrived during or after 2000, and the majority hold US citizenship.

Where Do Moroccans Live in the UK and USA?

United Kingdom: Key Communities

• London: the largest concentration, with thriving communities in areas like Notting Hill and across the capital
• Trowbridge: the highest proportion of Moroccans relative to total population, home to families primarily from the Oujda region
• Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds: significant communities in these major urban centres
• Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff: smaller but established Moroccan presences in Scotland and Wales

United States: Key Communities

• New York City metro area: approximately 11,000 Moroccan immigrants, the largest concentration in the country
• Florida: strong communities in Jacksonville, Miami, and Orlando
• Massachusetts: significant presence in the Boston area
• Washington D.C., California, Texas, Virginia: all host established Moroccan American communities
• Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston, Tampa: growing communities with active cultural organisations

The Profile of the Moroccan Diaspora

A Well-Educated Community

One distinctive characteristic of the Moroccan diaspora in the English-speaking world is its high level of education. In the United States, many Moroccan Americans hold advanced degrees in medicine, engineering, computer science, and business. Notable Moroccan Americans include Moncef Slaoui, former head of vaccines at GlaxoSmithKline, and Nobel Prize winner Baruj Benacerraf.

In the UK, British Moroccans have made their mark in sports, entertainment, and public life, from Olympic rower Moe Sbihi MBE to actress Laila Rouass.

Economic Contributions

Both communities are known for their entrepreneurial spirit. Moroccan Americans run businesses ranging from tech startups to restaurants and retail stores. In the UK, Moroccans have a strong presence in hospitality, retail, and professional services.

The remittances sent by the diaspora represent a vital economic lifeline for many families in Morocco, funding education, housing, and small businesses in communities across the country.

Cultural Life and Identity

Across both countries, Moroccan community organisations play a crucial role in preserving cultural identity. The Islamic Mission of America in New York, founded by Moroccan Americans, was the second mosque established in the city. In the UK, the Al-Hasaniya Moroccan Women’s Centre and the Al Manaar Mosque in London provide cultural, educational, and social services.

Moroccan cultural associations in both countries organise festivals, language classes for children, and events celebrating Moroccan traditions — from couscous Fridays to Eid celebrations — ensuring that new generations stay connected to their heritage.

The Connection Between the Diaspora and Morocco

Despite living thousands of miles from North Africa, the Moroccan diaspora maintains deep ties to the homeland. Summer holidays see airports in Casablanca and Marrakech filled with Moroccan families returning from London, New York, and beyond. This “return migration” — even if temporary — keeps cultural traditions alive and strengthens family bonds across continents.

The diaspora also plays an increasingly important role in Morocco’s tourism industry, with many British and American Moroccans introducing friends, colleagues, and partners to the country’s rich heritage. Word-of-mouth from diaspora communities has helped position Morocco as one of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations.

Discover the Morocco That Inspires a Global Community

Whether you have Moroccan heritage or are simply fascinated by the culture that has produced such vibrant diaspora communities, Morocco welcomes you with open arms. From the winding alleyways of ancient medinas to the vast silence of the Sahara, this country offers experiences that stay with you forever.

Imagine sipping mint tea on a rooftop overlooking the Atlas Mountains, haggling for treasures in the souks of Marrakech, watching the sunset paint the dunes of Merzouga, or walking through the impossibly blue streets of Chefchaouen. This is the Morocco that millions of diaspora members carry in their hearts — and it is waiting for you.

Explore Morocco with our carefully curated tours:

• 15 Days Grand Cultural Tour To Explore Morocco From Tangier: an in-depth journey covering all four imperial cities, the Sahara Desert, and the Atlantic coast, immersing you in Morocco’s rich cultural heritage.

• 12 Days Morocco Grand Tour - Desert & Imperial Cities: an unforgettable adventure combining imperial cities, Atlas Mountain landscapes, and the magic of sleeping under the desert stars.