Demographic Transformations and Spatial Inequalities In light of the 2024 Census in Morocco: The Case of Guelmim-Oued Noun and Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra Regions

Abstract

This study is situated within contemporary geographical literature that seeks to analyze socio-demographic transformations and evaluate spatial disparities in southern Morocco, particularly in the Guelmim-Oued Noun and Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra regions. Its significance derives from the utilization of data from the 2024 General Population and Housing Census, which is regarded as an authoritative source providing an accurate quantitative database for analyzing trends in population structure, urbanization, and living conditions. The study begins with the concept of spatial justice, considering it a theoretical framework to explore the interaction between demographic changes and territorial policies, as well as the obstacles they pose to social cohesion and developmental equity.

An analytical-comparative methodology was employed to investigate the subject comprehensively, combining statistical metrics with qualitative evaluations of socio-spatial and geographical contexts. We aim to enhance the scientific discourse on the role of southern regions in the advanced regionalization initiative and to introduce new ideas to territorial planning that are grounded in fairness and spatial justice.

Keywords: demographic changes, spatial inequalities, territorial policies, spatial justice, the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region, and the Guelmim-Oued Noun region.

Received Date: July 19, 2025

Accepted Date: August 11, 2025

Published Date: August 30, 2025

Available Online at https://www.ijsrisjournal.com/index.php/ojsfiles/article/view/437