The Moroccan passport has been ranked 49th globally in the 2026 Happy Passports Index, with a score of 29.7 points out of 100. This ranking is based on a study by Global Citizen Solutions, a global measurement unit. Morocco only surpassed Kenya, which ranked last with 22.4 points. Turkey and South Africa ranked 48th and 47th with 30.4 and 34.5 points, respectively.
The study evaluated countries based on four criteria: welfare and quality of life, freedom of movement, prosperity, health, and safety, and internal freedoms. Morocco scored zero points in the welfare and quality of life category, the lowest among the 50 countries evaluated. The country scored 15.5 points in freedom of movement, 42.6 points in prosperity, health, and safety, and 60.5 points in internal freedoms.
The Happy Passports Index combines the strength of a country's passport with its quality of life, welfare, and internal freedoms. The study used data from the World Happiness Report, Gallup, the V-Dem project, the World Bank, and the World Health Organization. The index aims to measure the relationship between freedom of movement and satisfaction with life, opportunities, and freedoms within a country.
Finland topped the global ranking with 93.2 points, followed by Iceland with 92.4 points and Denmark with 92.1 points. Norway, Switzerland, and Sweden also ranked among the top six. The study revealed that a strong passport does not necessarily translate to high levels of happiness. The United States, for example, ranked 28th, while Greece and Saudi Arabia ranked 36th and 41st, respectively.
The study highlighted that quality of life and internal freedoms are essential factors in evaluating citizens' welfare, alongside freedom of movement. Morocco's low ranking in welfare and quality of life significantly impacted its overall score. The country's performance in internal freedoms was its strongest category.
The Happy Passports Index provides a comprehensive evaluation of countries' passports and their citizens' quality of life. The study's findings can help governments identify areas for improvement to enhance their citizens' welfare and satisfaction. Morocco's low ranking may prompt the government to reassess its policies and strategies to improve the country's welfare and quality of life.
The 2026 Happy Passports Index evaluated 50 countries, providing a unique perspective on the relationship between passport strength and quality of life. The study's methodology offers a nuanced understanding of the factors that contribute to citizens' satisfaction and welfare. As countries continue to navigate the complexities of global mobility and quality of life, the Happy Passports Index serves as a valuable resource for policymakers and researchers.
Key points
- Morocco's passport ranked 49th globally in the 2026 Happy Passports Index with 29.7 points.
- The study evaluated countries based on four criteria: welfare and quality of life, freedom of movement, prosperity, health, and safety, and internal freedoms.
- Finland topped the global ranking with 93.2 points, followed by Iceland and Denmark.