Country | Morocco |
Population | 3359818 |
Area | None |
Time Zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
Coordinates | 33.58831, -7.61138 |
Highest elevation | 0 to 150 m (0 to 492 ft) |
City Gallery
City Description
Casablanca, Morocco, is the largest city in the country and its economic and business hub. Located on the Atlantic coast of the Chaouia plain, it has a population of approximately 3.71 million in the urban area and over 4.27 million in Greater Casablanca, making it the most populous city in the Maghreb region.
Casablanca’s history dates back to the 7th century AD when it was founded by the Berbers. Over the centuries, it has been a major trading port and a crossroads for different cultures. Its name, derived from the Spanish “Casa Blanca” meaning “White House,” likely refers to the city’s whitewashed buildings. The city was reconstructed in 1756 by Mohammed III and played a significant role during World War II as the site of the British-U.S. summit conference in 1943.
Geographically, Casablanca is positioned 95 kilometers southwest of Rabat, Morocco’s capital. The city covers an area of 324 km² (125.1 sq mi) and boasts a mild Mediterranean climate, moderated by the Atlantic Ocean. Average temperatures range from 7°C (45°F) to 26°C (79°F), with minimal rainfall primarily occurring from May to September.
Culturally, Casablanca is a melting pot of different ethnicities and religions, reflected in its diverse population and multilingualism, with Arabic, Berber, and French commonly spoken. The city is known for its vibrant nightlife, numerous cultural events, and iconic landmarks such as the Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Morocco, and the Casablanca Cathedral.
Economically, Casablanca is Morocco’s primary port and a significant financial center. The Port of Casablanca is one of Africa’s largest artificial ports and hosts the Royal Moroccan Navy’s primary naval base. The Casablanca Stock Exchange is the third-largest in Africa by market capitalization. The city’s economy is diverse, with industries including textiles, electronics, leatherworks, and food processing. Major Moroccan and international companies have their headquarters and main industrial facilities in Casablanca.
The cityscape of Casablanca features a blend of French and Moroccan architectural styles, with palm-lined squares and modern infrastructures. The Grand Mosque Hassan II’s minaret is a prominent landmark visible from various points around the city. Despite its bustling urban environment, Casablanca is working to enhance its tourist profile, leveraging its Atlantic coastline, Bouskoura forest, and proximity to the Oum Er-Rbia River.
Leave a Reply