Casablanca
The largest city in Morocco and its economic capital, and the third most populous city in Africa after Lagos and Cairo. It was formerly known as Anfa until the Portuguese named it Casa Branca after finding a white house there in the 16th century. The Spanish later called it Casa Blanca. Moroccans refer to it simply as “Casa.” Its architecture reflects Arab-Islamic civilization as well as contemporary design influences.

Location
Casablanca is located on the Atlantic coast in the Chaouia Lower Plains, about 95 km from the capital Rabat. Its strategic location lies in the middle of Morocco’s industrial production belt between Kenitra in the north and Jorf Lasfar in the south. Its climate is mild due to its location, maritime influence, and extends about 60 km inland.

Population
In 1900, its population did not exceed 20,000, but estimates now put it above 4,750,000, representing more than 12% of Morocco’s total population.
According to the 2004 census, Greater Casablanca had 3,728,824 inhabitants, with 60% of the city’s workforce employed in the industrial sector.

Economy
Casablanca is described as Morocco’s industrial and commercial hub, the beating heart of its economy, and the top destination for both domestic and international investors. It hosts about 60% of Morocco’s factories and companies.
The Casablanca Stock Exchange is the third largest in Africa after Johannesburg and Cairo. The city’s economy is diverse, including aviation, automotive, electronics, food industries, services, construction, public works, and tourism.
It benefits from major infrastructure, including Morocco’s largest airport (Mohammed V International Airport), its largest port (520 hectares, over 8 km of docks), modern road and rail networks, and trams linking outlying neighborhoods to the city’s economic and social hub.

History
Casablanca’s history dates back about 1,000 years BC. Archaeological studies show it was one of the earliest inhabited areas, with Phoenicians, Romans, and Berbers settling there. The Carthaginians made it a trade center, and the Barghawata kingdom took it as their capital in the Middle Ages.
Some sources say the Berbers of the Barghawata Kingdom founded “Anfa” (Casablanca) in 768, though there are different versions of the name (“Anafa,” “Anfi”), and some historians believe the Zenata Berbers built it.
The Marinids used it as a maritime trade hub. It was seized by the Portuguese, then the Spanish. It was rebuilt under the Alaouite dynasty during the reign of Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah (1757–1790) as “Dar al-Beida” (Casablanca).
It became a favored destination for Chaouia and Doukkala tribes and gradually attracted traders and craftsmen from across Morocco. During colonial rule, France made it a base for its companies and resource exploitation.
The city and its outskirts played a major role in resisting colonial rule, notably after the bombing of the French warship Galilee on August 5, 1907. One of the most famous resistance figures was Mohammed Ben Mohammed al-Zerqtouni.
In 1943, during the reign of King Mohammed V, Casablanca hosted the Anfa Conference attended by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt, and French President General Charles de Gaulle to discuss World War II strategy.
After Morocco’s independence in 1956, the city underwent significant urban and demographic growth and became the kingdom’s largest city.

Landmarks

• Hassan II Mosque – Built over water between 1987 and 1993, it is the largest mosque in the world after the two Holy Mosques. Its minaret is 210 meters tall. It accommodates 25,000 worshippers inside and 80,000 in the courtyard.

• Old Medina – Surrounded by walls, home to historical sites such as the Sqala fortification, the Hank lighthouse, “La Comédie” square, and the dome of Sidi Bou Smara.

• Habous Quarter – Built during the French Protectorate, it is a major tourist attraction, blending Arab-Islamic architecture with European styles.

• Corniche Ain Diab – A seaside promenade lined with pools, hotels, and restaurants, continuously developed as a leisure and tourism destination.

• Mohammed V Avenue – Lined with buildings that combine traditional Arab-Islamic, French colonial, and modern architectural styles, telling a story of almost a century of the city’s history.