Casablanca Maps

Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and the economic capital of the country. Located on the Atlantic coast of western Morocco, it serves as the main gateway to the nation with the busiest port in North Africa and one of the largest financial centers on the continent. The city's population exceeds 3.2 million inhabitants in the urban area, making it the most populous city in the Maghreb region.

The history of Casablanca dates back to the 7th century BC when Phoenicians established a trading post called "Anfa." After several transformations throughout history, the Portuguese destroyed and rebuilt the city in the 16th century, naming it "Casa Branca" (White House). The Spanish translation "Casablanca" became widely used when the Portuguese abandoned the city. Modern Casablanca began to take shape under the French protectorate in the early 20th century, when it was developed into a major port.

Among the city's most notable landmarks is the Hassan II Mosque, completed in 1993. It stands as the largest mosque in Africa and features the world's tallest minaret at 210 meters (689 feet). The mosque's location on a promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and its impressive architecture, which combines Moroccan craftsmanship with modern technology, make it one of Morocco's most visited tourist attractions. The building can accommodate 25,000 worshippers inside and an additional 80,000 in its courtyard.

The city's architectural heritage includes significant Art Deco and Moorish-style buildings in the downtown area, particularly in the Habous Quarter and the Mohammed V Square. The Sacré-Cœur Cathedral, built in the 1930s, exemplifies the Neo-Gothic style with a Moroccan influence. The Central Market (Marché Central) represents another notable attraction, offering visitors a genuine Moroccan shopping experience with its array of local products, spices, and traditional crafts.

Casablanca serves as Morocco's primary industrial zone, handling more than 50% of the country's industrial production. The city hosts Morocco's main stock exchange, the Casablanca Stock Exchange, and is home to numerous multinational corporations. The Morocco Mall, one of Africa's largest shopping centers, opened in 2011, symbolizing the city's modern commercial development. The city's international airport, Mohammed V International Airport, handles over 8 million passengers annually, making it one of Africa's busiest airports.