Casablanca

Functioning as Morocco’s primary port, the Port of Casablanca ranks among Africa’s largest artificial ports and North Africa’s third-largest, trailing only Tanger-Med (located 40 km east of Tangier) and Port Said. Additionally, Casablanca serves as the primary naval base for the Royal Moroccan Navy.

With its significant financial prowess, Casablanca holds the 54th spot globally in the September 2023 Global Financial Centres Index rankings, nestled between Brussels and Rome. Moreover, the Casablanca Stock Exchange ranks as Africa’s third-largest concerning market capitalization, as of December 2022.

Numerous major Moroccan companies, alongside many leading American and European corporations operating within the country, have established their headquarters and primary industrial facilities in Casablanca. Recent industrial data underscore Casablanca’s status as the country’s primary industrial hub.

Casablanca boasts a lengthy and great history. Before the Arabs arrived in the 7th century, the area was inhabited by Amazigh people (Berbers). In the 10th century, King Al-Mansur established a fortress in the area, known as Anfa. For several centuries, Anfa served as a crucial port city and commercial center in the region.

In the 15th century, the Portuguese invaded and destroyed Anfa, erecting a fortress named Casa Branca in its place. The fortress became a significant trading hub for the Portuguese but was eventually abandoned in the mid-17th century due to a lack of potable water in the area.

In 1755, a devastating earthquake struck the city of Lisbon, Portugal, prompting many of its inhabitants to migrate to the Casablanca region. Portuguese refugees aided in rebuilding the city, which was renamed “Dar al Baida” (the white house) by local Moroccans.

Throughout the 19th century, Casablanca burgeoned from a small, steadily growing port and in 1906 became the administrative center of the French Protectorate in Morocco. Under French rule, Casablanca underwent significant development and modernization, evolving into the industrial and economic heart of the country. The city also served as a crucial center of resistance against French colonial rule during World War II, and the iconic 1942 film “Casablanca,” starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, immortalized the city in popular culture.

Following Morocco’s independence in 1956, Casablanca emerged as the largest and most prosperous city in the country. Today, it stands as a vibrant metropolis with a rich cultural heritage, history, and a continuously growing economy.