Casablanca City in Morocco

Casablanca, which literally translates as “White House”, is a city in western Morocco on the Atlantic coast. It is the capital of the Grand Casablanca region as well as the economic capital and largest city in Morocco, with around 5 million inhabitants. Casablanca’s biggest industries produce large quantities of textiles, glass, electronic goods, bricks, beer and soft drinks. Also being on the Atlantic Ocean fish and other seafood are plentiful here too.

Casablanca occupies the site of the ancient city of Anfa which was destroyed in 1468 by the Portuguese. In 1515 the Portuguese returned to city built and began to rebuild and create a new town, which they named Casa Branca (“White House” in Portuguese). European traders began to settle here after it was deserted following a large earthquake. The French forces occupied the town from the early 1900’s following a series of murders and during the French settlement it became Morocco’s chief port.

Today the centre of Casablanca is pretty impressive with big lively boulevards, new modern buildings and it is very clean. Casablanca is modern in an impressive way and shows an understanding of how the locals are looking to the future of their country.

Casablanca isn’t a place to wondering from shop to shop but what there is here is of good quality. Close to the main Boulevard Muhammad 5 is the Marche Central, although quite small it does mainly cater for the locals so you know that what you are getting is generally good. The Market has fresh meat and vegetables as well as a variety of seafood and local handicrafts. There is a very laidback atmosphere to shopping in Casablanca especially if you venture away from the market area and head for the medina. Casablanca is one of the best places in Morocco to buy something different and very authentic.