- For the 1942 film, see Casablanca (movie).
Casablanca (Arabic: الدار البيضاء, pronounced Dar-al-Baida) is a city in western Morocco, located on the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 2.95 million (September 2004 census) Casablanca is Morocco's biggest city; also it is the chief port, and is thus considered the economic capital, although Morocco's official capital and seat of government is Rabat.
Casablanca was founded as "Casa Branca" in 1575 by the Portuguese, who had destroyed the town of Anfa located at the same site in 1515. The Portuguese eventually abandoned the site in 1755 after increasing attacks from surrounding Muslim tribes. In the 19th century, the area's population began to grow considerably as shipping traffic increased. Casablanca was an important strategic port during World War II and hosted the Anglo-American Summit in 1943.
Since then Casablanca has focused on a tourism industry, though recent terrorist attacks have hampered tourism efforts.
In 1958, Casablanca hosted a round of the Formula One world championship at the Ain-Diab circuit.
The city is served by Mohammed V International Airport and its port is one of the largest artificial ports in the world.
Casablanca is home to the Hassan II Mosque, the second largest in the world (after the Shah Faisal Mosque near Islamabad). Its minaret is also the world's tallest at 210m. It was built for former Moroccan King Hassan II's 60th birthday and was finished in 1993.
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Last updated: 05-21-2005 10:53:36
