City Information

Casablanca is a city in western Morocco located on the Atlantic Ocean. It is the capital of the Greater Casablanca region. Home to over 3.1 million people, Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city as well as its chief port, which is also happens to be one of the largest artificial ports in the world. The Royal Moroccan Navy has its primary base here. Architects began designing this model city in 1912, bringing a visionary charm to this modern metropolis and organizing its phenomenal development, so that today it is the largest major city in Northern Africa and stunning for its architectural beauty. The centre of Casablanca has elegant buildings that are an admirable blend of art deco and neo-Moorish styles, featuring cupola’s, belvederes, columns, cedarwood balconies and turrets. Being the business centre of the country has earned the city the title of economic capital with Rabat being the country’s political capital. Casablanca is a city where international business dealing takes place, where luxury goods and services flourish, high-tech industries are concentrated and top quality hotels host world-class conventions and congresses-all making Casablanca the shining light of modern Morocco.

Casablanca (Dar el Beida) in Moroccan Arabic or ‘White House’ in English, was a tiny Berber settlement during the 7th century. Anfa, a minor independent country emerged within the area due to the Arab Muslim rule. By the 14th century, with the help of Merinids, Anfa became a major port. By the 15th century, the town became a self-governing state once again. The Portuguese, ruined this town in 1468, eventually attacking the local pirates of the region. The Portuguese constituted a military fortress in the year 1515 with the remnants of the city. The town that emerged here was named Casablanca, which meant White House in Portuguese language. But most of this town was later on destroyed during 1755 due to a severe earthquake, forcing the Portuguese to leave.

Casablanca is located along the Atlantic Ocean but enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild weather throughout the year. There is little seasonal temperature variation and a lack of extreme heat and extreme cold which makes it possible to enjoy a visit to the city round the year. However winter is the least popular time to visit due to the rains. Visiting in the spring, early summer and fall will offer pleasant weather and the fewest crowds. Most hotels, shops and attractions remain open throughout the year. However, some restaurants and coffee houses will close during the day in the month of Ramadan.

Location: Casablanca is located in the Chawiya plain on the Atlantic coast of Morocco. Dialing Code: Country -212 City - 022 Emergency Numbers: Ambulance: 150 or call Amal Assistance at 022-36-44-36 or 022-39- 20-03 or SOS Medecins Maroc at 022-25-25-25. Fire Department: 190 Police: 190 Road emergency: 177 Royal Gendarmerie: 177 Airport: +212 (022) 539040 Moroccan National Tourist Office: +212 37 67 39 18/ 67 40 13 International Calls Operator: Telephone Directory Services: 160 Population: City- 3,299,428 Languages: The official language is Arabic but French is widely spoken as well as English & Spanish Time Zone: UTC +0, Summer (DST) UTC +1 Average January Temperatures: 17.2○ C Average July Temperatures: 26.4 ○C Annual Rainfall: 6.9cm Electricity: 220 volts in new buildings, round two-pin plugs are standard. (110 volts in the old ones ) Enquire on the spot before using appliances.

The national currency in Morocco is the dirham. It cannot be converted outside the Kingdom's borders, so don't forget to exchange money or bring other means of payment.

1 Jan …New Year’s Day 11 Jan… Manifesto of Independence 01 May…Labor’s Day 30 July …Feast of the Throne 14 August… Fete Oued Eddahad (Oued Eddahab Allegience Day) 20 Aug…Revolution du Roi et du Peuple (Anniversary of the King and the People’s Revolution) 21 Aug…King Mohammed’s Birthday 06 Nov…Marche Verte (Anniversary of the Green March) 18 Nov…Fete de l’Independence

All figures are in degrees centigrade. January: Jan High- 17.1 Jan Low- 7.2

A valid passport is required to obtain an entry visa. Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Embassies and consulates provide guidance before and during your trip.

You can plan a one-day tour of the city to visit some of its important tourist sights, taste local dishes and enjoy shopping. The Irhal team recommends starting your day with a visit to Hassan II Mosque. This mosque will amaze you. You will enjoy seeing traditional Moroccan architecture combined with very advanced technology. Be sure to see the decoration, carved wood and retractable roof: the prayer hall turns into a wonderful, spacious courtyard in three minutes. After finishing your visit to Hassan II Mosque, which may take a considerable amount of time, you can move on to Rick's Café for a drink and a light meal, as the café is a short distance from the mosque. Your next stop should be Habous Quartier. To get there, take a taxi, but make sure it is a petit taxi. Also known as the New Medina, it is a large shopping area combining Moroccan heritage with the latest facilities. It is a charming place where you will find adjoining streets with stalls selling handicrafts, carpets, brassware and traditional Moroccan textiles. If you enjoy souvenirs, you will find many souvenir shops here. If you want lunch, you can head to La Scala. You can dine in the outdoor garden, weather permitting, as this garden is very beautiful and scenic. Afterwards, you can go to Mohammed V Square. As you sit in the square, you will enjoy looking at the buildings and seeing beautiful examples of Islamic architecture. In the evening, you can enjoy the pleasant breeze on the Corniche. The Corniche is a preferred destination for nightlife enthusiasts who love beaches, swimming pools, restaurants and fashionable hotels.