Casablanca

　　         Casablanca derives its name from Spanish, meaning "white house." It is the largest city in Morocco. The Hollywood film *Casablanca* has made this white city world-famous. Due to the prominence of the name "Casablanca," fewer people are aware of the city's original name, "Dar el Beida" (DarelBeida). Casablanca is Morocco’s largest port city, situated on the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 88 kilometers northeast of the capital, Rabat.

　　        Viewed from the sea, the city is framed between the endless blue sky above and the deep blue sea below, with a jagged white skyline in between.

　　         Over 500 years ago, this area was the site of the ancient city of Anfa, which was destroyed by the Portuguese in the mid-15th century. In 1575, the Portuguese occupied it again and renamed it "Casa Branca." After the Portuguese withdrew in 1755, it reverted to the name Dar el Beida. By the end of the 18th century, the Spanish were granted trading privileges at the port and called it Casablanca, which means "white house" in Spanish. In the early 20th century, it was occupied by the French, and after Morocco gained independence, the name Dar el Beida was restored. However, people still commonly refer to it as Casablanca.

　　       This city lies along the Atlantic Ocean, with evergreen trees and a pleasant climate. Sometimes, while the ocean waves rage violently, the harbor remains calm. The city boasts dozens of kilometers of fine sandy beaches stretching north and south, making it an ideal natural swimming spot. Hotels, restaurants, and various entertainment facilities along the coast are nestled among neat rows of tall palm trees and orange trees, adding to its unique charm.

　　       Casablanca is renowned for its annual international fair and is also memorable for the Hollywood film *Casablanca* (also translated as *Casablanca: The Spy in North Africa*). As the economic hub of the country, it concentrates two-thirds of Morocco’s modern industries, accounting for 80% of the nation’s industrial output. Its commerce is also thriving, serving as a hub for imports and exports. The port is modernized and ranks as the second-largest commercial port in Africa, featuring three docks for cargo, oil, and phosphates. It handles over 10,000 ships annually with a throughput of more than 20 million tons, and is also a major fishing port and a transportation hub for railways, highways, and air travel.

　　       Casablanca Reason to visit: The most classic white city Continent: Africa【Africa】 Country/Region: Morocco[Morocco] Province/State: Grand Casablanca Region [Grand Casablanca] City: Dar el Beida [Casablanca]