Casablanca-Settat

Casablanca-Settat
source
Name	Casablanca-Settat
Settlement type	Region
Country	Morocco
Capital	Casablanca
Established	2015
Area km2	20080
Population	7929042
Population as of	2014

Casablanca-Settat Casablanca-Settat is a region in northwestern Morocco that combines major urban, industrial, and agricultural areas. The region's capital, Casablanca, is Morocco's largest city and principal port, anchoring linkages to Rabat, Mohammed V International Airport, and the Atlantic maritime corridor. Casablanca-Settat integrates historic centers such as Settat and El Jadida with modern infrastructure like the Casa-Port terminal and the Kenitra–Tanger high-speed rail project.

Geography

The region spans coastal plains along the Atlantic Ocean and inland plateaus bordering Marrakesh-Safi and Rabat-Salé-Kénitra. Prominent geographic features include the Oued Oum Er-Rbia basin, the Garaet Chigaga wetlands, and agricultural zones around Sidi Bennour and Berrechid. Casablanca-Settat's coastline encompasses ports and beaches at Casablanca Port, Mohammedia, and El Jadida, while hinterland plains support irrigation networks tied to the Souss-Massa corridor and trans-Mediterranean shipping routes.

History

The territory includes sites with layers of precolonial, colonial, and postcolonial significance linked to Amazigh settlements, Almoravid dynasty trade routes, and Portuguese Empire fortifications at El Jadida. In the 20th century, Casablanca emerged as an economic hub during the French Protectorate in Morocco and hosted political movements associated with the Istiqlal Party and the National Union of Popular Forces. Post-independence urbanization accelerated under development plans influenced by figures such as Mohammed V and Hassan II, and administrative reorganization in 2015 consolidated provinces formerly in Grand Casablanca-Settat and neighboring jurisdictions.

Administrative divisions

Casablanca-Settat is divided into prefectures and provinces including the Prefecture of Casablanca, Mohammedia Prefecture, El Jadida Province, Settat Province, Benslimane Province, Berrechid Province, Nouaceur Province, and Sidi Bennour Province. Each subdivision interfaces with national ministries such as the Ministry of Interior and regional councils established after the 2015 territorial reform that followed frameworks from the Kingdom of Morocco decentralization policies. Local governance covers municipalities like Aïn Harrouda, Dar Bouazza, and Sidi Bernoussi with administrative seats coordinating with institutions like Casablanca-Settat Regional Council.

Economy

Casablanca-Settat anchors Morocco's industrial and financial systems through nodes like Casa Finance City, the Port of Casablanca, and petrochemical complexes near Mohammedia. Key sectors include manufacturing tied to Renault and automotive subcontractors, phosphate-related logistics connected to Office Chérifien des Phosphates, agribusiness in Sidi Bennour plains, and tourism concentrated at El Jadida's Portuguese City and coastal resorts. The region links to international investors including entities from France, Spain, China, and United Arab Emirates via trade agreements influenced by organizations like World Bank and African Development Bank projects.

Demographics

The population comprises urban residents of Casablanca, suburban commuters from Mohammedia and Berrechid, and rural communities in provinces such as El Jadida and Settat. Ethnolinguistic groups include Arab-speaking Moroccans, Amazigh communities, and expatriate populations from France, Spain, and the Maghreb. Urban growth trends reflect migration patterns similar to those documented in studies by United Nations agencies and national censuses administered by the High Commission for Planning (Morocco).

Transportation and infrastructure

Transport infrastructure centers on Mohammed V International Airport, the Port of Casablanca, and rail links operated by ONCF connecting to Rabat and Tanger. Road arteries include the A1 and A3 motorways and the Casablanca bypass, while urban transit projects feature the Casablanca Tramway and planned extensions associated with Casa-Settat mobility plans. Energy and utilities involve facilities linked with Office National de l'Électricité et de l'Eau Potable and regional wastewater management coordinated with projects supported by the European Investment Bank.

Culture and landmarks

Cultural landmarks include the Hassan II Mosque, the Art Deco districts of Casablanca, the Mazagan Beach Resort at El Jadida, and the Royal Palace of Casablanca. The region hosts festivals and institutions such as the Casablanca International Book Fair, Festival du Cinéma Africain de Khouribga collaborations, and museums like the Museum of Moroccan Judaism and the Villa des Arts. Heritage sites link to Portuguese Cistern of El Jadida, Arab-Andalusian architectural traditions, and contemporary venues including Anfa Place Mall and performance spaces frequented by artists connected to Maghreb Institute of Culture.

Category:Regions of Morocco