Grand Casablanca
The Casablanca region is the largest urbanised region in the kingdom of Morocco, with 3.6 million inhabitants (2003) and an estimated population of 4.6 million inhabitants in 2015. The average population growth is expected to be 2.3% annually in 2000-2005. 22% of the national urban population lives here. 40% of the population is younger than 20 years old (1994). In 1907, the city covered an area of 50 hectares. Between 1990 and 2000, an increase by 15,000 hectares to 21,000 hectares was expected. In 1996, a land reform ledto the inclusion of some surrounding communities.In 1997, the region “Greater Casablanca” was created with an area of 869 km² consisting of 8 prefectures.
Casablanca was turned into an economic and finance centre. It has one of the biggest harbours in Africa and 60% of Moroccan industry is concentrated in this agglomeration (leather, textiles, mechanical, food, and chemical industries) – creating rapid urban growth, accompanied by the development of poor quarters (“bidonvilles”). Further industrial zones are being created. Many previously rural communities, such as Dar Bouazza, Médiouna, Til Mellil, Sidi Maarouf, Lisasfa, Ain Harrouda and Bouskoura, have been hit by the transformation of agricultural areas.
