Both of these coastal cities are in the north of the country and are the political and business centres. Casablanca is the business centre of Morocco and is now an international metropolis. The thriving harbour is a gateway for the world to the African continent. Whilst being both a commercial and industrial city, Casablanca still retains its strong religious traditions and the Hassan 11 mosque is the largest and one of the most spectacular in the world. Built right by the sea, a laser beam, visible from up to 22 miles away, shines from the top of the 650 ft minaret in the direction of Mecca.
Rabat is the capital city of Morocco and home of the Royal Family and seat of government since 1912. Today it symbolises the infinite variety of Morocco. Set in rich, amber-coloured landscape, it elegantly combines an ancient history with modern culture.