Already one of the great cities of the Kingdom of Morocco, Tangier is one of the most outward-looking cities in the country, both culturally, demographically and economically. This real situation is most certainly the result of its privileged geostrategic position on the Strait of Gibraltar, but other factors have also contributed, as well. As part of its economic strategy to open up and diversify the economy, the Moroccan government has implemented a proactive policy to position the city as a genuine gateway to Europe and the rest of the world in the twenty-first century. Long before, the city had also experienced periods of internationalization for various reasons. Throughout the eighteenth century, the city opened up to international trade and several foreign countries sent consuls there. During the nineteenth century, the city began to find itself at the heart of world geostrategic affairs, having already become connected to international communication networks. As of the early twentieth century, the city acquired the status of an international zone and experienced an unprecedented economic boom, a demographic opening to Europe and a strong cultural thrust, although illicit activities flourished, as well. Shortly after the country gained independence and regained control of Tangier in 1956, the city experienced an economic downturn coupled with an increase in international criminal activities.
Tangier (Morocco), Internationalization/globalization, Economic activities, Demographics, Urban transformation.