Overview of Western Sahara

Profile

Western Sahara is a region that remained disputed after Spain withdrew from the former Spanish Sahara in 1976. This vast desert area of 266,000 km2 facing the Atlantic coast is rich in underground resources, particularly phosphate, and fishing resources. Currently, Morocco effectively controls about 80% as its 'Southern Provinces,' while the independence-seeking Polisario Front manages the remainder as a 'Liberated Zone,' with the SADR government-in-exile conducting administration from Algerian refugee camps. The UN dispatches the MINURSO peacekeeping mission as a non-self-governing territory, aiming to determine final status through a referendum.

Official name: Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (Disputed Territory)
Common name: Western Sahara
Numeric code: 732
Alpha-3 code: ESH
Alpha-2 code: EH
Population: Approximately 600,000 (2023)
Population density: Approximately 2.3 persons/km2
Primary languages: Arabic (Hassaniya dialect), Spanish, Berber
Major religions: Islam (Sunni)
National anthem: يا بني الصحراء (O Sons of the Sahara)
Calling code: +212
Internet TLD: .eh（未割当）

History

Became a Spanish protectorate in 1884; after Spanish withdrawal in 1976, sovereignty remained undetermined. The referendum has not been held since the 1991 ceasefire agreement.

The region traversed by Berber nomads became colonized as 'Spanish Sahara' in the late 19th century. After Spain's withdrawal, Morocco and Mauritania divided administration under the Madrid Accords, but the independence-advocating Polisario Front began armed struggle. Mauritania withdrew in 1979, and Morocco expanded its controlled area by constructing a sand wall. In 1991, a ceasefire and referendum agreement was reached under UN mediation, but voting was postponed due to disputes over voter qualifications. In recent years, Morocco has pursued infrastructure development and international diplomatic offensives, while SADR, supported by AU member states, seeks to establish facts on the ground and expand state recognition.

Geography & climate

Primarily flat rocky desert along the Atlantic coast and vast inland dune belts, with rocky mountains of several hundred meters and dry wadis scattered in the east.

Hot Desert Climate (BWh)

Area: Africa / 266000 km²
Capital: Laayoune (de facto administrative center)
Largest city: Laayoune
Coastal status: Yes
Bordering countries: Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania

Natural resources

Phosphate rock, Iron ore, Potential oil, Natural gas, Salt, Wind power, Solar power, Fishing resources, Gypsum, Groundwater oases

Politics

Government: Non-governed territory (coexisting Moroccan local administration and SADR government-in-exile republican system)

Economy

Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD)

GDP (nominal):

GDP (PPP):

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Arabic (Hassaniya dialect), Spanish, Berber

Time zone: Western European Time (WET), Western European Summer Time (WEST)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Sahrawi, Arab (Hassani), Berber, Moor, Haratin

Life expectancy

Approximately 70 years

Literacy rate

Approximately 64%

National sports

Football, Camel racing, Kitesurfing, Athletics