Country Profile: wi
Western Sahara is a non-self-governing territory located on the northwest coast of Africa, bordered by Morocco, Mauritania, and Algeria. It has a population of approximately 652,271, predominantly of Sahrawi descent, with significant Moroccan immigration altering its demographic landscape. The economy is primarily based on fishing, phosphate mining, and tourism, but faces challenges due to the arid climate and unresolved governance issues. The territory has been under dispute since Spain's withdrawal in 1976, with both Morocco and the Polisario Front claiming sovereignty.
Geography
Western Sahara is situated in Northern Africa along the North Atlantic Ocean, bordered by Morocco to the north and Mauritania to the south, with an area of 266,000 square kilometers—comparable to Colorado. The terrain is predominantly low and flat desert interspersed with rocky surfaces and small mountains. The region features a hot, dry desert climate with rare rainfall, resulting in significant natural hazards like desertification and overgrazing.
- 266,000 sq km - total area
- 1,110 km - coastline
- 2,049 km - total land boundaries
- 256 m - mean elevation
- 18.8% - agricultural land (2011 est.)
- 0% - irrigated land (2012)
People and Society
The estimated population of Western Sahara is 652,271 as of July 2020, with a majority of Sahrawi ethnicity, along with Arab and Berber communities. The population is overwhelmingly Muslim and multi-lingual, speaking Arabic, Berber, and Spanish among other languages. The demographic profile has shifted dramatically due to Moroccan immigration, with more than 80% of residents now living in urban centers, primarily Laayoune.
- 86.8% - urban population (2020)
- 2.54% - population growth rate (2020 est.)
- 21.8 years - median age
- 28 births/1,000 - birth rate (2020 est.)
- 64.5 years - life expectancy at birth
Economy
Western Sahara possesses a small market-based economy focused on fishing, phosphate mining, and tourism, with much of its food dependence on imports due to its harsh climate. The Moroccan government plays a significant role in managing the territory's economy, leading to tensions regarding the control of natural resources. Proposed investments by Morocco intend to stimulate economic development, yet the territory's unresolved status complicates resource extraction.
- $906.5 million - estimated GDP (2007)
- $2,500 - GDP per capita (PPP, 2007)
- 62% - phosphate exports (2012 est.)
- 50% - labor force in agriculture (2010 est.)
Government
The governance of Western Sahara remains unresolved, with contested claims by Morocco and the Polisario Front. No official government structure exists, and residents primarily participate in Moroccan elections. The region's status has led to a complex international diplomatic situation, with the United Nations overseeing peacekeeping efforts since a ceasefire was declared in 1991.
- Sovereignty issue - unresolved; contested by Morocco and the Polisario Front
- SADR - proclaimed government-in-exile by the Polisario Front
Military and Security
Since 1991, the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) has monitored the ceasefire and supported the humanitarian situation. However, the situation remains tense due to ongoing disputes and the presence of the Polisario Front, which seeks to maintain its claims for independence.
- 460 personnel - deployed with MINURSO as of November 2019
Transportation
Transportation within Western Sahara includes several airports and seaports that facilitate domestic and international travel. The primary seaports are located in Ad Dakhla and Laayoune, while the territory has a total of six airports, three of which are equipped with paved runways.
- 6 total airports (2013)
- 3 paved runways (as of 2019)
Communications
The communication infrastructure in Western Sahara is limited and largely integrated with Morocco's systems. The region operates under a sparse telecommunications network with two satellite earth stations that connect to Rabat. Various broadcasting services are available, including state-owned Moroccan media and a Polisario-backed radio station.
- Country code - .eh
- 2 Intelsat satellite stations linked to Morocco
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 652,271 | July 2020 estimate |
| Area | 266,000 sq km | Comparable to Colorado |
| GDP (PPP) | $906.5 million | Estimated for the year 2007 |
| GDP per capita | $2,500 | Estimated for the year 2007 |
| Urban Population | 86.8% | As of 2020 |
| Birth Rate | 28 births/1,000 | As of 2020 |
| Life Expectancy | 64.5 years | As of 2020 |
| Median Age | 21.8 years | As of 2020 |
| Labor Force | 144,000 | Estimated for the year 2010 |
| Population Growth Rate | 2.54% | As of 2020 |
Explore more about this country: