🇪🇭 Western Sahara - Overview & Essential Facts

What Is Western Sahara?

Western Sahara is a disputed territory located in the Maghreb region of Africa, bordered by Morocco to the north, Algeria to the northeast, and Mauritania to the south and east. The territory's sovereignty status is a subject of ongoing debate, with the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) claiming sovereignty over the territory, while Morocco claims it as its Southern Province. Western Sahara is known for its vast desert landscapes, rich phosphate deposits, and significant fishing resources.

Geographically, Western Sahara is a vast and arid territory, covering an area of approximately 266,000 square kilometers. The territory's landscape is dominated by the Sahara Desert, with limited vegetation and rainfall. The Atlantic Coast of Western Sahara is home to a number of important ports, including the capital city Laayoune, which serves as a major commercial center.

The territory's population is estimated to be around 0.6 million people, with the majority being Sahrawi Arabs and Berbers. The official languages are Arabic and Berber, although Spanish is also widely spoken due to the territory's history as a Spanish colony. The Moroccan dirham (MAD) is the official currency, although the Algerian dinar and Mauritanian ouguiya are also widely accepted.

Key History

1. 1884 - Western Sahara is colonized by Spain, which establishes the colony of Spanish Sahara.
2. 1958 - Morocco claims sovereignty over Western Sahara, which is then a Spanish colony.
3. 1976 - Spain withdraws from Western Sahara, and Morocco and Mauritania annex the territory.
4. 1979 - Mauritania withdraws from Western Sahara, and Morocco takes control of the entire territory.
5. 1991 - The United Nations establishes a peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara, known as MINURSO, to oversee a ceasefire between Morocco and the Polisario Front.
6. 2003 - The United Nations proposes a peace plan for Western Sahara, known as the Baker Plan, which is rejected by Morocco.
7. 2018 - The United Nations extends the mandate of MINURSO for an additional year, amid ongoing tensions between Morocco and the Polisario Front.

What Makes Western Sahara Unique

• Western Sahara is home to significant phosphate deposits, which are a major source of revenue for the territory.
• The territory's fishing industry is also an important sector, with a number of major fishing ports along the Atlantic Coast.
• Western Sahara is home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ancient city of Chinguetti.
• The territory's cultural heritage is a unique blend of Arab, Berber, and Spanish influences.
• Western Sahara is one of the most sparsely populated territories in the world, with a population density of just 2.3 people per square kilometer.

Quick Summary

Western Sahara is a disputed territory in the Maghreb region of Africa, known for its vast desert landscapes, rich natural resources, and complex sovereignty status, with the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic claiming sovereignty over the territory, while Morocco claims it as its Southern Province.