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 unique demographic profile, primarily consisting of Sahrawi people, with a significant portion of the population residing in urban areas, particularly in Laayoune. The economy is largely dependent on fishing and phosphate mining, but the unresolved territorial status complicates economic development. Governance remains contentious, with Morocco administering most of the territory, while the Polisario Front, advocating for independence, maintains a government-in-exile.

Geography

Western Sahara is situated in Northern Africa, between Morocco and Mauritania, with a total land area of approximately 266,000 sq km, roughly comparable to Colorado. The territory features a hot, dry desert climate with a landscape dominated by low, flat deserts interspersed with small mountains. The coastline stretches 1,110 km, and the region is endowed with natural resources such as phosphates and iron ore, although agricultural land is quite limited.

266,000 sq km total area
1,110 km coastline
256 m mean elevation
Primarily low, flat desert with sparse vegetation

People and Society

As of July 2020, the estimated population of Western Sahara is 652,271. The majority of residents identify as Sahrawi and predominantly speak Arabic, with other languages including Berber, Spanish, and French. The territory's population is significantly urbanized, with about 86.8% living in cities due to historical migrations, conflicts, and economic opportunities.

652,271 population (2020 est.)
36.29% are aged 0-14 years
86.8% urban population
2.54% population growth rate

Economy

Western Sahara's economy is small and market-based, primarily reliant on fishing, phosphate mining, and tourism, with most food imported due to arid conditions. The Moroccan government plays a critical role in economic administration, offering employment and infrastructure development. The exploitation of natural resources remains a contentious issue amidst the territorial dispute, particularly concerning fishing and mineral rights.

$906.5 million GDP (PPP, 2007 est.)
$2,500 GDP per capita (PPP, 2007 est.)
50% labor force employed in agriculture and industry (2005 est.)
62% of exports are phosphates (2012 est.)

Government

The political status of Western Sahara is unresolved, contested primarily by Morocco and the Polisario Front, which has declared a government-in-exile. Morocco administers about three-quarters of the territory, while the Polisario governs areas in exile from Algeria. Political participation is limited, and residents in Moroccan-controlled areas are included in Moroccan elections without official recognition of their sovereignty.

No official government structure due to unresolved status
Morocco controls approximately 75% of the territory
Polisario established a government-in-exile in Algeria
Seen as a non-self-governing territory

Military and Security

The region has been under the supervision of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) since 1991, tasked with monitoring ceasefire conditions and supporting peace efforts. The presence of Moroccan security forces is significant and aimed at maintaining order, especially in urban areas.

460 MINURSO personnel as of November 2019
Ceasefire established in September 1991
Ongoing ethnic tensions between Sahrawis and Moroccan settlers

Energy

Western Sahara has no significant production of electricity or fossil fuels. The territory relies on external sources for energy requirements. The electricity infrastructure shows an installed capacity of 58,000 kW, but overall energy output remains minimal.

0 kWh electricity production (2016 est.)
1,700 bbl/day refined petroleum products consumption (2016 est.)
Total energy generation heavily reliant on imports

Transportation

The transportation infrastructure includes a limited number of airports and major seaports. As of 2013, there are 6 airports, with three having paved runways. Major ports include Ad Dakhla and Laayoune, facilitating regional connectivity.

6 airports total (2013)
3 paved runways (2019)
Major seaports include Ad Dakhla and Laayoune

Communications

The communication systems in Western Sahara are sparse and primarily integrated with Morocco's telecommunication framework. The local broadcast media includes services from Morocco's state broadcaster and alternative broadcasts from Polisario-backed stations.

212 country code for telephone communications
Relies on Morocco's telecommunication infrastructure
Limited internet access, with the country code .eh

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	652,271	July 2020 estimate
Area	266,000 sq km	Total territory area
GDP (PPP)	$906.5 million	2007 estimate
GDP per capita (PPP)	$2,500	2007 estimate
Urban population	86.8%	2020 data
Life expectancy	64.5 years	2020 estimate
Birth rate	28 births/1,000 people	2020 estimate