Country Profile: wi

Western Sahara is a non-self-governing territory located in Northern Africa, bordered by Morocco, Mauritania, and Algeria. Its geopolitical status remains unresolved, with significant control by Morocco over the majority of the territory. The economy is largely dependent on fishing and phosphate mining, but the challenging climate limits agricultural productivity. Political governance is complicated by the ongoing dispute between Moroccan authorities and the Polisario Front, which advocates for Sahrawi independence.

Geography

Western Sahara spans an area of 266,000 sq km, characterized by a hot, dry desert climate with minimal rainfall and an elevation mainly around 256 m. The landscape is predominantly flat desert interspersed with small mountains in the south and northeast, with a coastline of 1,110 km along the North Atlantic Ocean. The region is rich in natural resources, including phosphates and iron ore, although much of its food is imported due to the arid conditions.

• 2,049 km total land boundaries with Algeria, Mauritania, and Morocco.
• 18.8% of land classified as agricultural (2011 estimate).
• The territory experiences desertification and overgrazing as current environmental challenges.

People and Society

As of July 2020, Western Sahara's population is estimated at 652,271, with a majority living in urban areas under Moroccan control. The society is predominantly Muslim and has a diverse linguistic heritage, including Arabic and Berber languages. However, the traditional Sahrawi nomadic lifestyle has shifted towards urbanization due to various socio-political factors, including conflict and economic migration.

• 86.8% of the population resides in urban areas (2020).
• 40% of the population lives in the city of Laayoune.
• The fertility rate stands at 3.65 children per woman (2020).

Economy

Western Sahara's economy is primarily market-based, relying on fishing, phosphate mining, and tourism. Morocco administers the economy, which complicates the exploitation of natural resources due to the ongoing sovereignty disputes with the Polisario Front. Significant investments have been proposed by the Moroccan government to stimulate economic activity in the region.

• $906.5 million estimated GDP (PPP) in 2007.
• $2,500 GDP per capita (PPP) in 2007.
• Major exports include phosphates, making up 62% of exports (2012 estimate).

Government

The governance of Western Sahara is marked by its unresolved status, with Morocco controlling the majority of the territory and the Polisario Front claiming sovereignty. The region lacks formal administrative divisions or recognized electoral participation, yet Morocco's presence has contributed to a complex political landscape.

• The territory is under the de facto control of Morocco, which claims it as part of its national territory.
• The Polisario Front operates a government-in-exile and is recognized by some nations as the legitimate representative of the Sahrawi people.

Military and Security

The United Nations has maintained the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) since 1991 to oversee the ceasefire and support humanitarian efforts. The security situation remains tense, as sporadic conflicts and military presence from Morocco continue to affect the population.

• 460 personnel have been deployed by MINURSO as of November 2019.

Energy

Western Sahara lacks significant production or consumption of energy resources. Current energy supplies are entirely dependent on imported fuels, with no proven reserves of crude oil or natural gas found in the territory.

• 0 kWh electricity production reported (2016).
• 1,700 bbl/day refined petroleum products consumption (2016).

Transportation

Transportation in Western Sahara includes limited air travel with a small number of airports and key seaports, mainly in Laayoune and Ad Dakhla. The infrastructure is underdeveloped compared to other regions in Morocco, reflecting the complexities of its administrative status.

• 6 airports were noted in 2013.
• Major seaports: Laayoune and Ad Dakhla.

Communications

The communications infrastructure in Western Sahara is sparse and operates largely under the Moroccan telecommunications system. There are limited broadcasting services available, primarily from Moroccan state-owned media.

• Country code is 212, integrated into Morocco's system.
• The region has 2 satellite earth stations linked to Rabat.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	652,271	July 2020 estimate
Area	266,000 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$906.5 million	2007 estimate
GDP per capita (PPP)	$2,500	2007 estimate
Urban Population	86.8%	Total population (2020)
Fertility Rate	3.65 children/woman	2020 estimate
Area of Agricultural Land	18.8%	2011 estimate
Airports	6	As of 2013
Electricity Consumption	0 kWh	2016 estimate
Military Personnel (MINURSO)	460	As of November 2019