Country Profile: wi

Western Sahara is a non-self-governing territory located on the northwest coast of Africa, bordered by Morocco, Mauritania, and Algeria. The region's population, primarily composed of Sahrawis, has experienced significant demographic shifts due to migration and conflicts stemming from its unresolved political status. Economically, it relies on phosphate mining, fishing, and limited tourism, while most of its resources remain contested between Morocco and the Polisario Front. Governance is complex, with Morocco controlling a large portion of the territory and periodic tensions prevailing due to the long-standing struggle for autonomy by the Sahrawi people.

Geography

Western Sahara is situated in Northern Africa, extending across an area of approximately 266,000 square kilometers, comparable in size to the state of Colorado. It features a hot, dry desert climate with minimal rainfall and a largely flat desert terrain, occasionally rising into small mountains in the southern and northeastern areas. Despite limited agricultural potential due to arid conditions, the coastline is rich in fishery resources.

266,000 sq km - Total area
1,110 km - Coastline length
18.8% - Percentage of land used for agriculture (2011 est.)
0 sq km - Irrigated land (2012)
256 m - Mean elevation

People and Society

The estimated population of Western Sahara is around 652,271 as of July 2020, predominantly composed of Sahrawis, Arabs, and Berbers. The population has shifted towards urban living, with over 80% residing in cities, largely due to historical conflicts and economic opportunities. The population growth rate stands at 2.54%, and the median age is 21.8 years, indicative of a youthful demographic.

86.8% - Urban population (2020)
28 births/1,000 - Birth rate (2020 est.)
64.5 years - Life expectancy at birth (2020 est.)
47.9 deaths/1,000 - Infant mortality rate (2020 est.)
3.65 children/woman - Total fertility rate (2020 est.)

Economy

Western Sahara's economy is primarily market-based, featuring industries such as fishing, phosphate mining, and limited tourism, with much of its food being imported due to challenging agricultural conditions. Morocco governs the economic framework, presenting both opportunities for development and tensions regarding resource exploitation claims.

$906.5 million - GDP (PPP, 2007 est.)
$2,500 - GDP per capita (PPP, 2007 est.)
62% - Exports comprise phosphate (2012 est.)
144,000 - Labor force (2010 est.)
50% - Labor force in agriculture and services (2005 est.)

Government

Governance in Western Sahara remains disputed, with no formal government due to its unresolved status and territorial claims by Morocco and the Polisario Front. The region was annexed by Morocco after Spain's withdrawal, leading to ongoing conflicts and calls for autonomy from the local Sahrawi population. The Polisario Front has established a government-in-exile that seeks recognition and sovereignty.

None - Official country name
Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic - Government-in-exile proclaimed by the Polisario Front
UTC 0 - Time zone
Executive branch - Nonexistent due to unresolved sovereignty issues

Military and Security

The United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) has been operational since 1991, tasked with monitoring the ceasefire and supporting humanitarian efforts. The security situation remains tense, governed by Morocco's heavy military presence in the territory.

460 personnel - MINURSO deployment as of November 2019

Energy

Western Sahara lacks significant energy production capabilities, relying primarily on fossil fuel imports for its energy needs. The region has no commercially viable oil production, with electricity generation capacity primarily fossil-fuel dependent.

58,000 kW - Installed electricity generation capacity (2016 est.)
1,700 bbl/day - Refined petroleum products consumption (2016 est.)

Transportation

Western Sahara has limited transportation infrastructure, with a few airports and major ports facilitating movement and trade. The air transportation system includes both paved and unpaved runways.

6 - Total airports (2013)
3 - Paved runways (2019)
Ad Dakhla, Laayoune - Major seaports

Communications

Telecommunications in Western Sahara are sparse, largely integrated with Morocco's systems. Key communication channels include radio and satellite connections, reflecting the limited infrastructure available in the territory.

Country code - 212
Radio-Television Marocaine (RTM) - State-owned broadcasting service operating from Laayoune

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	652,271	July 2020 estimate
Area	266,000 sq km	Total area
Life Expectancy	64.5 years	At birth (2020 est.)
Urban Population	86.8%	Of total population (2020)
Birth Rate	28 births/1,000	(2020 est.)
Total Fertility Rate	3.65 children/woman	(2020 est.)
GDP (PPP)	$906.5 million	(2007 est.)
GDP per Capita (PPP)	$2,500	(2007 est.)
Installed Electricity Capacity	58,000 kW	(2016 est.)
Refined Petroleum Products Consumption	1,700 bbl/day	(2016 est.)