Country Profile: wi

Western Sahara is a non-self-governing territory located on the northwest coast of Africa, bordered by Morocco, Mauritania, and Algeria. After Spain's withdrawal in 1976, the territory has been contested, primarily between Morocco and the Polisario Front, leading to ongoing tensions. The region's economy is predominantly based on fishing, phosphate mining, and tourism, yet it faces significant challenges due to its arid climate and unresolved political status. The population, primarily comprised of Sahrawi people, has largely migrated to urban areas under Moroccan control, particularly Laayoune, amid pressures of displacement and integration.

Geography

Western Sahara is situated in Northern Africa, bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean, with a total land area of 266,000 sq km, comparable to Colorado. This territory features a hot, dry desert climate, characterized by flat terrain interspersed with small mountains. The region is rich in natural resources, particularly phosphates and iron ore, yet grapples with environmental challenges such as desertification and water scarcity.

• 1,110 km of coastline along the North Atlantic Ocean.
• Population primarily resides in the Moroccan-controlled areas, with about 40% living in Laayoune.
• 2,049 km of land boundaries shared with Algeria, Mauritania, and Morocco.
• Average elevation is 256 m, with the lowest point at Sebjet Tah at -55 m.

People and Society

The estimated population of Western Sahara stands at 652,271 as of July 2020, primarily consisting of Sahrawi and Berber ethnic groups. The majority of the population lives in urban settings, with 86.8% of people urbanized. The dominant languages are Standard Arabic and Hassaniya Arabic, alongside French and Spanish. Social dynamics are complex due to the interactions between the native Sahrawi and Moroccan immigrants.

• 36.29% of the population is aged 0-14 years.
• The median age is 21.8 years.
• Life expectancy at birth is approximately 64.5 years.
• The birth rate is recorded at 28 births/1,000 population.

Economy

Western Sahara's economy is characterized by a small market system, heavily reliant on fishing and phosphate mining, with tourism also playing a role. The Moroccan government administers much of the territory's economic affairs and invests in infrastructure development. Nevertheless, the exploitation of natural resources remains a point of contention, primarily due to the unresolved status of the territory.

• $906.5 million GDP (PPP) estimated in 2007.
• Per capita GDP (PPP) is approximately $2,500.
• 50% of labor is employed in agriculture and industry.
• Major exports include phosphates, accounting for 62% in 2012.

Government

Western Sahara has an unresolved legal status, with governance contested mainly between Morocco and the Polisario Front, which declared the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic in exile. The area is effectively governed by Morocco, while the Polisario continues to assert claims for independence. Administrative divisions do not officially exist, and there is no participation in elections for the Sahrawi populace under Moroccan control.

• The current President of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic is Brahim GHALI (elected in July 2016).
• The status of the territory is considered undetermined by the US Government.

Military and Security

Since 1991, the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) has been responsible for monitoring the ceasefire and supporting humanitarian efforts. The military context remains sensitive, with sporadic tensions continuing in the region.

• Approximately 460 UN personnel were deployed as of November 2019.

Energy

Energy production in Western Sahara is limited, with no significant reserves of fossil fuels. The installed electricity capacity is minimal, primarily reliant on traditional sources, and there is no production or consumption of renewable energy recorded.

• Installed electricity generating capacity is 58,000 kW (2016 est.).
• 100% of total installed capacity is from fossil fuels.

Transportation

The transportation infrastructure includes several airports and major ports, such as Ad Dakhla and Laayoune, facilitating both cargo and passenger movement.

• As of 2019, there are 3 paved runways among a total of 6 airports.

Communications

Communication systems in Western Sahara are sparse and heavily integrated with Morocco's telecommunications framework. The region's broadcast media mainly relay Moroccan state-owned services, and there is a presence of local broadcasts operated by the Polisario Front.

• The international dialing code is 212.
• Internet country code is .eh.

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 in 2007
GDP per capita (PPP)	$2,500	Estimated in 2007
Birth rate	28 births/1,000	2020 estimate
Life expectancy at birth	64.5 years	2020 estimate
Urban population	86.8%	Total population (2020)
Median age	21.8 years	2020 estimate
Installed electricity capacity	58,000 kW	As of 2016
Crude oil production	0 bbl/day	As of 2018 estimate