Country Profile: wi

Western Sahara is a non-self-governing territory located on the northwest coast of Africa, bordered by Morocco, Mauritania, and Algeria. Its complex history began with Spain's withdrawal in 1976, leading to Morocco's annexation and ongoing disputes with the Polisario Front, which seeks independence. The territory features an arid desert landscape with significant natural resources, particularly phosphates, but its economy largely relies on fishing and pastoral nomadism. The population, primarily composed of Sahrawi people, lives predominantly in urban areas, significantly influenced by Moroccan immigration and settlement policies.

Geography

Western Sahara is situated in Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean with a total area of 266,000 square kilometers, similar in size to Colorado. The climate is predominantly hot and dry, characterized by low, flat desert terrain with limited rainfall and occasional fog. The region contains rich fishing areas along its 1,110-kilometer coastline and is marked by a defensive sand berm that divides Moroccan-occupied territory from areas controlled by the Polisario Front.

266,000 sq km: Total area of Western Sahara.
1,110 km: Length of coastline along the North Atlantic Ocean.
41 km: Length of the border with Algeria.
1,564 km: Length of the border with Mauritania.
2.7%: Percentage of forested land in the territory.
256 m: Average elevation of the region.

People and Society

The population of Western Sahara is estimated at 652,271 as of July 2020, with the majority being Sahrawi, an ethnic group with Arab and Berber roots. Urbanization has led to over 80% of the population residing in cities, particularly Laayoune, which is home to about 40% of the populace. The society is predominantly Muslim, with Arabic and various Berber languages spoken across the territory.

28 births/1,000 population: Birth rate as of 2020.
64.5 years: Life expectancy at birth for the total population.
86.8%: Percentage of the population living in urban areas.
2.54%: Population growth rate estimated for 2020.
21.8 years: Median age of the population.
47.9 deaths/1,000 live births: Infant mortality rate.
4.1%: Percentage of the population aged 65 years and over.

Economy

Western Sahara possesses a small, market-based economy reliant on fishing, phosphate mining, and tourism, with its arid climate posing challenges for agriculture. The Moroccan government plays a significant role in economic administration, impacting employment and infrastructure. The territory's legal status complicates resource exploitation, particularly in discussions over fishing rights and oil exploration.

$906.5 million: GDP (purchasing power parity) estimated for 2007.
$2,500: GDP per capita (PPP) estimate for 2007.
40%: Services sector contribution to the economy as of 2007.
62%: Share of phosphates in exports as of 2012.
50%: Proportion of the labor force engaged in agriculture.

Government

Western Sahara's governance status remains unresolved, contested between Morocco and the Polisario Front, which declared a government-in-exile in 1976. The territory is administratively claimed by Morocco, which exerts de facto control over most regions. There are currently no formal elections within Western Sahara, although residents in Moroccan-controlled areas participate in Moroccan elections.

None: Official designation of government.
UTC +0: Time zone; five hours ahead of Washington, D.C. during Standard Time.
None: Officially recognized capital.

Military and Security

The United Nations maintains a peacekeeping presence in Western Sahara through the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), which has operated since 1991. The mission's mandate includes monitoring the ceasefire and providing support for humanitarian efforts amid ongoing tensions between Moroccan and Polisario forces.

460 personnel: Approximately deployed for MINURSO as of November 2019.

Energy

Western Sahara currently relies on external energy sources for electricity, with no significant local production or reserves of crude oil or natural gas. The existing electricity infrastructure is limited, primarily consisting of fossil fuel-based capacity.

58,000 kW: Installed electricity generating capacity as of 2016.
1,700 bbl/day: Refined petroleum products consumed in 2016.

Transportation

Western Sahara has a modest transportation infrastructure including six airports, three of which have paved runways, and major seaports at Laayoune and Ad Dakhla. This facilitates limited trade and movement within the territory.

6: Total number of airports as of 2013.
3: Airports with paved runways as of 2019.

Communications

The telecommunications system in Western Sahara is sparse, primarily linked to Morocco's infrastructure. There are limited broadcasting services, and internet access is based on the country's connection to Morocco's communication networks.

212: International dialing code for Western Sahara.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	652,271	Estimated as of July 2020
Area	266,000 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$906.5 million	Estimated for 2007
GDP per capita (PPP)	$2,500	Estimated for 2007
Birth rate	28 births/1,000	As of 2020
Life expectancy	64.5 years	Total population
Urbanization	86.8%	Percentage of urban population
Median age	21.8 years	Total population
Infant mortality rate	47.9 deaths/1,000	As of 2020