Western Sahara

Western Sahara is a disputed territory in North Africa, bordered by Morocco to the north, Algeria to the northeast, Mauritania to the east and south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. It is known for its desert landscape, sparse population, and ongoing territorial conflict. The territory is claimed and mostly controlled by Morocco, which administers it as its Southern Provinces, while the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, seeks independence and has declared the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). The largest city is Laayoune, which serves as the de facto administrative capital under Moroccan control. Western Sahara’s economy is limited and largely based on phosphate mining, fishing, and Moroccan state investment, with political status and sovereignty unresolved. The United Nations (UN) considers Western Sahara a non-self-governing territory, and it is not a member of the UN, though the SADR is recognized by some countries and is a member of the African Union (AU).