🇪🇭Western Sahara
About Western Sahara
Western Sahara is a sparsely populated desert territory on the Atlantic coast of North Africa, the status of which remains one of the world's long-running unresolved disputes. Most of it is administered by Morocco, while the Polisario Front seeks an independent state. Its largest city is El-Aaiun.
The territory is overwhelmingly desert, an extension of the Sahara, with flat, arid plains, rocky escarpments and a long Atlantic coastline rich in fishing grounds. Rainfall is extremely scarce and the climate is hot and dry, moderated near the coast by ocean breezes.
The population is largely Sahrawi, an Arab-Berber people with strong nomadic and tribal traditions, Hassaniya Arabic speech, and a culture of poetry, music and tea. Islam is the predominant faith, and many Sahrawis also live in refugee camps in neighbouring Algeria.
Formerly the colony of Spanish Sahara, the territory was left in dispute when Spain withdrew in 1975. Morocco asserted control while the Polisario Front declared the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. A UN-brokered ceasefire held for decades, but the territory's final political status remains unresolved.
Key Facts
- Its sovereignty is disputed between Morocco and the Polisario Front.
- It is one of the most sparsely populated territories on Earth.
- Most of the land is Saharan desert.
- Its coastal waters are rich in valuable fish stocks.
Country Details
Capital
El-Aaiun
Region / Subregion
Africa / Northern Africa
Native Name
الصحراء الغربية
Nationality
Sahrawi, Sahrawian, Sahraouian
Currency
Moroccan dirham (MAD - MAD)
Phone Code
212
Top-Level Domain
.eh
ISO Codes
ISO2: EH / ISO3: ESH
Coordinates
Lat: 24.5, Lng: -13
Western Sahara: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Western Sahara?
The capital of Western Sahara is El-Aaiun.
What currency is used in Western Sahara?
Western Sahara uses the Moroccan dirham (MAD), with the symbol MAD.
Where is Western Sahara located?
Western Sahara is located in Northern Africa, Africa.
What is the native name of Western Sahara?
The native name of Western Sahara is الصحراء الغربية.
What are people from Western Sahara called?
People from Western Sahara are referred to as Sahrawi, Sahrawian, Sahraouian.
What is the phone calling code for Western Sahara?
The international dialing code for Western Sahara is +212.