Western Sahara Facts

Western Sahara, known as Spanish Sahara before 1976, area on the west coast of North Africa; 266,000 km², 569,700 residents (2018).Western Sahara borders in the north to Morocco, furthest in the northeast to Algeria and in the east and south to Mauritania and has a west coast to the Atlantic. The capital is El-Aaiún (196,500 residents, 2010).

Until 1976, Western Sahara was part of Spanish West Africa, which Morocco has been claiming since 1958 and Mauritania since 1960. In the 1970s, a domestic liberation struggle started under the leadership of the Polisario Freedom Movement. In 1976, the Spaniards left Western Sahara, which was divided between Morocco and Mauritania. In 1979, a peace agreement was signed between Polisario and Mauritania, which renounced all claims in this area. Instead, Morocco also occupied the former Mauritanian part of Western Sahara. In accordance with a peace plan presented by the UN in 1988, a ceasefire was concluded in 1990.

Geography of Western Sahara

Location

Western Sahara is a disputed territory located in the northwestern part of Africa, bordered by Morocco to the north, Algeria to the northeast, Mauritania to the east and south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The area spans roughly 266,000 square kilometers (103,000 square miles), making it slightly larger than the United Kingdom. Its strategic location along the Atlantic coast has made it significant for trade, especially in the context of regional and international politics.

Topography

Western Sahara is largely characterized by vast desert landscapes, with a mix of rocky plateaus, sand dunes, and salt flats. The terrain is mainly arid, with the Sahara Desert dominating the region. To the north and west, the territory is marked by coastal plains that are adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, while the interior is more mountainous, especially near the border with Mauritania and Algeria. The highest point in the territory is Mount Mueda, which reaches an elevation of 1,100 meters (3,610 feet). Most of the land is semi-arid, supporting minimal vegetation, with areas of dunes, dry valleys, and the occasional oasis providing water sources for small settlements.

The land also has some important natural features, such as the Hammada, a vast area of flat, barren, rocky plateaus. These harsh conditions make most of the territory inhospitable for large-scale agriculture and human habitation. However, there are some areas with seasonal rivers and springs, which are crucial for sustaining life in the region.

Natural Resources

Western Sahara is rich in natural resources, particularly phosphates, which have historically been the most significant export from the region. Phosphate deposits are found in large quantities, particularly near the city of Bou Craa, which has one of the largest phosphate mines in the world. The region is also home to valuable fisheries, as the Atlantic Ocean offers abundant marine life, contributing to the economy through fishing. Despite these valuable resources, the economic potential of Western Sahara has been limited by the ongoing political conflict over its sovereignty.

The region is also thought to have oil and gas reserves offshore, though these have yet to be fully explored or exploited due to the uncertainty surrounding the territory’s political status. In addition, Western Sahara is home to limited agricultural land, but the land’s arid conditions make it unsuitable for most types of farming, except in a few scattered areas.

Climate of Western Sahara

General Climate

The climate of Western Sahara is characterized by its extreme aridity and high temperatures. The region is part of the Sahara Desert, which is known for its hot, dry conditions and limited rainfall. The majority of the territory experiences a desert climate, with long, dry summers and mild winters. Temperatures during the summer can soar above 40°C (104°F), particularly in the interior areas, while the coastal areas tend to experience slightly cooler temperatures due to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean.

In contrast, the winter months are relatively mild, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), though the desert nights can be quite cold. Despite the high temperatures, the territory’s climate is generally dry, with rainfall being scarce and irregular, averaging less than 50 mm (2 inches) per year in most areas. Rainfall tends to occur sporadically, usually during the winter months, and in the form of short, heavy showers.

Wind and Sandstorms

One of the most prominent features of the climate in Western Sahara is the frequent occurrence of dust storms and strong winds. These sandstorms, known as “haboobs,” are a common feature of the desert climate. The winds, which often exceed 40 km/h (25 mph), blow vast quantities of sand and dust across the region, reducing visibility and creating harsh living conditions. These sandstorms can be particularly disruptive to agriculture, infrastructure, and daily life, making transportation difficult and sometimes dangerous.

People of Western Sahara

Population and Ethnic Composition

The population of Western Sahara is estimated to be around 600,000 people, though accurate figures are difficult to determine due to the region’s political status and ongoing conflict. The majority of the population is composed of Sahrawis, an ethnic group that is culturally and linguistically tied to the Berber peoples of North Africa. Sahrawis are primarily Arab-Berber and speak Hassaniya Arabic, a variety of Arabic spoken in Mauritania, Western Sahara, and parts of southern Morocco.

There are also smaller communities of Moors, Berbers, and Arabs who have migrated to the region over time. The population is largely nomadic or semi-nomadic, although many have settled in cities and refugee camps due to the ongoing political conflict and displacement. The capital city of Western Sahara is El Aaiún, located in the north, which is controlled by Morocco. Other significant settlements in the region include Smara and Dakhla, both of which are situated along the coast.

Language

The primary language spoken in Western Sahara is Hassaniya Arabic, a dialect of Arabic that has been influenced by Berber and local languages. Spanish, the former colonial language, is also used by some individuals, particularly in the context of education and business, although its use has declined since Morocco took control of much of the territory. French is also spoken in certain parts of the region, especially among people with ties to Morocco or the wider Francophone world.

The Sahrawi people, despite being spread out across a large and fragmented area, maintain a strong sense of linguistic and cultural unity, even in the face of the political conflict that has divided them. The Sahrawi culture places a strong emphasis on oral traditions, storytelling, and poetry, which play a vital role in preserving their history and identity.

Religion

Islam is the dominant religion in Western Sahara, with nearly all of the population identifying as Sunni Muslims. Religion plays an integral part in the daily lives of the Sahrawi people, influencing social practices, politics, and cultural events. Islamic traditions, such as Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, are celebrated with great enthusiasm and are important social events for the community. The Sahrawis have a unique blend of Islamic practices and their own cultural customs, which have evolved over centuries in the desert environment.

There are no significant non-Muslim communities in Western Sahara, although there are some individuals of Christian and Jewish background, particularly among Moroccan settlers. However, these groups are small and do not have a notable presence in the region.

Economy of Western Sahara

Phosphate Mining

The economy of Western Sahara is largely driven by its natural resources, with phosphate mining being the most important industry. The territory is home to some of the world’s richest phosphate reserves, primarily around the city of Bou Craa. Phosphates are critical for fertilizers and are a valuable export commodity. The phosphate mines have been under the control of Morocco since it annexed Western Sahara in 1975, and they remain a source of significant income for the occupying forces.

Despite the rich phosphate resources, the economy of Western Sahara remains underdeveloped, in part due to the political conflict and the lack of infrastructure investment. Mining operations are often carried out with little regard for environmental sustainability, and the benefits of these resources are not widely shared among the indigenous Sahrawi population.

Fishing Industry

The fishing industry is another important sector of the Western Sahara economy. The region’s Atlantic coastline provides access to rich marine resources, and Western Sahara’s waters are home to a wide variety of fish and seafood. Fishing has long been a traditional livelihood for the Sahrawi people, and it remains an essential industry today.

Foreign fishing fleets, particularly from Europe, have established operations along the coast, taking advantage of the abundant marine resources. However, there are concerns about the overexploitation of these resources, and much of the revenue generated from the fishing industry flows out of the region, with little benefit to the local population. The Sahrawi people have also faced limitations on their access to fishing rights due to the ongoing dispute over the region’s sovereignty.

Agriculture

Agriculture in Western Sahara is limited due to the harsh desert climate and arid conditions. However, some crops, such as dates, olives, and vegetables, are grown in the areas that have access to water resources. The coastal areas and the few oasis settlements also support small-scale farming and livestock herding. The agricultural potential of Western Sahara is limited by water scarcity and the lack of modern irrigation techniques, although there have been attempts to introduce desert farming technologies in recent years.

Economic Challenges

The economic challenges of Western Sahara are directly tied to its political situation. The territory’s status remains unresolved, and the ongoing conflict between Morocco and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), led by the Polisario Front, has hindered both development and international investment. As a result, poverty levels in the region are high, and the Sahrawi people face limited access to basic services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

The region also suffers from high unemployment rates, and many Sahrawis have fled to refugee camps in Algeria, where they live under difficult conditions. Human rights organizations have repeatedly highlighted the lack of economic opportunities for the indigenous population in the areas controlled by Morocco, and many people continue to demand the right to self-determination.

Government of Western Sahara

Political System

The political system of Western Sahara is complex and contentious due to the ongoing dispute over the territory’s sovereignty. Morocco claims sovereignty over Western Sahara, while the Sahrawi people, led by the Polisario Front, seek independence and the establishment of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). The SADR has declared itself the legitimate government of Western Sahara and is recognized by several African and Latin American countries, although it does not have control over the entire territory.

The Moroccan government administers the majority of the territory, including the cities of El Aaiún, Dakhla, and Smara. These areas are under Moroccan rule, with Moroccan settlers making up a significant portion of the population. The Sahrawi people, however, continue to govern large parts of the eastern region of Western Sahara, which is controlled by the Polisario Front, and the Sahrawi government operates from the refugee camps in Algeria.

The United Nations has attempted to mediate the conflict through a series of peace efforts, but the situation remains unresolved. The UN continues to call for a referendum on self-determination, although progress on this front has been slow and contentious.

Political History

The history of Western Sahara is marked by colonization, conflict, and a struggle for independence. The region was a Spanish colony from 1884 until 1975, when Spain withdrew and left the territory in dispute. Morocco and Mauritania both claimed sovereignty over the region, leading to a war with the Polisario Front, which sought independence for the Sahrawi people.

In 1979, Mauritania withdrew its claim to Western Sahara, leaving Morocco as the sole claimant to the territory. Since then, the conflict has continued, with sporadic military clashes and diplomatic efforts by the United Nations and other international bodies to find a resolution.

Governance Challenges

Western Sahara faces several governance challenges due to its ongoing political status. The lack of a final resolution to the territorial dispute has left the region divided and unstable. The situation has created significant humanitarian challenges, with many Sahrawis living in refugee camps in Algeria, dependent on international aid for survival. The lack of a clear political solution continues to stymie economic development and the creation of a stable governance structure for the region.

Culture of Western Sahara

Traditional Music and Dance

Music and dance are integral to the cultural identity of the Sahrawi people. Traditional Sahrawi music is characterized by its use of drums, stringed instruments, and singing. The music often tells stories of the desert, reflecting themes of love, loss, and longing. The rhythms are typically lively, and the music is accompanied by dance, which is an important part of social gatherings and celebrations.

Art and Craft

Sahrawi art is influenced by the desert environment, with crafts such as weaving, pottery, and jewelry being popular among the indigenous people. Traditional Sahrawi textiles, often made from wool, are used to create clothing, tents, and decorative items. The intricate designs reflect the nomadic lifestyle and the cultural values of the Sahrawi people.

Cuisine

Sahrawi cuisine is centered around simple, hearty meals that are well-suited to the desert environment. The food is often based on rice, couscous, and meat, particularly lamb and camel. Dates, which are grown in the oases, are also a staple food and are consumed in large quantities, often served with tea. Tea is an important part of Sahrawi hospitality, and the tradition of serving mint tea is an essential social custom.

Festivals and Celebrations

The Sahrawi people celebrate various religious and cultural festivals. The Islamic festivals of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are widely observed, with families gathering for meals and prayers. Additionally, the Sahrawi people commemorate the founding of the Polisario Front and their continued struggle for independence with various cultural and political events.