Western Sahara

Western Sahara is a territory located in the Maghreb region of North Africa. It is bordered by Morocco to the north, Algeria to the northeast, Mauritania to the east and south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Covering an area of approximately 266,000 square kilometers, Western Sahara is one of the most sparsely populated territories in the world, primarily inhabited by the Sahrawi, an ethnic group native to the Sahara desert.

History

The history of Western Sahara can be traced back to the Neolithic era. The region was later inhabited by Berber tribes and became a part of the Roman Empire's province of Mauretania Tingitana. In the Middle Ages, the area was occupied by the Sanhaja tribal confederation.

In the late 19th century, Western Sahara became a Spanish colony, known as Spanish Sahara. The decolonization process began in the mid-20th century, leading to a long-standing territorial dispute between Morocco and the Polisario Front, a Sahrawi national liberation movement seeking independence.

Geography

Western Sahara is largely desert, with a harsh climate and sparse rainfall. It is divided into three main geographic zones: the Sahara Desert, the Hamada, and the coastal strip. The Sahara Desert is the largest zone, characterized by sand dunes and rocky plateaus. The Hamada is a flat, rocky area, while the coastal strip is a narrow plain along the Atlantic coast.

Politics

The political status of Western Sahara is complex and unresolved. It is considered a non-self-governing territory by the United Nations. The region is claimed and partially controlled by Morocco, which refers to it as its Southern Provinces. The Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, controls the remainder and has declared a government-in-exile, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), recognized by several countries and the African Union.

Economy

The economy of Western Sahara is based on fishing, agriculture, and phosphate mining. The region has one of the world's largest phosphate reserves. However, the ongoing territorial dispute has hindered economic development.

Culture

The culture of Western Sahara is predominantly Sahrawi, influenced by Berber, Arab, and African traditions. The music, cuisine, and literature reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Sahrawi people.

See also

• History of Western Sahara
• Politics of Western Sahara
• Economy of Western Sahara
• Culture of Western Sahara