Western Sahara
Region
🌍 Africa
Population
👥 510
Currency
💱 Algerian dinar
Languages
🗣️ Hassaniya Arabic, Spanish
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Official NameSource: REST Countries
Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic
Continent
Africa
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Sahrawi
Independence
This territory does not have an official independence day.
Top-Level Domain
.eh
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+212
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+00:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
El Aaiún
ISO Alpha-2
EH
ISO Alpha-3
ESH
UN Code
732
Geographic Coordinates
24.5,-13
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
266,000#78 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
510,713#173 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
Approximately 2 people per square kilometer (estimated)
Highest Point (m)
Approximately 463 meters
Lowest Point (m)
Sea level
Land Use
Mostly desert with some grazing land.
Irrigated Land
Limited irrigated land due to arid conditions.
Coastline Length
Approximately 1,110 kilometers
Climate
Hot, dry desert climate.
Natural Resources
Phosphates, iron ore.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Algeria, Mauritania, Morocco
Major Rivers
This country has no major rivers.
Major Lakes
This country has no major lakes.
Government Type
Administered by Morocco, with the partially recognized Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) claiming sovereignty.
Administrative Divisions
Divided into regions, primarily under Moroccan administration.
Legal System
Moroccan law applies in areas under Moroccan control.
Chief of State
King Mohammed VI of Morocco (de facto). The SADR claims a president.
Head of Government
Prime Minister of Morocco (de facto). The SADR claims a prime minister.
Cabinet
Cabinet of the Moroccan government.
Elections
Elections are held in areas under Moroccan control.
Judicial Branch
Judicial system is part of the Moroccan legal system.
Legislative Branch
Legislative branch is part of the Moroccan parliamentary system.
Major Political Parties
Political parties operate primarily under the framework of Moroccan politics.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Algerian dinar
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)
Economic data for Western Sahara is very limited; figures are not readily available.
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)
Economic data for Western Sahara is very limited; figures are not readily available.
GDP per Capita (US$)
Economic data for Western Sahara is very limited; per capita GDP figures are not readily available.
GDP - Agriculture (%)
—
GDP - Industry (%)
—
GDP - Services (%)
—
Inflation Rate (%)
Inflation data for Western Sahara is not readily available.
Labor Force (people)
Labor force data for Western Sahara is not readily available.
Unemployment Rate (%)
Unemployment rate data for Western Sahara is not readily available.
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Public debt information for Western Sahara is not readily available.
Budget
Budget information for Western Sahara is not readily available.
Exports (US$ billion)
Export data for Western Sahara is not readily available.
Imports (US$ billion)
Import data for Western Sahara is not readily available.
Foreign Reserves
Foreign reserve data for Western Sahara is not readily available.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange information is not readily available for Western Sahara.
GDP by Sector
Information on the breakdown of GDP by sector is not readily available for Western Sahara.
Major Industries
The primary industry in Western Sahara is phosphate mining, with some fishing.
Major Export Partners
Export partner information for Western Sahara is not readily available.
Major Import Partners
Import partner information for Western Sahara is not readily available.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)
Literacy rate data for Western Sahara is not readily available.
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)
Birth rate data for Western Sahara is not readily available.
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)
Death rate data for Western Sahara is not readily available.
Net Migration Rate
Net migration rate data for Western Sahara is not readily available.
Median Age
Median age data for Western Sahara is not readily available.
Urban Population (%)
Urban population data for Western Sahara is not readily available.
Urbanization Rate
Urbanization rate data for Western Sahara is not readily available.
Life Expectancy (years)
Life expectancy data for Western Sahara is not readily available.
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
HIV/AIDS prevalence data for Western Sahara is not readily available.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)
Health expenditure data for Western Sahara is not readily available.
Ethnic Groups
The main ethnic group is Sahrawi.
Religions
Islam is the predominant religion.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Hassaniya Arabic, Spanish
Education
Education System
Education system is limited due to the disputed status. Some schools exist, but access and quality vary.
School Life Expectancy (years)
Data unavailable.
Government Education Spending
Data unavailable.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
No major universities are known due to the lack of infrastructure and the disputed status.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Culture is primarily Sahrawi, with influences from Berber and Arab cultures. Traditional nomadic lifestyle and music are important.
National Holidays
Information unavailable. Likely aligns with Moroccan or Sahrawi holidays depending on the region.
Popular Music
Sahrawi music, often involving traditional instruments and desert themes.
Traditional Food
Couscous, tagine, and dates are common. Influenced by Berber and Arab cuisine.
Sports
Camel racing is popular. Football is also played.
Major Festivals
Information unavailable.
Famous People
Information scarce due to limited data.
Cultural Heritage Sites
No UNESCO sites are currently listed. Cultural heritage is present but undocumented due to the disputed status.
UNESCO Sites
No UNESCO sites.
Annual Tourist Visits
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Tourism Overview
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Top Tourist Attractions
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Famous Cities
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National Parks
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Protected Areas
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Best Time to Visit
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Tourist Visa Info
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Visa Requirements Overview
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Travel Advisory
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Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
Healthcare quality index data for Western Sahara is not readily available.
Medical Cost
Medical cost data for Western Sahara is not readily available.
Number of Hospitals
Hospital data for Western Sahara is not readily available.
Universal Healthcare
Information unavailable due to the disputed status and limited data.
Medical Services Overview
Information on medical services in Western Sahara is limited.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical access information for Western Sahara is not readily available.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
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Emergency Number (Ambulance)
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Emergency Number (Fire)
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Crime Rate
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Safety Index
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Military Expenditure
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Emergency Services Overview
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Safety Overview
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Military Branches
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Infrastructure
Electricity Access
—
Water Access
—
Sanitation Access
—
Railways
No railways.
Roadways
—
Transportation System
Transportation is limited. Road transport is the main form of travel.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Dakhla Airport (VIL), Laayoune Hassan I International Airport (EUN), Smara Airport (SMW)
Ports
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Public Transit
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Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)
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Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
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Tech Startups
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Innovation Index
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ICT Development Index
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TV Broadcast Stations
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Radio Broadcast Stations
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Plug Type & Voltage
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CO2 Emissions (t per capita)
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Air Quality Index
Data unavailable.
Water Pollution Level
Data unavailable.
Renewable Energy Usage
Data unavailable.
Environmental Issues
Desertification, overgrazing, depletion of water resources.
Natural Hazards
Dust storms.
Waste Management
Data unavailable.
Environmental Agreements
Not party to any known agreements.
UN Membership
—
Diplomatic Missions
No independent diplomatic missions.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
African Union
Major Treaties
Data unavailable.
Visa-Free Countries
Data unavailable.