Western Sahara

Western Sahara is a disputed territory located 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. Covering an area of approximately 266,000 square kilometers, it has a population estimated at around 500,000 people as of 2023. The largest city and de facto capital is Laayoune. The official languages are Arabic and Spanish, with Hassaniya Arabic and Moroccan Arabic commonly spoken. Western Sahara is rich in phosphate deposits and has significant fishing grounds along its coast. The territory's status remains unresolved, with ongoing efforts by the United Nations to facilitate a peaceful resolution.