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The Western Sahara is considered by the United Nations to be a non-self governing territory and has been that way since the 1960’s when it was a Spanish colony. There continues to be an ongoing dispute between the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) government and the Kingdom or Morocco and the Polisario Front regarding its status.
Since a ceasefire agreement in 1991, sponsored by the United Nations, the majority of the territory has been controlled by Morocco. However, the ceasefire agreement was contingent upon a referendum regarding independence. The UN, for more than a decade, has failed to retain the referendum with disputes over voter eligibility the major stumbling block along with Morocco's opposition to the referendum.
Former U.S. Secretary of State, James Baker, proposed that Western Sahara consider becoming an autonomous region of Morocco in 2001. The Polisario rejected the proposal and in 2002, King Mohammed VI of Morocco confirmed that he would not “renounce an inch of” the Western Sahara.
In 2003, another peace plan was introduced that would have Western Sahara become a semiautonomous region of Morocco for five years. At the end of that period, a referendum would be held to determine the final status: independence, autonomy or integration into Morocco. The Polisario agreed to this plan, but Morocco would not give it any consideration.
Its legal status is still in question and a proposal from the government of Morocco suggesting that a self-governing entity should oversee the territory with a certain degree of autonomy for Western Sahara, which was presented to the UN Security Council in 2007, has stalled. The two entities have been asked to enter into “direct and unconditional negotiations to reach a mutually accepted political solution” by the UN Secretary-General.
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- Population 267,405
- Major City Laayoune (pop. 194,668)
- Currency Moroccan Dirham
- Currency Converter
- Languages Arabic
- National Day 1 November; Revolution Day
- Religions Muslim
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- Land Area 266,000 sq km (99,825 sq miles)
- Highest Point unnamed hill 1,519 ft. (463 m)
- Lowest Point Sebjet Tah -55 m
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Western Sahara is located in Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Mauritania and Morocco. It also borders Algeria in the far-northeast.
It is basically covered by the Sahara Desert, the largest desert in the world.
Subsequently, the landscape is mostly low, flat desert and is some of the most arid and inhospitable on the planet.
There are some small mountains in the south and northeast.
There are a few rivers (called wadis), but they are simply depressions where water gathers during the brief rainy season. Because of the high temperatures, the water quickly evaporated and never reaches the sea. |
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- Latitude/Longitude 30' N, 13° 00' W
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For conventional travelers there is little to see and do in Western Sahara. In fact, according to the SafeTravel website, there is extreme risk to personal security in Western Sahara and they advise against all travel into the country because of the threat posed by landmines.
Travel Recommendations Before finalizing and/or making your travel plans to any worldwide destination, we strongly recommend you authenticate and research all of the important details regarding applicable health, passport and visa requirements.
If you require additional assistance, the experienced professionals at Travel Visa Pro can answer all of your questions!
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A refuge in Western Sahara...
The city of El-Aaiun, Western Sahara...
Rolling desert sand dunes, Western Sahara...
The Moroccan Wall, Western Sahara... |
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