Western Sahara

Western Sahara (EH in ISO 3166-1) is a territory of northwestern Africa, bordered by the internationally-understood boundaries of Morocco to the north, Algeria in the northeast, Mauritania to the east and south, and the Atlantic Ocean on the west. The largest city is El Aaiún (Laayoune), containing the majority of the population of the territory. Western Sahara is arguably the most sparsely populated territory in the world, mainly consisting of desert flatlands.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Western Sahara

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Western Sahara has few natural resources except phosphate and fishing waters, and lacks sufficient rainfall for most agricultural activities. Its economy is centred around nomadic herding, fishing, and phosphate mining. Most food for the urban population is imported. All trade and other economic activities are controlled by the Moroccan government. The government has encouraged citizens to relocate to the territory by giving subsidies and price controls on basic goods.

Related Topics:
Phosphate - Fishing - Nomad - Herding - Subsidies - Price control

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The refugee camps in Tindouf, Algeria, are wholly reliant on foreign and Algerian aid. Food, clothing and water are brought in by car and plane. Since the nineties a rudimentary monetary economy has evolved in the camps, after Spain started paying pensions to former recruited Sahrawi soldiers in its colonial army, and with money and merchandise brought in by Sahrawis working or studying abroad. A minor but significant addition comes from those pursuing traditional nomadic camel-herding in the Polisario-controlled parts of Western Sahara and in Mauritania.

Related Topics:
Tindouf - Algeria - Spain - Sahrawi - Polisario - Mauritania

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Since the major oil findings in neighbouring Mauritania, there has been much speculation on the possibility of oil resources being located off the coast of Western Sahara. Both Morocco and the Polisario has made deals with oil and gas companies, which has led to a debate on the legality of exploring occupied territory. To date, however, the results of the oil prospecting missions remain inconclusive.

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