Last update images today Western Sahara: A Region In The Spotlight
Western Sahara: A Region in the Spotlight
Western Sahara on World Map
The Western Sahara, a territory on the northwest coast of Africa, often finds itself in the news, but understanding its location and political status can be challenging. This article will delve into the complexities of Western Sahara on the world map, exploring its geography, history, and current situation, making it easier to understand this often-overlooked region.
Western Sahara on World Map: Locating the Territory
Western Sahara sits on the Atlantic coast of North Africa, bordered by Morocco to the north, Algeria to the northeast, and Mauritania to the east and south. Its geographical coordinates place it roughly between 21? and 28? north latitude and 8? and 17? west longitude. Think of it as directly south of the Canary Islands (belonging to Spain) and just northwest of Mauritania.
Image: A map highlighting the location of Western Sahara in North Africa. ALT text: Map of North Africa showing Western Sahara's location.
Western Sahara on World Map: A History of Contention
The history of Western Sahara is one marked by colonial rule and ongoing territorial disputes. Formerly a Spanish colony known as Spanish Sahara, Spain relinquished control in 1975. However, instead of granting independence, Morocco and Mauritania moved to annex the territory. This sparked a conflict with the Polisario Front, a Sahrawi liberation movement seeking self-determination for the Sahrawi people.
Image: Historical flag of Spanish Sahara. ALT text: Flag of Spanish Sahara. Caption: The flag of Spanish Sahara, a reminder of the region's colonial past.
Western Sahara on World Map: The Current Political Status
Currently, Morocco controls about 80% of Western Sahara, including its valuable phosphate reserves and fishing waters. The Polisario Front controls the remaining eastern and southern parts, referred to as the "Free Zone" or "Liberated Territories." The United Nations considers Western Sahara a non-self-governing territory whose status is undetermined. A UN peacekeeping mission, MINURSO, is in place to monitor a ceasefire agreement between Morocco and the Polisario Front and to organize a referendum on self-determination, which has yet to occur.
Image: Map showing the area controlled by Morocco and the Polisario Front. ALT text: Map of Western Sahara indicating areas controlled by Morocco and the Polisario Front.
Western Sahara on World Map: Economic Significance
The region's economic significance lies primarily in its phosphate deposits, which are among the largest in the world. Fishing is also a significant industry. However, the ongoing political instability and dispute over sovereignty have hindered broader economic development. The exploitation of natural resources in Western Sahara by Morocco is a contentious issue, with the Polisario Front and its supporters arguing that it violates international law.
Image: A phosphate mine in Western Sahara. ALT text: Open-pit phosphate mine in Western Sahara.
Western Sahara on World Map: The Human Impact
The conflict in Western Sahara has had a significant impact on the Sahrawi people. Thousands have been displaced and live in refugee camps in Algeria, primarily near the town of Tindouf. These camps have existed for decades, relying heavily on international aid. The lack of a resolution to the conflict and the separation of families remain major humanitarian concerns.
Image: A Sahrawi refugee camp in Algeria. ALT text: Sahrawi refugee camp in Algeria.
Western Sahara on World Map: International Recognition
The issue of Western Sahara's sovereignty remains a point of contention on the world stage. While no country officially recognizes Moroccan sovereignty over the entire territory, many countries maintain diplomatic relations with Morocco and indirectly acknowledge its de facto control. The African Union recognizes the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), proclaimed by the Polisario Front.
Western Sahara on World Map: The Path Forward
The future of Western Sahara remains uncertain. The United Nations continues to work towards a peaceful resolution, but progress has been slow. Finding a solution that respects the rights and aspirations of both the Sahrawi people and Morocco is crucial for lasting peace and stability in the region. The referendum on self-determination, long promised but never held, remains a key point of contention.
Question and Answer:
Q: Where is Western Sahara located? A: Western Sahara is located on the northwest coast of Africa, bordered by Morocco, Algeria, and Mauritania.
Q: What is the current political status of Western Sahara? A: The United Nations considers Western Sahara a non-self-governing territory whose status is undetermined. Morocco controls about 80% of the territory, while the Polisario Front controls the remaining eastern and southern parts.
Q: What are the main economic resources of Western Sahara? A: The main economic resources of Western Sahara are phosphate deposits and fishing.
Summary: This article explored the location, history, and current political status of Western Sahara on the world map. It addressed its economic significance and the humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict, highlighting the need for a peaceful resolution and discussing key questions.
Keywords: Western Sahara, World Map, Polisario Front, Morocco, Sahrawi, MINURSO, Self-determination, Phosphate, Africa, Territory, Conflict, Sovereignty, Spanish Sahara, Refugee Camps, Algeria, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), Non-Self-Governing Territory.