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Western Sahara: Quick Facts

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News •

U.N. Peacekeepers Are Leaving Western Sahara. What Does That Mean? • Nov. 4, 2026, 9:25 PM ET (Foreign Policy)
UN’s peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara ends after 35 years following US-Russia standoff • Nov. 1, 2026, 1:34 PM ET (AP)
Rival US and Russia resolutions on disputed Western Sahara are defeated in UN Security Council • Oct. 30, 2026, 9:04 PM ET (AP)

Facts

Also Known As Al-Ṣaḥrāʾ al-Gharbiyyah • Spanish Sahara
Population (2026 est.) 705,300
Official Name(S) Western Sahara; Al-Ṣaḥrāʾ al-Gharbiyyah (Arabic)
Total Area (Sq Km) 272,000
Total Area (Sq Mi) 105,020

Photos

Map showing Western Sahara along the northwest coast of Africa, bordered by Morocco to the north, Mauritania to the east and south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Major towns such as Laayoune, Al-Dakhla, and Bir Gandus are labeled, with a note indicating the territory is occupied by Morocco. An inset map highlights the region's location within northwest Africa.
Western Sahara: oasis in Río de Oro
Laayoune, Western Sahara
Western Sahara: former headquarters of the Spanish Foreign Legion
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