Western Sahara

Western Sahara

Western Sahara is a special place in North Africa. It is often called "Africa's last colony" because it was once ruled by a European country but has not yet become fully independent. This area is very dry and mostly a flat desert. About 600,000 people live there.

Where It Is

Western Sahara is along the northwest coast of Africa. It touches the Atlantic Ocean and shares borders with Morocco to the north, Algeria to the east, and Mauritania to the south. The land near the coast is flat and dry, with small mountains in the north.

People and Culture

The main people in Western Sahara are called Sahrawis. They are nomads and speak a special kind of Arabic called Hassānīya. Many Sahrawis have mixed Berber and Arab roots. They practice Sunni Islam but also keep some of their old traditions.

In 1975, many Sahrawis had to leave their homes and move to refugee camps in Algeria. Even today, some families still live in these camps. Women in Sahrawi society have always been important. They can own property and help make decisions.

A Special Situation

Today, Western Sahara is a special place because two groups want to control it. Morocco says it is part of their country. Another group, called the Polisario Front, wants Western Sahara to be independent. They are supported by Algeria. The United Nations says Western Sahara is a place that has not yet chosen its own government. Many countries around the world watch to make sure people are treated fairly.