Western Sahara is a territory in Northern Africa, bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean, Morocco proper, Algeria (Tindouf region), and Mauritania. Geographic coordinates: 24°30′N 13°00′W / 24.500°N 13.000°W / 24.500; -13.000
Size
Total: 266,060 km², about the size of Colorado
- land: 266,000 km²
- water: 0 km²
The peninsula in the extreme southwest, with the city of Lagouira, is called Ras Nouadhibou, Cap Blanc, or Cabo Blanco. The eastern side is part of Mauritania.
Maritime claims: contingent upon resolution of sovereignty issue
Land
Terrain
The terrain is mostly low, flat desert with large areas of rocky or sandy surfaces rising to small mountains in south and northeast.
Elevation extremes:
- Lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
- Highest point: unnamed location 805 m
Natural resources
phosphates, iron ore, fishing resources on Atlantic Ocean coast
Land use
Arable land: 0.02%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 99.98% (2005)
Irrigated land: NA km²
Natural hazards
Hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind can occur during winter and spring; widespread harmattan haze exists 60% of time, often severely restricting visibility. Flash flooding occurs during spring months.
Environment
Climate
Hot, dry desert; rain is rare; cold offshore air currents produce fog and heavy dew.
Current issues
sparse water and lack of arable land
Extreme points
This is a list of the extreme points of Western Sahara, the points that are farther north, south, east or west than any other location.
- Northern-most points – the border with Morocco*
- Eastern-most points – the northern section of the border with Mauritania/Algeria**
- Southernmost point – the southern tip of Ras Nouadhibou/(Cap Blanc)
- Westernmost point - Cape Dubouchage on Ras Nouadhibou
- *Note: Western Sahara does not have a northern-most point, the border being formed by a straight horizontal line
- **Note: Western Sahara does not have an eastern-most point, the border being formed by a straight vertical line
External links
Maps
- Map from the United Nations (PDF)
- www.sahara-occidental.com
- www.cidi.nl
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