Scuba Diving in

Western Sahara

Western Sahara is a disputed territory in North Africa. It borders Morocco to the north, Algeria to the east, Mauritania to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The territory is currently under the administration of Morocco, but its status is contested by the Polisario Front, which advocates for independence. The territory has been the subject of a long-running conflict between Morocco and the Polisario Front since the 1970s, known as the Western Sahara War.

Marine Species in

Western Sahara

Dive Centres in

Western Sahara

Geography

Western Sahara is a largely desert region with a coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. The territory is characterized by vast, barren plains, with scattered oases and low-lying mountains in the east. The most notable geographical feature is the vast Erg Chebbi sand sea, which covers a large part of the eastern region. The territory also includes the sparsely populated but strategically important Río de Oro region, a coastal strip that extends southward from the city of El Aaiún. The climate is hot and arid, with very little rainfall.

Population

The estimated population of Western Sahara is around 550,000. The majority of the population is Sahrawi, an ethnic group descended from nomadic tribes that inhabited the region for centuries. The Sahrawi people have a distinct culture and language, which is closely related to the Hassaniya dialect of Arabic. In addition to the Sahrawi population, there is also a significant number of Moroccans residing in the territory, particularly in the urban centers.

Culture

The Sahrawi culture is characterized by a strong sense of community and tradition. Nomadic life has traditionally played a significant role in Sahrawi culture, with families traveling across the desert in search of pasture for their livestock. Traditional Sahrawi crafts include weaving, pottery, and jewelry making. Music and dance are also important aspects of Sahrawi culture, with traditional instruments such as the tbourida drum and the kbira guitar being widely played. The Sahrawi people have a rich oral tradition, with stories and legends passed down through generations.

Economy

The economy of Western Sahara is underdeveloped, and the territory relies heavily on phosphate mining. The Bou Craa mine, located near the coastal city of El Aaiún, is one of the world's largest phosphate deposits. Other economic activities include fishing, livestock herding, and limited agriculture in oases. Tourism is also growing, particularly in the southern region, but its development is hindered by the ongoing conflict.

History

The territory of Western Sahara has a long and complex history. It was historically inhabited by nomadic Berber tribes, who engaged in trade with other parts of North Africa and Europe. In the 15th century, the region came under the control of Portugal. Spain later claimed sovereignty over the territory, and it was administered as a Spanish colony from 1884 until 1975. After Spain's withdrawal in 1975, the territory was divided between Morocco and Mauritania. However, Mauritania renounced its claim in 1979, leaving Morocco in control of the territory. The Polisario Front, a Sahrawi nationalist movement, declared the independence of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) in 1976. Since then, the territory has been the subject of a protracted conflict between Morocco and the Polisario Front, which has sought international recognition for the SADR.

Major Landmarks

Some of the major landmarks in Western Sahara include:

  • El Aaiún: The largest city in Western Sahara, it is a major urban center with a bustling commercial district and a number of historical landmarks.
  • Dakhla: A coastal city known for its beaches and salt production.
  • Erg Chebbi: A vast sand sea, popular among tourists for its stunning landscapes and opportunities for camel trekking and sandboarding.
  • Río de Oro: A coastal strip known for its rich fishing grounds.