Map of Western Sahara

Western Sahara

The Western Sahara, located on the north-west coast of Africa, on the Atlantic Ocean, is not technically a country, although it has been negotiating for independence, autonomy, and recognition as a country for decades. It was a colony of Spain, and when the Spanish withdrew, Morocco claimed its territory. There has been an ongoing dispute with the Polisario Front, which favors independence from Morocco, and the government of Morocco. It is one of the most sparsely populated territories in the world.