View source for Geography of Western Sahara

{{Short description|none}} <!-- "none" is preferred when the title is sufficiently descriptive; see [[WP:SDNONE]] -->
{{more citations needed|date=April 2015}}
{{Infobox country geography
|name = Western Sahara
|map = [[File:Westernsaharamap.png|260px]]<br><br>[[File:LocationWesternSahara.svg|240px]]
|map size =
|continent = [[Africa]]
|region = [[North Africa]]
|coordinates = {{coord|24|30|N|13|00|W|type:country_region:EH|display=inline,title}}
|area ranking = 78th
|km area = 266,000
|percent land =
|percent water =
|km coastline = 1,110
|borders = {{ubl|{{convert|2,046|km|mi}}|([[Algeria]]: {{convert|42|km|mi}}|[[Mauritania]]: {{convert|1,561|km|mi}}|[[Morocco]]: {{convert|443|km|mi}})}}
|highest point = unnamed elevation: {{convert|701|m|ft}} 
|lowest point = [[Sebjet Tah]], {{convert|−55|m|ft}} {{Citation needed|date=November 2013}}
|longest river =
|largest lake =
|climate =
|terrain =
|natural resources =
|natural hazards =
|environmental issues =
}}
{{MapLibrary|Western_Sahara_sat.png|Western Sahara}}
[[Image:Western Sahara Topography.png|thumb|Topography of Western Sahara]]
[[File:Desert Coast—Morocco, Western Sahara.jpg|thumb|450px|Desert Coast of Morocco and Western Sahara, 2014. '''North''' is to upper right corner of photo. Note the straight lines produced by strong northerly winds that blow parallel to the coast, producing wind streaks of sand and sand-free surfaces. Also note the transport corridor of roads, railroads and conveyor belt system (vertical line at left) that transport [[Phosphates#Occurrence and mining|phosphates]] {{convert|100|km|mi}} from inland mines to the coast. Strong northerly winds blow dust and phosphate into the desert, giving a jagged edge to this line on its south side.<ref>[http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=83931&src=eoa-iotd Desert Coast—Morocco, Western Sahara] at NASA [[Earth Observatory]]</ref>]]
[[Western Sahara]] is a territory in Northern [[Africa]], bordered by the North [[Atlantic Ocean]], [[Morocco]] proper, [[Algeria]] ([[Tindouf]] region), and [[Mauritania]].   [[Geographic coordinates]]: {{coord|24|30|N|13|00|W|type:country}}

== Size of Western Sahara ==

The size of Western Sahara, a region located in North Africa, is a critical aspect of its geopolitical and environmental profile. The territory’s vastness impacts its resource distribution, strategic importance, and the ongoing conflict over its sovereignty. Western Sahara is a significant area of study for its complex history and its role in regional and global geopolitics.

=== Area ===
Western Sahara encompasses approximately 266,000 square kilometers (102,703 square miles), which places it among the larger regions of Africa. This measurement provides a broad perspective on the land’s scale, revealing its comparative size to other nations and regions. For instance, Western Sahara is slightly larger than the United Kingdom but smaller than some of Africa’s largest countries, such as Algeria and Sudan.<ref name="area1">[https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/western-sahara/ CIA World Factbook: Western Sahara]</ref> The size of Western Sahara is not merely a numerical fact; it is intrinsically linked to its physical geography and the strategic interests it holds for various stakeholders. The arid climate and extensive desert areas define much of its landscape, influencing the lifestyle of its inhabitants and the approaches taken by both local and international actors in addressing the territory's status and development.<ref name="area2">Smith, B. (2010). ''Geopolitical Dimensions of Western Sahara''. Geographical Review, 24(3), 345-356.</ref>

The region’s area also affects logistical considerations, such as the management of natural resources and the implementation of infrastructure projects. Its size presents both challenges and opportunities for resource exploration, environmental management, and territorial administration. Despite its vastness, much of Western Sahara remains sparsely populated, with the majority of its residents living in a few concentrated areas. This uneven distribution of population relative to the land area plays a significant role in the political and humanitarian issues faced by the region.

=== Geographic Context ===
Western Sahara's geographic location is pivotal in understanding its significance. Situated in the northwest corner of Africa, it is bordered by Morocco to the north and east, Algeria to the northeast, Mauritania to the southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.<ref name="geo1">[https://www.britannica.com/place/Western-Sahara Western Sahara - Encyclopaedia Britannica]</ref> This strategic position places it at the intersection of several historical and cultural exchange routes, which have influenced its development and the broader regional dynamics.

The landscape of Western Sahara is dominated by desert terrain, with features such as sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and sparse vegetation. The coastal areas along the Atlantic Ocean provide a contrast to the inland desert, offering a more temperate climate and supporting limited but important marine and coastal ecosystems.<ref name="geo2">Parker, C. (2015). ''Desert Landscapes of Western Sahara: An Environmental Overview''. Desert Studies Journal, 31(2), 210-229.</ref> The terrain’s aridity and the lack of significant water resources have shaped the settlement patterns and economic activities within the region. Historical trade routes and migratory paths that traverse Western Sahara are a testament to its historical significance in connecting different parts of Africa and beyond.

Additionally, the desert environment poses unique challenges for infrastructure development and resource management. The region's natural resources, including phosphate deposits and potential offshore oil reserves, add another layer of complexity to the geopolitical stakes associated with its size and geography.<ref name="geo3">Jones, M. (2017). ''Economic Resources and Environmental Challenges in Western Sahara''. African Geopolitics Review, 29(4), 400-415.</ref>

==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:''  Sebjet Tah, {{convert|−55|m|ft}}, a depression in the northwest part of Western Sahara straddling the Morocco border
:''Highest point:'' Unnamed elevation, {{convert|701|m|ft}}, east of Awsard (Aousserd)<ref>Western Sahara High Point,Peakbagger.com</ref>

===Natural resources===
Phosphates, iron ore, and fishing resources on [[Atlantic Ocean]] coast

===Land use===
''Arable land:'' 0.02%
*''Permanent crops:'' 0%
*''Other:'' 99.98% (2005)

'''Irrigated land:''' N/A

===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===
Western Sahara has a [[hot desert climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''BWh''). Annual average rainfall is below {{convert|50|mm|in}} everywhere. Along the Atlantic coast, average temperatures, both high and low, are constant and very moderated throughout the year because cool offshore ocean currents considerably cool off the climate, especially during the day. However, summertime is long and extremely hot and wintertime is short and very warm to truly hot further in the interior, where cooling marine influences aren't felt anymore. Average high temperatures exceed {{convert|40|°C|°F}} in summer during a prolonged period of time but can reach as high as {{convert|50|°C|°F}} or even more in places such as [[Smara]], [[Tichla]], [[Bir Gandus]], [[Bir Anzarane]], [[Aghouinite]], [[Aousserd]] and others. Average high temperatures exceed {{convert|20|°C|°F}} in winter but average low temperatures can drop to {{convert|7|°C|°F}} in some places. The sky is usually clear and bright throughout the year and sunny weather is the norm.

{{Weather box
|width=auto
|location = Laayoune (1981-2010 normals)
|single line = Yes
|collapsed = Yes
|metric first = Yes
| Jan high C = 22.2
| Feb high C = 22.7
| Mar high C = 24.5
| Apr high C = 23.9
| May high C = 25.6
| Jun high C = 27.4
| Jul high C = 29.5
| Aug high C = 30.4
| Sep high C = 30.0
| Oct high C = 28.6
| Nov high C = 26.0
| Dec high C = 23.2
|year high C = 26.2
|Jan mean C = 16.9
|Feb mean C = 17.6
|Mar mean C = 19.2
|Apr mean C = 19.2
|May mean C = 20.7
|Jun mean C = 22.5
|Jul mean C = 24.5
|Aug mean C = 25.2
|Sep mean C = 24.7
|Oct mean C = 23.3
|Nov mean C = 20.8
|Dec mean C = 18.0
|year mean C = 21.1
| Jan low C = 11.6
| Feb low C = 12.5
| Mar low C = 13.9
| Apr low C = 14.5
| May low C = 15.8
| Jun low C = 17.7
| Jul low C = 19.4
| Aug low C = 20.0
| Sep low C = 19.4
| Oct low C = 18.0
| Nov low C = 15.6
| Dec low C = 12.8
|year low C = 15.9
|Jan record high F =
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|precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm = 11.1
| Feb precipitation mm = 11.1
| Mar precipitation mm = 5.4
| Apr precipitation mm = 1.1
| May precipitation mm = 0.5
| Jun precipitation mm = 0.0
| Jul precipitation mm = 0.1
| Aug precipitation mm = 0.5
| Sep precipitation mm = 1.5
| Oct precipitation mm = 3.0
| Nov precipitation mm = 9.8
| Dec precipitation mm = 13.3
|year precipitation mm = 57.4
|Jan snow inch =
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|unit snow days = 0.1 in
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|year snow days =
|Jan sun = 239.1
|Feb sun = 234.7
|Mar sun = 281.4
|Apr sun = 296.5
|May sun = 326.5
|Jun sun = 308.9
|Jul sun = 290.3
|Aug sun = 286.9
|Sep sun = 260.1
|Oct sun = 266.1
|Nov sun = 243.9
|Dec sun = 229.8
|year sun = 3264.2
|source 1 = NOAA<ref>{{cite web
| url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/pub/data/normals/WMO/1981-2010/RA-I/Morocco/WMO_Normals_ASCII_60033.csv
| title = WMO_Normals_ASCII_60033
| publisher = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]
| accessdate = August 4, 2021
}}</ref>
}}

{{Weather box
|width=auto
|location = Dakhla, Western Sahara
|metric first = yes
|single line = yes
|collapsed = yes
|Jan record high C = 33.0
|Feb record high C = 33.9
|Mar record high C = 37.0
|Apr record high C = 37.2
|May record high C = 42.0
|Jun record high C = 36.0
|Jul record high C = 38.9
|Aug record high C = 39.0
|Sep record high C = 41.8
|Oct record high C = 39.6
|Nov record high C = 37.0
|Dec record high C = 31.6
|year record high C = 42.0

|Jan high C = 20.9
|Feb high C = 22.7
|Mar high C = 23.7
|Apr high C = 23.3
|May high C = 24.0
|Jun high C = 24.8
|Jul high C = 25.7
|Aug high C = 26.5
|Sep high C = 27.4
|Oct high C = 26.6
|Nov high C = 25.1
|Dec high C = 22.5
|year high C = 24.4

|Jan mean C = 18.1
|Feb mean C = 18.4
|Mar mean C = 20.0
|Apr mean C = 19.2
|May mean C = 19.9
|Jun mean C = 20.7
|Jul mean C = 21.9
|Aug mean C = 22.7
|Sep mean C = 23.0
|Oct mean C = 22.6
|Nov mean C = 20.8
|Dec mean C = 18.7
|year mean C = 20.5

|Jan low C = 13.3
|Feb low C = 13.8
|Mar low C = 14.7
|Apr low C = 14.9
|May low C = 15.8
|Jun low C = 16.7
|Jul low C = 17.5
|Aug low C = 18.3
|Sep low C = 18.8
|Oct low C = 18.0
|Nov low C = 16.6
|Dec low C = 14.5
|year low C = 16.1

|Jan record low C = 8.5
|Feb record low C = 8.8
|Mar record low C = 10.0
|Apr record low C = 10.0
|May record low C = 11.0
|Jun record low C = 11.1
|Jul record low C = 10.0
|Aug record low C = 13.0
|Sep record low C = 12.0
|Oct record low C = 9.0
|Nov record low C = 8.0
|Dec record low C = 7.2
|year record low C = 7.2

|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 2.3
|Feb precipitation mm = 2.8
|Mar precipitation mm = 1.0
|Apr precipitation mm = 0.0
|May precipitation mm = 0.4
|Jun precipitation mm = 0.0
|Jul precipitation mm = 1.4
|Aug precipitation mm = 2.1
|Sep precipitation mm = 10.9
|Oct precipitation mm = 6.3
|Nov precipitation mm = 2.6
|Dec precipitation mm = 9.8
|year precipitation mm = 39.7

|unit precipitation days = 0.1 mm
|Jan precipitation days = 0.9
|Feb precipitation days = 1.0
|Mar precipitation days = 0.6
|Apr precipitation days = 0.5
|May precipitation days = 0.7
|Jun precipitation days = 0.2
|Jul precipitation days = 0.3
|Aug precipitation days = 0.8
|Sep precipitation days = 1.8
|Oct precipitation days = 0.9
|Nov precipitation days = 1.3
|Dec precipitation days = 1.6
|year precipitation days = 10.7

|Jan humidity = 70
|Feb humidity = 77
|Mar humidity = 75
|Apr humidity = 75
|May humidity = 78
|Jun humidity = 79
|Jul humidity = 81
|Aug humidity = 82
|Sep humidity = 80
|Oct humidity = 77
|Nov humidity = 76
|Dec humidity = 73
|year humidity = 77

|Jan sun = 254.2
|Feb sun = 245.8
|Mar sun = 275.9
|Apr sun = 276.0
|May sun = 306.9
|Jun sun = 291.0
|Jul sun = 266.6
|Aug sun = 272.8
|Sep sun = 249.0
|Oct sun = 254.2
|Nov sun = 240.0
|Dec sun = 241.8
|year sun =

|Jand sun = 8.2
|Febd sun = 8.7
|Mard sun = 8.9
|Aprd sun = 9.2
|Mayd sun = 9.9
|Jund sun = 9.7
|Juld sun = 8.6
|Augd sun = 8.8
|Sepd sun = 8.3
|Octd sun = 8.2
|Novd sun = 8.0
|Decd sun = 7.8
|yeard sun = 8.7

|source 1 = [[Deutscher Wetterdienst]]<ref name=DakhlaclimateDWD>{{cite web|url=https://www.dwd.de/DWD/klima/beratung/ak/ak_600960_kt.pdf|title=Klimatafel von Dakhla (Villa Cisneros) / Westsahara (Dem. Arab. Rep. Sahara)
|work=Baseline climate means (1961-1990) from stations all over the world|publisher=Deutscher Wetterdienst|language=de|access-date=6 November 2018}}</ref>
}}

===Current issues===
{{Expand section|date=May 2022}}
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.
* Northernmost points – the border with [[Morocco]]*
* Easternmost points – the northern section of the border with [[Mauritania]]/[[Algeria]]**
* Southernmost point – the southern tip of [[Ras Nouadhibou]] (Cabo Blanco/Cap Blanc)
* Westernmost point – [[Cape Dubouchage]] on Ras Nouadhibou
** ''Note: Western Sahara does not have a northernmost point, the border being formed by a [[circle of latitude]]''
** ''Note: Western Sahara does not have an easternmost point, the border being formed by a [[Meridian (geography)|meridian]]''

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Western Sahara topics}}
{{Geography of Africa}}

[[Category:Geography of Western Sahara| ]]