Western Sahara

Disputed territory in northwest Africa, bounded to the north by Morocco, to the east and south by Mauritania, and to the west by the Atlantic Ocean; area 266,800 sq km/103,000 sq mi; population (2004) 417,000. The capital is Laâyoune (Arabic El Aaiún). Exports include phosphates, of which there are vast deposits at Bu Craa to the southwest of Laâyoune, and iron ore. Towns include Ad Dakhla. The currency is the dirham, the main language Arabic, and the principal religion Sunni Muslim. The region is administered by Morocco. It is recognized as a state by over 70 countries (in 2003).