United States. Central Intelligence Agency

“ Western Sahara depends on pastoral nomadism, fishing, and phosphate mining as the principal sources of income for the population. The territory lacks sufficient rainfall for sustainable agricultural production, and most of the food for the urban population must be imported. All trade and other economic activities are controlled by the Moroccan Government. Moroccan energy interests in 2001 signed contracts to explore for oil off the coast of Western Sahara, which has angered the Polisario. Incomes and standards of living in Western Sahara are substantially below the Moroccan level. ”

“ Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA
highest 10%: NA Inflation rate (consumer prices) : NA Labor force: 12,000 Labor force - by occupation: animal husbandry and subsistence farming 50% Unemployment rate: NA Budget: revenues: NA
expenditures: NA, including capital expenditures of NA Agriculture - products: fruits and vegetables (grown in the few oases) ”

“ Geography Western Sahara Location: Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Mauritania and Morocco Geographic coordinates: 24 30 N, 13 00 W Map references: Africa Area: total: 266,000 sq km
water: 0 sq km
land: 266,000 sq km Area - comparative: about the size of Colorado Land boundaries: total: 2,046 km
border countries: Algeria 42 km, Mauritania 1,561 km, Morocco 443 km Coastline: 1,110 km Maritime claims: contingent upon resolution of sovereignty issue Climate: hot, dry desert; rain is rare ”