Western Sahara
El Aaiún · Africa
Population
601K
Area
266,000 km²
GDP
—
GDP Per Capita
—
Life Expectancy
—
Capital
El Aaiún
Western Sahara is a country located in Northern Africa, with its capital in El Aaiún. As of 2025, it has a population of 601K and covers an area of 266,000 km². The official languages include Berber, Hassaniya, Spanish, and the currency is the Algerian dinar (دج). Western Sahara shares land borders with 3 countries.
How Large Is Western Sahara's Economy?
Western Sahara is classified as a low-income economy by World Bank standards, located in Africa. The country uses the Algerian dinar (دج) as its official currency. Detailed GDP figures are not yet available for this territory. Western Sahara's official currency is the Algerian dinar (دج). As a non-UN member territory, Western Sahara's trade operates under bilateral agreements.
GDP
—
GDP Per Capita
—
GDP Growth
—
Unemployment
—
Inflation
—
Currencies
DZD
What Are Western Sahara's Demographics?
With 601K people, Western Sahara is a nation of 601K people. At 2 people per km², the country is sparsely populated. The country recognizes 3 official languages, including Berber, Hassaniya, Spanish.
Population
601K
Life Expectancy
—
Infant Mortality
—
Literacy Rate
—
Languages
Berber, Hassaniya
CO₂ Per Capita
—
Where Is Western Sahara Located?
Western Sahara covers 266,000 km² (103,000 sq miles) and shares land borders with 3 countries. The country sits within the Africa region, Northern Africa subregion, spanning Africa. El Aaiún serves as the seat of government and administrative capital of Western Sahara. The country spans 1 time zone. Recognized internationally by ISO codes EH and ESH, Western Sahara is a dependent or non-self-governing territory and not a full UN member. Its 3 currencies (DZD, MAD, MRU) reflect its trade arrangements within its particular governance status.
Area
266,000 km²
Region
Africa
Subregion
Northern Africa
Capital
El Aaiún
Timezones
UTC+00:00
Continents
Africa
Data sourced from World Bank Open Data. Last updated: March 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions about Western Sahara
What is the population of Western Sahara?
Western Sahara has a population of 601K as of 2025, according to World Bank data.
What is the capital of Western Sahara?
The capital of Western Sahara is El Aaiún. It serves as the country's administrative and political center.
What region is Western Sahara in?
Western Sahara is located in Africa, specifically in Northern Africa. It is part of the continent of Africa.
What is the size of Western Sahara?
Western Sahara covers an area of 266,000 km² (102,703 square miles). The population density is approximately 2.3 people per km².
What currency does Western Sahara use?
Western Sahara uses the Algerian dinar (دج) with currency code DZD.
What language is spoken in Western Sahara?
The official languages of Western Sahara are Berber, Hassaniya, Spanish.
Is Western Sahara a member of the United Nations?
Western Sahara is not currently a full member of the United Nations.
What is Western Sahara's GDP?
Data not available.
What is Western Sahara's GDP per capita?
Data not available.
What is Western Sahara's inflation rate?
Data not available.
What is the population density of Western Sahara?
Western Sahara has a population density of 2 people per km², making it sparsely populated.
What is the life expectancy in Western Sahara?
Data not available.
What is the total area of Western Sahara?
Western Sahara has a total land area of 266,000 km² (103,000 sq miles). This measurement covers the country's total sovereign territory as recorded by international geographic databases.
How many countries does Western Sahara border?
Western Sahara shares land borders with 3 countries (identified by the ISO 3166-1 alpha-3 codes: DZA, MRT, MAR). These borders define the country's overland connections to the wider region.
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Quick Facts
- Official Name
- Western Sahara
- Capital
- El Aaiún
- Region
- Africa · Northern Africa
- Languages
- Berber, Hassaniya, Spanish
- Currency
- Algerian dinar (دج), Moroccan dirham (DH), Mauritanian ouguiya (UM)
- UN Member
- No
- Independent
- No
- ISO Codes
- EH / ESH
Border Countries
Data sources: World Bank (2023), REST Countries API