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About this data: Economic indicators from World Bank Open Data. Population figures from REST Countries API and UN Population Division. Most recent data year: 2023. Updated annually.

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Flag of Western Sahara

Western Sahara

El Aaiún · Africa · Northern Africa

Population

601K

World Bank, 2025

Area

266,000 km²

GDP

—

World Bank, 2025

GDP Per Capita

—

World Bank, 2025

Life Expectancy

—

World Bank, 2025

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

—

World Bank, 2025

GDP Per Capita

—

World Bank, 2025

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

World Bank, 2025

Life Expectancy

—

World Bank, 2025

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

Border Countries

Flag of MauritaniaMauritaniaFlag of MoroccoMoroccoFlag of AlgeriaAlgeria

Data sourced from World Bank Open Data. Last updated: April 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.

Compare Western Sahara With...

IndiaChinaUnited StatesIndonesiaPakistanNigeriaBrazilBangladeshRussiaMexico

Compare Western Sahara

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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

MauritaniaMoroccoAlgeria

More in Africa

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Data sources: World Bank (2023), REST Countries API

World Bank Open Data