Morocco vs. Western Sahara: A Geographical Comparison

Comparison Table

Category	Morocco	Western Sahara
Location	Northwest Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea	Northwest Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean, Morocco, Mauritania, and Algeria
Size	~446,550 km²	~266,000 km²
Climate	Mediterranean (north), arid (south)	Mostly arid desert
Natural Resources	Phosphates, iron ore, fisheries	Phosphates, fisheries
Urban Development	High (e.g., Casablanca, Rabat)	Limited (e.g., Laayoune, Dakhla)
Transportation	Extensive road, rail, and air networks	Sparse infrastructure, limited roads

Description

Morocco

Morocco is a North African country with a rich history influenced by Berber, Arab, and European cultures. It gained independence from France in 1956 and has since developed a diverse economy, including agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. The country is known for its vibrant cities like Marrakech and Fez, as well as its scenic Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert regions. Morocco's strategic location has made it a hub for trade and cultural exchange.

Western Sahara

Western Sahara is a disputed territory located south of Morocco, claimed by both Morocco and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). Historically a Spanish colony, it was annexed by Morocco in 1975, leading to ongoing conflict. The region is sparsely populated, with most inhabitants living in urban centers like Laayoune. Its economy relies heavily on fishing and phosphate mining. The political status of Western Sahara remains unresolved, with the United Nations advocating for a referendum on self-determination.