Western Sahara is located on Africa’s northwest coast and is bordered by Morocco, Algeria, and Mauritania.
It is rich in phosphates and strategically positioned along the Atlantic. Yet, its political status remains unresolved under international law.
The United Nations classifies it as a non-self-governing territory. Morocco claims sovereignty, while the Polisario Front — representing the indigenous Sahrawi people — seeks independence. 
They’ve declared the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) in exile, but it lacks broad international recognition.
The conflict dates back to 1975, when Spain withdrew and Morocco and Mauritania moved in. Mauritania later exited, but Morocco stayed, sparking resistance from the Polisario Front. Morocco argues that historical ties justify its claim.
On October 31, 2025, the UN Security Council endorsed a US-led resolution calling Morocco’s autonomy plan the "most feasible" solution — a diplomatic win for Rabat and a setback for Sahrawi independence.