Geography of Western Sahara
Location
Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Mauritania and Morocco
Geographic Coordinates
24 30 N, 13 00 W
Geographical Area
Land
266,000 Sq Km.
Water
Unknown
Land Boundary
2,046 Km.
Border Countries
Algeria
42 Km.
Mauritania
1,561 Km.
Morocco
443 Km.
Length of Coastline
1,110 Km.
Terrain
Mostly low, flat desert with large areas of rocky or sandy surfaces rising to small mountains in south and northeast.
Elevation Extremes
Lowest Point
Sebjet Tah -55 m
Highest Point
Unnamed location 463 m
Natural Resources
Phosphates, iron ore.
Land Use
Arable Land
0%
Permanent Crops
0%
Other
100%
Irrigated Land
Unknown
Natural Hazards
Hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind can occur during winter and spring; widespread harmattan haze exists 60% of time, often severely restricting visibility.
Environmental Issues
Sparse water and lack of arable land.