Economy of Western Sahara
Overview
Western Sahara depends on pastoral nomadism, fishing, and phosphate mining as the principal sources of income for the population. The territory lacks sufficient rainfall for sustainable agricultural production, and most of the food for the urban population must be imported.
Incomes in Western Sahara are substantially below the Moroccan level. The Moroccan Government controls all trade and other economic activities in Western Sahara. Morocco and the EU signed a four-year agreement in July 2006 allowing European vessels to fish off the coast of Morocco, including the disputed waters off the coast of Western Sahara.
Moroccan energy interests in 2001 signed contracts to explore for oil off the coast of Western Sahara, which has angered the Polisario. However, in 2006, the Polisario awarded similar exploration licenses in the disputed territory, which would come into force if Morocco and the Polisario resolve their dispute over Western Sahara.
GDP
Real Growth Rate
0%
Per Capita
USD Unknown
From Agriculture
0%
From Industry
0%
From Services
0%
Labour Force
Available for Work
12,000
Working in Agriculture
50%
Working in Industry
50%
Working in Services
0%
Unemployment Rate
0%
Population Below Poverty Line
0%
Inflation Rate
0%
Investment as Percent of GDP
0%
Budget
Revenues
USD Unknown (m)
Expenditures
USD Unknown (m)
Public Debt
US$ 0.00 (m)
Agricultural Products
Fruits and vegetables (grown in the few oases); camels, sheep, goats (kept by nomads); fish
Core Industries
Phosphate mining, handicrafts
Exports
Value
USD Unknown (m)
Commodities
Phosphates 62%
Partners
Morocco claims and administers Western Sahara, so trade partners are included in overall Moroccan accounts (2006)
Imports
Value
USD Unknown (m)
Commodities
Fuel for fishing fleet, foodstuffs
Partners
Morocco claims and administers Western Sahara, so trade partners are included in overall Moroccan accounts (2006)
External Debt
USD Unknown (m)
Fiscal Year
Calendar year
