Dakhla, Western Sahara. Editorial credit: Cesare Palma / Shutterstock.com

Western Sahara*

Morocco has claimed authority over Western Sahara since 1975, but the United Nations considers it a “non-self-governing territory.” Morocco controls the most populous area along the Atlantic coastline, more than three-quarters of the territory; this area, which Rabat calls the “Southern Provinces,” is represented in that country’s parliament. The Polisario Front controls land in Western Sahara’s eastern and southern reaches. Rabat regularly offers autonomy, but the Polisario demands an independence referendum. A long-promised referendum on Western Sahara’s status has never been held.

Iranian people in Izmir protest the death of Mahsa Amini by the morality police in Iran.

Freedom in the World — Western Sahara Territory Report

Western Sahara is rated Not Free in Freedom in the World 2023, Freedom House's annual study of political rights and civil liberties worldwide. 

News & Perspectives on Western Sahara

* Indicates a territory as opposed to an independent country.