What is the relationship between Morocco and Western Sahara?

To date, large parts of Western Sahara are controlled by the Moroccan Government and known as the Southern Provinces, whereas some 20\% of the Western Sahara territory remains controlled by the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), the Polisario state with limited international recognition.

What is the Green March in Morocco?

The Green March was a strategic mass demonstration in November 1975, coordinated by the Moroccan government, to force Spain to hand over the disputed, autonomous semi-metropolitan province of Spanish Sahara to Morocco. Morocco later gained control over most of the former Spanish Sahara, which it continues to hold.

Does Morocco recognize Western Sahara?

The UN recognizes neither Moroccan nor SADR sovereignty over Western Sahara. Moroccan settlers currently make up more than two thirds of the 500,000 inhabitants of Western Sahara.

Who rules Western Sahara?

Morocco
Morocco has claimed authority over Western Sahara since 1975, but the United Nations (UN) does not recognize Moroccan control, calling Western Sahara a “non-self-governing territory.” Morocco controls the most populous area along the Atlantic coastline, more than three-quarters of the territory.

What is the history of Western Sahara?

The history of Western Sahara can be traced back to the times of Carthaginian explorer Hanno the Navigator in the 5th century BC. Some Trans-Saharan trade routes also traversed Western Sahara. In 1884, Spain claimed a protectorate over the coast from Cape Bojador to Cape Blanc, and the area was later extended.

When did Morocco occupy Western Sahara?

1975
Western Sahara is a sparsely-populated area of mostly desert situated on the northwest coast of Africa. A former Spanish colony, it was annexed by Morocco in 1975. Since then it has been the subject of a long-running territorial dispute between Morocco and its indigenous Saharawi people, led by the Polisario Front.

Is Western Sahara poor?

What is Western Sahara? With an area of 266,000 square kilometers, Western Sahara is home to over 650,000 people. That’s roughly the size of Colorado, with a little more than a tenth of its population. Although rather poor, the desertic region contains significant phosphate deposits and rich fisheries off its coast.

When did Western Sahara become a country?

November 14, 1975Western Sahara / Founded