Saharawi has a small market-based economy – its main industries are fishing, phosphate mining and pastoral nomadism. The territory’s arid desert climate makes sedentary agriculture difficult, and it therefore imports much of its food. Saharawi’s main long-term economic challenge is the development of a more diverse set of industries capable of providing greater employment and income to the region.

Name Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic

Capital Laayoune

Name of parliament Saharawi National Council

Parliament website www.sadr-emb-au.net/

Languages Standard Arabic (national), Hassaniya Arabic, Moroccan Arabic

Area 266 000 km²

Population 554 795 (July 2014 est)

Imports Fuel for fishing fleet, foodstuffs

Exports Phosphates

Currency Saharawi peseta

Source: CIA World Factbook
Image: Gallo/GettyImages