11 July 2011 Last updated at 13:44 ET

Western Sahara profile

Boy in refugee camp, Tindouf Saharawis - many of them living in refugee camps - are still hoping for independence
  • Territory: Western Sahara
  • Status: Disputed territory claimed by Morocco and Saharawis seeking self-determination
  • Population: 567,000 (UN, 2012)
  • Main town: Laayoune
  • Area: 252,120 sq km (97,344 sq miles)
  • Major language: Arabic
  • Major religion: Islam
  • Life expectancy: 66 years (men), 70 years (women) (UN)
  • Economic resources: Phosphate deposits, fishing, possibly oil
  • Currency in use: Moroccan dirham

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