Western Sahara

At 266,000 km², Western Sahara is geographically larger than many well-known European countries, including the United Kingdom (approx. 242,500 km²) and Italy (approx. 301,300 km²). This large size, coupled with its small population, emphasizes the challenge of territorial control and resource management.

Given the total population of 600,904 and the vast desert area, it is highly probable that the capital, El Aaiún, houses a disproportionately large percentage of the total inhabitants. This suggests a high degree of urban primacy and limited settlement spread across the territory.

While geographically situated in Northern Africa alongside populous nations like Egypt and Algeria, Western Sahara's demographic scale is vastly different. Its population is approximately 1/170th the size of Egypt's, highlighting a significant regional contrast.

With a population of just 600,904, Western Sahara ranks among the least populous territories in Africa. This small population size presents unique challenges for infrastructure development and service provision compared to its larger neighbors in Northern Africa.