Latest News
– The UN chief said that the 35-year-old UN peacekeeping mission in the Western Sahara region (MINURSO) will come to an end after the Security Council failed to renew its mandate.
About
- Location: A vast, sparsely-populated desert region in Northwest Africa.
- Region: Part of the Maghreb region of North and West Africa.
- Bordering Countries:
- Morocco to the north.
- Algeria to the northeast.
- Mauritania to the east and south.
- Water Body: It has a long coast with the Atlantic Ocean in the West and Northwest.
- Natural Resources:
- Rich in phosphates and other minerals.
- Has a lucrative fishing industry on its Atlantic coast.
United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO)
- Full Form: United Nations Mission for the Referendum
- Establishment: Established in 1991 to support the settlement proposals and ceasefire reached by Morocco and Frente Polisario.
- Headquarters: Located in Laayoune, the main city in Western Sahara.
- Focus: It contributes to peace and stability in Western Sahara by monitoring, investigating and reporting on the ongoing situation, and working with the parties to reduce tensions as they arise.
Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following statements about Western Sahara:
- It is located in Northwest Africa.
- It is part of the Maghreb region.
- It has a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean.
- It shares land borders with Morocco, Algeria and Mauritania.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation: Western Sahara is located in Northwest Africa and forms part of the Maghreb region. It borders Morocco, Algeria and Mauritania and has an Atlantic coastline.
Ravi Raaz
Hassan Khan
Shadab Ali