Western Sahara - download georeferenced map set

Map set contains: 12 maps of scale 1:500 000 37 maps of scale 1:200 000 18 maps of scale 1:100 000 In order to view additional information pass to images of maps coverage and click on the map square concerned. The latest added maps are indicated in yellow color. Total in map set67 maps of119 Mb Updated inMay 2008 (added 36 maps) $7 Add to cart

Western Sahara is in the western part of the Sahara Desert on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Western Sahara borders with Morocco, Algeria, and Mauritania. The territory of Western Sahara is subdivided into 2 regions: Southern (Rio de Oro) and Northern (Saguia el-Hamra). The area is 252,120 sq km.

Relief. The main part of the territory is a low and flat desert with vast rocky or sandy regions which rises towards low mountains in the south and northeast of the country. The lowest point is Sebjet Tah Depression (-55 m), the highest is a nameless mountain in the north (463 m).

Rivers and lakes. Western Sahara lacks permanent streams. Temporary watercourses are numerous in the rainy season (Sabalera, Saguia el-Hamra, El-Fush).

Sightseeing. El Aaiun is the capital of Western Sahara. In the city one can see a large mosque, a historical museum, artisans` marketplace, ruins of a Spanish fort and Parrador Hotel.

Naila is a wildlife preservation with numerous birds, the medieval tower Santa Cruz de la mar Pequena, and rock paintings.

Dechira is a small town where in the 50s Spanish colonists and insurgents led furious fighting for possessing the fort located in the town.

Tarfaya is a sand-sunk fishing village where Antoine de Saint Exupery created “The Little Prince”.

Smara is the oldest Saharan city restored in the XIX century on the donations of the believers and considered a holy place by the Muslims.

Climate. The climate of Western Sahara is tropical and dry. The temperatures are high throughout the year. Daily variations are great – from 0°C in the night to +65°C (on the soil) in the afternoon. The annual amount of precipitation is 50-200 mm. Cold oceanic air masses often bring fog and cold dew. Tornadoes and sand storms are frequent.