Editing Geography of Western Sahara (section)

=== Geographic Context ===
Western Sahara's geographic location is pivotal in understanding its significance. Situated in the northwest corner of Africa, it is bordered by Morocco to the north and east, Algeria to the northeast, Mauritania to the southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.<ref name="geo1">[https://www.britannica.com/place/Western-Sahara Western Sahara - Encyclopaedia Britannica]</ref> This strategic position places it at the intersection of several historical and cultural exchange routes, which have influenced its development and the broader regional dynamics.

The landscape of Western Sahara is dominated by desert terrain, with features such as sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and sparse vegetation. The coastal areas along the Atlantic Ocean provide a contrast to the inland desert, offering a more temperate climate and supporting limited but important marine and coastal ecosystems.<ref name="geo2">Parker, C. (2015). ''Desert Landscapes of Western Sahara: An Environmental Overview''. Desert Studies Journal, 31(2), 210-229.</ref> The terrain’s aridity and the lack of significant water resources have shaped the settlement patterns and economic activities within the region. Historical trade routes and migratory paths that traverse Western Sahara are a testament to its historical significance in connecting different parts of Africa and beyond.

Additionally, the desert environment poses unique challenges for infrastructure development and resource management. The region's natural resources, including phosphate deposits and potential offshore oil reserves, add another layer of complexity to the geopolitical stakes associated with its size and geography.<ref name="geo3">Jones, M. (2017). ''Economic Resources and Environmental Challenges in Western Sahara''. African Geopolitics Review, 29(4), 400-415.</ref>