Southern Provinces, Geographic region in Western Sahara, North Africa.
The Southern Provinces cover a large desert area between Morocco and Mauritania with Atlantic coastline. The territory contains phosphate deposits and fishing zones that are economically significant.
Spain controlled this territory from 1884 to 1975, establishing administrative control through treaties. Moroccan control began when the country made territorial claims.
The population includes Sahrawi people who speak Hassaniya Arabic and practice Bedouin traditions, as well as settlers from various Moroccan regions. These different groups shape the daily life and local customs visible throughout the territory.
The territory is primarily desert with limited infrastructure in many areas. Visitors should prepare for harsh conditions and use local guides to navigate safely.
The region remains under divided administration, with two-thirds governed by Morocco and the eastern third controlled by another authority. This division profoundly shapes the territory's structure and daily reality.
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