All country briefings

Africa · Country briefing

Western Sahara

A child-friendly mission briefing for 20 November — capital, climate, school day, languages, fun facts, native animals, and five questions to ask the class on the other side of the world.

Briefing being written. The capital, map, languages and time-zone are right. We’re still hand-writing the rich cultural sections — highlights, native animals, food, music, sport and festivals — country by country. Western Sahara is on the list.
  • Capital
    El Aaiún
  • Population
    ~601 thousand
  • Time zone
    Africa/El Aaiun (UTC +1)
  • Currency
    Algerian dinar (DZD)
Western Sahara, with El Aaiún marked
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Climate in November: Mild autumn; cooler in the north.

El Aaiún, the capital of Western Sahara

The capital

El Aaiún

Photo · Wikimedia Commons

School life

In a Western Sahara classroom

Local school customs vary. The best way to learn about a class's day is to ask them directly.

Greetings to learn

Say hello like a local

  • Hello!
    Berber

Five questions to ask

Conversation starters

  1. 01What does your school day look like?
  2. 02What do you eat at lunch?
  3. 03What games do you play at break?
  4. 04What's the weather like today?
  5. 05What do you wish more children around the world knew about your country?

What not to assume

Friendly cautions

  • Western Sahara has many regions and communities — there is no single experience.
  • Climate, food, and traditions can vary widely from one part of the country to another.
Reflection prompts
  • What's something you'd love to share about your school day?
  • What's the most surprising thing you'd love to ask the other class?

Could your class meet Western Sahara?

Choose Western Saharawhen you register — we’ll show you the time-zone feasibility.

Register your classroom