Western Sahara's population is projected to be 833,655 by 2097.
Historical
Switch the toggle to see projected data.
| Year ↓ | Population | Change | Pop. Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 610,813 | 1.8% | 172 |
| 2025 | 600,904 | 1.81% | 172 |
| 2020 | 549,365 | 2.03% | 172 |
| 2019 | 538,440 | 2.41% | 172 |
| 2018 | 525,782 | 2.52% | 172 |
| 2017 | 512,843 | 2.64% | 173 |
| 2015 | 486,222 | 3.48% | 173 |
| 2010 | 409,716 | 3.88% | 174 |
| 2005 | 338,699 | 4.49% | 178 |
| 2000 | 271,943 | 5.31% | 180 |
| Year ↑ | Population | Change | Pop. Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 610,813 | 1.8% | 172 |
| 2032 | 664,596 | 1.39% | 171 |
| 2037 | 702,654 | 1.12% | 170 |
| 2042 | 735,831 | 0.93% | 169 |
| 2047 | 763,688 | 0.75% | 169 |
| 2052 | 785,745 | 0.57% | 169 |
| 2057 | 803,064 | 0.44% | 168 |
| 2062 | 814,058 | 0.27% | 169 |
| 2067 | 821,621 | 0.18% | 169 |
| 2072 | 825,601 | 0.1% | 169 |
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Laayoune has a metropolitan area population of 272,865, comprising 44.67%% of Western Sahara's total population.
As of 2026, Western Sahara has a total population of 610,813, ranking as the 172nd most populous nation in the world.
Western Sahara has a net population change of approximately 27 people per day, driven by 25 births, 11 deaths, and net immigration of 13 people.
Western Sahara represents < 0.01% of the total global population and 0.04% of Africa's population.
Western Sahara has a population density of 2.3 people per km² (approximately 5.9 per mi²), making it the 228th most densely populated country in the world.
Currently, 99.18% of the population resides in urban areas.
*Rates last updated: June 16, 2026
