Spanish Sahara
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Proper noun 1. A historical name for a territory in northwestern Africa: "Spanish Sahara" was the name for a former Spanish colony located on the Atlantic coast of northwestern Africa, known for its rich phosphate deposits. Its status was disputed, and it came under Moroccan control in the latter part of the 20th century.
Usage Examples
- Proper noun:
- The region known as Spanish Sahara was administered by Spain for nearly a century.
- Phosphate mining was a major economic activity in the Spanish Sahara.
- The future of Spanish Sahara became an international question after Spain withdrew.
Advanced Usage
- Historical and geopolitical context: The term "Spanish Sahara" is primarily used in historical, political, and geographical discussions to refer to the period of Spanish colonial administration (1884-1976). Its use often relates to topics of decolonization and territorial dispute.
- The decolonization process of Spanish Sahara was complex and led to conflict.
Variants and Related Words
- Western Sahara (n): The modern name for most of the territory formerly called Spanish Sahara. It is a disputed territory whose sovereignty is unresolved.
- The United Nations considers Western Sahara a non-self-governing territory.
- Rio de Oro (n): The southern geographical sector of the former Spanish Sahara.
- Saguia el-Hamra (n): The northern geographical sector of the former Spanish Sahara.
Synonyms
- Spanish West Africa (historical): A broader administrative name that sometimes included the territory.
- Colonial Sahara: A descriptive term emphasizing its colonial past.
Notes on Meaning
- The term "Spanish Sahara" is historical. In contemporary usage, the area is most commonly referred to as Western Sahara, though its political status is contested between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (Polisario Front).
Noun
- an area in northwestern Africa with rich phosphate deposits; under Moroccan control since 1992