What is Western Sahara and why does it appear with a dashed border on maps?

Western Sahara is not a recognized country but rather a geographic expression with disputed territorial status. When viewing it on Google Maps, you'll notice a conspicuous dashed line marking its border with Morocco, indicating its contested nature. This area represents the single largest active territorial dispute in Africa and among the largest worldwide. Despite being labeled on maps, Western Sahara does not appear on the list of United Nations member countries. The territory remains caught in a significant geopolitical conflict, which explains why it often appears with special border designations on international maps, highlighting its unresolved status in the global political landscape.