Western Sahara has been in dispute since 1884 when it was colonized by Spain. In 1975, Morocco and Mauritania occupied parts of Western Sahara but Mauritania withdrew in 1979, leaving Morocco occupying two-thirds. A ceasefire was reached in 1991 but a referendum on independence has still not occurred. The indigenous Saharawi people seek independence and self-determination for their territory, which is home to valuable phosphate resources that are currently exploited by Morocco. Over 160,000 Saharawi refugees still live in poor conditions in Algerian camps, dependent on aid, after fleeing violence and occupation in Western Sahara over 30 years ago.