Overview of Mauritania

Profile

Mauritania sits at the crossroads of West Africa and the Arab world, bordered by Western Sahara and Algeria to the north, Mali to the east and south, Senegal to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Over 90% of the country consists of Saharan desert with annual precipitation below 100mm, while the southern Senegal River basin supports pastoralism and rice cultivation. The economy relies on mining, centered on iron ore, and fisheries exploiting rich fishing grounds, which account for over half of exports. The population of approximately 4.8 million comprises Arab-Berber Moors and various Sahelian ethnic groups. Arabic is the official language, but French is widely used in administration and higher education. The political system is a presidential republic with a multi-party system under the 1991 constitution.

Official name: Islamic Republic of Mauritania
Common name: Mauritania
Numeric code: 478
Alpha-3 code: MRT
Alpha-2 code: MR
Population: Approximately 4.8 million (2023)
Population density: Approximately 4.4 people/km²
Primary languages: Arabic (Hassaniya dialect), French, Pulaar, Soninke, Wolof
Major religions: Islam (Sunni)
National anthem: النشيد الوطني (National Anthem of Mauritania)
Calling code: +222
Internet TLD: ['.mr', '.مورتانيا']

History

Flourished as a trading post for the ancient Ghana Empire before becoming a French colony, then gained independence in 1960. Subsequently underwent repeated coups while gradually transitioning to civilian rule.

After the 11th-century Ghana Empire prospered through Saharan trade in gold and salt, Islamic dynasties and the caravan city of Chinguetti became cultural centers. French rule began in the late 19th century, administered from Saint-Louis (now Senegal), but the country achieved self-government in 1958 and independence on November 28, 1960. Post-independence, the Moktar Ould Daddah regime established a one-party system, and the economy deteriorated due to involvement in the Western Sahara conflict. Military coups followed from 1978, with the Taya regime lasting from 1984. After coups in 2005 and 2008, President Ghazouani assumed office in 2019, marking the country's first peaceful civilian transfer of power. Recent challenges include counter-terrorism, democratization, and economic diversification.

Geography & climate

Northern granite and sandstone plateaus, central elevated structural highlands, southern dry Sahelian savanna, with aeolian dunes running throughout.

Subtropical desert climate (Sahelian steppe in south)

Area: Africa / 1030700 km²
Capital: Nouakchott
Largest city: Nouakchott
Coastal status: Yes
Bordering countries: Western Sahara (Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic), Algeria, Mali, Senegal

Natural resources

Iron ore, Gold, Copper, Gypsum, Phosphate rock, Oil and natural gas (offshore), Quartz sand, Rock salt, Wind energy, Solar energy, Fishery resources, Kaolin, Diamonds (undeveloped)

Politics

Government: Presidential republic

Economy

Currency: Ouguiya (MRU)

GDP (nominal): Approximately 11.5 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): Approximately 25.1 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Arabic (Hassaniya dialect), French, Pulaar, Soninke, Wolof

Time zone: Greenwich Mean Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Bidhan (White Moors), Haratin (Black Moors), Fulani/Fula, Soninke, Wolof, Bambara, Serer

Life expectancy

65.9 years

Literacy rate

Approximately 53%

National sports

Football, Traditional wrestling, Camel racing, Stick fighting (Futaa), Long-distance running