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Mauritania
Africa
Located in the Sahara Desert and Sahel, Mauritania is rich in minerals like iron ore but has widespread poverty.
5,000,000
Population
1,030,700
Area (km²)
Nouakchott
Capital
21
Historical Events
Historical Timeline
Cities
21 Events
September 01, 2025 - UNODC launches a new project to support Mauritania, Guinea, and Senegal in countering the nexus between terrorism and organized crime.
August 27, 2025 - Human Rights Watch releases a report documenting serious abuses by security forces against migrants and asylum seekers from 2020 to early 2025, including arbitrary detentions and violence.
August 19, 2025 - An IMF technical assistance mission concludes in Nouakchott, focusing on strengthening governance, tax compliance, and customs management.
July 22, 2025 - The World Bank provides additional financing to bolster education in Mauritania and Chad through the Regional Engagement for Learning project.
July 18, 2025 - Spain and Mauritania sign four bilateral agreements on transport, social security, cybersecurity, and national parks cooperation.
July 03, 2025 - The IMF completes the fourth review under the Extended Credit Facility, Extended Fund Facility, and Resilience and Sustainability Facility arrangements, noting continued economic growth at around 4.2%.
June 03, 2025 - The World Bank approves $50 million to enhance public spending efficiency and fiscal management.
April 15, 2025 - President Ghazouani presents a report on Mauritania's successful 2024 chairmanship of the African Union, highlighting participation in the G20 Summit.
April 12, 2025 - UNICRI hosts a closing event in Nouakchott on gender-based discrimination and extremism prevention, marking the end of a multi-year initiative.
March 27, 2025 - The World Bank approves financing for a regional project to strengthen education systems in Mauritania and neighboring countries.
March 20, 2025 - The International Charity Organization announces plans to construct a new city in Mauritania, aiming to boost infrastructure and urban development.
December 31, 2024 - Throughout the year: Health crises intensify with outbreaks of measles, diphtheria, and malaria, exacerbated by the spillover from Mali's humanitarian situation; economic growth slows to 5.1% amid global pressures.
July 01, 2024 - Post-election protests break out in several cities over alleged irregularities; security forces respond with arrests and clashes, resulting in at least three deaths.
June 29, 2024 - Presidential election held; incumbent Mohamed Ould Ghazouani wins a second term with 56% of the vote in the first round, defeating six challengers including anti-slavery activist Biram Dah Abeid.
December 31, 2023 - Throughout the year: Human rights challenges persist, including credible reports of arbitrary killings, extrajudicial actions, torture, and restrictions on freedoms; counterterrorism efforts continue with U.S. partnership, though no major terrorist incidents are recorded.
October 06, 2023 - UN human rights experts commend progress on women's rights, including increased electoral gender quotas and legislation against harmful traditional practices.
August 01, 2023 - Legislative, regional, and local elections occur, marking a key test for the ruling coalition's dominance; turnout is moderate, with no major disruptions reported.
June 01, 2023 - May–June: Protests erupt in Nouakchott and Boghé following the death of Oumar Diop in police custody; security forces crack down violently, leading to arrests and injuries.
May 27, 2023 - Second round of parliamentary elections held, with the ruling El Karama party securing a majority in the National Assembly.
May 13, 2023 - First round of parliamentary elections takes place amid calls for greater political inclusion.
March 05, 2023 - Four prisoners escape from Nouakchott Civil Prison, raising security concerns in the capital.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mauritania
100 Questions
Mauritania is in Northwest Africa, bordered by Western Sahara, Algeria, Mali, Senegal, and the Atlantic Ocean.
The capital is Nouakchott, located on the Atlantic coast.
Around 5 million people as of 2025 estimates.
Arabic is the official language; French, Pulaar, Soninke, and Wolof are also widely spoken.
Mostly desert, hot and dry, with limited rainfall in the south.
The ouguiya (MRU).
Green with a gold crescent and star, bordered by red stripes at the top and bottom.
Nouakchott, Nouadhibou, Kaédi, Rosso, and Zouérat.
On November 28, 1960, from France.
Moktar Ould Daddah.
Mohamed Ould Ghazouani (as of 2025).
A unitary presidential republic.
Arab-Berbers (Moors), Black Africans (Pulaar, Soninke, Wolof), and mixed communities.
Islam (almost entirely Sunni).
Around $12 billion in 2025 estimates.
About $2,300.
Around 55%.
About 64 years.
Around 4.3 children per woman.
About 60%.
Iron ore, fish, gold, and copper.
Food, fuel, machinery, and manufactured goods.
Iron ore, gold, copper, oil, and natural gas.
It accounts for almost half of export earnings.
The capital, port, and political center.
Fishing port and iron ore export terminal.
Mining hub in the Sahara.
Agricultural and cultural center in the Senegal River Valley.
Kediet ej Jill (915 m).
Forms the southern border, vital for agriculture and fishing.
Couscous, rice, millet, lamb, and fish.
A dish of fish, rice, and vegetables, also popular in Senegal.
Roast lamb, common in Mauritanian feasts.
Mint tea, camel milk, and coffee.
Football, camel racing, and wrestling.
The Lions of Chinguetti.
Yes, debuting in 2019.
Not yet.
Cheikh El Khalil Moulaye Ahmed (Bessam) and Abdoul Ba.
Yes, mostly in athletics.
Moorish music, griot traditions, and modern fusion styles.
A traditional lute-like instrument.
A harp played by women in traditional music.
They are oral historians, musicians, and storytellers.
Men wear the daraa (flowing blue robe), women wear melfa (colorful wrap).
Active in households and markets, but face inequality.
Around 50%.
Around 60%.
High, especially among youth.
Around 30%, mostly subsistence farming.
Millet, sorghum, rice, and dates.
Camels, cattle, goats, and sheep.
Basic, with limited facilities in rural areas.
Malaria, TB, diarrheal diseases, and malnutrition.
High, though improving.
Also high, due to poor healthcare access.
The anthem adopted in 2017, without lyrics (instrumental).
“Honor, Fraternity, Justice.”
The camel.
The falcon.
The desert rose.
Gazelles, desert foxes, crocodiles, and migratory birds.
Banc d’Arguin National Park and Diawling National Park.
A UNESCO site, vital for migratory birds and marine life.
A wetland reserve near the Senegal River.
Around 65%, higher than adults.
Around $2,300 annually.
Declining slowly.
Around 55%, with rapid growth in Nouakchott.
Nomadic and farming communities dominate.
Oil, imported fuel, and renewable projects.
High in solar and wind.
Dependence on mining and vulnerability to drought.
Coups, corruption, and weak institutions.
It has been officially banned, but reports of modern slavery persist.
It is the state religion and central to daily life.
Strong economic and cultural ties.
Investor in mining and infrastructure.
Mauritania left ECOWAS in 2000 but remains a trade partner.
Mauritania is an active member.
Supports humanitarian and development programs.
Moderate, tied to global fuel and food prices.
Low, as most of the land is desert.
Carpet weaving, leatherwork, jewelry, and pottery.
An ancient desert town, once a major Islamic learning center.
A historic caravan town and UNESCO World Heritage site.
A historic town known for its Islamic manuscripts and architecture.
A desert region with oases and historic trade routes.
Independence Day (Nov 28), religious holidays, and camel festivals.
A celebration of nomadic culture in Atar.
Around 10% difference.
Around 5 years.
Lower than in rural areas.
Fighting malnutrition and maternal mortality.
Poor access in rural areas and underfunded schools.
Around 6 people per household.
Rapid, with a very young population.
Mining, fisheries, and renewable energy.
Dependent on political reforms, stability, and economic diversification.
It bridges North and West Africa, has vast mineral resources, and preserves important Islamic heritage.