Mauritania

West Africa

Mauritania is a country in West Africa, home to 5.1 million people, with an area of 1,030,700 km². Its capital is Nouakchott.

Capital: Nouakchott
Population: 5.1 million
Area: 1,030,700 km²
Region: West Africa
Density: 4.9 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

Mauritania · West Africa · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Mauritania is known for

Mauritania is best known for Banc d'Arguin National Park, Nouakchott Fish Market and Terjit Oasis.

Mauritania is a country located in West Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Western Sahara to the north and northwest, Algeria to the northeast, Mali to the east and southeast, and Senegal to the southwest. The country has a diverse landscape, including the Sahara Desert in the north, the Sahelian zone in the center, and the Senegal River valley in the south. The capital and largest city is Nouakchott.

Mauritania at a glance

Language: Arabic is the official language, with French widely spoken as a secondary language, and various ethnic languages also spoken
Currency: Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU)
Religion: Islam is the predominant religion in Mauritania, with a significant minority of non-Muslims
National dish: Thieboudienne, a traditional dish made with fish, rice, and vegetables
Climate: Mauritania has a hot desert climate with very little rainfall and high temperatures throughout the year
Main industries: Mining, including iron ore and gold; fishing; and agriculture, including livestock and crops such as dates and peanuts
GDP: $7.2 billion (nominal, 2021 estimate)
Development: Mauritania is considered a developing country with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 162 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Mauritania

Some of the main tourist attractions in Mauritania include:

Banc d'Arguin National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the Atlantic coast that is home to a variety of bird species and marine life.
Nouakchott Fish Market a bustling market where visitors can sample fresh seafood and experience local Mauritanian culture.
Terjit Oasis a natural oasis in the middle of the Sahara Desert that offers a unique and refreshing experience for travelers.
Chinguetti a historic desert town that served as a center of Islamic scholarship and is home to several well-preserved ancient libraries and manuscripts.
Port de Peche a traditional fishing village located on the Atlantic coast where visitors can see local fishermen at work and sample fresh seafood.
Atar a small town located at the base of the Adrar Plateau that is a popular starting point for desert tours and camel treks.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Mauritania has to offer. The country's unique culture, stunning landscapes, and friendly people make it an ideal destination for adventurous travelers.

Mauritania in pictures

Mauritania on video

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Mauritania compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of West Africa.

Country	Population	Area	Capital
Liberia	5.6 million	111,369 km²	Monrovia
Mauritania	5.1 million	1,030,700 km²	Nouakchott
The Gambia	2.8 million	11,295 km²	Banjul
Guinea-Bissau	2.2 million	36,125 km²	Bissau