Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Senegal and Western Sahara.
The Amazigh and Bafour people were among the earliest settlers in what is now Mauritania and among the first in recorded history to convert from a nom ...
Longitude: -12
Your Location
Latitude: 39.04372
Longitude: -77.48749
Home country: United States
Distance to Mauritania:
6,536.658 km
Terrain:
Mostly barren, flat plains of the Sahara; some central hills.
Natural Resources:
Iron ore, gypsum, copper, phosphate, diamonds, gold, oil, fish.
Industries:
Fish processing, oil production, mining (iron ore, gold, copper).
Population: 4,328,040
With most of the country being a desert, vast areas of the country, particularly in the central, northern, and eastern areas, are without sizeable population clusters; half the population lives in or around the coastal capital of Nouakchott; smaller clusters are found near the southern border with Mali and Senegal.
Area: 1,030,700 km2
slightly larger than three times the size of New Mexico; about six times the size of Florida
Mauritania is considered both a part of North Africa's Maghreb region and West Africa's Sahel region; most of the population is concentrated in the cities of Nouakchott and Nouadhibou and along the Senegal River in the southern part of the country.
| Code | Language |
|---|---|
| ara | Arabic |
Arabic (official and national), Pular, Soninke, Wolof (all national languages), French
| Code | Currency | Symbol |
|---|---|---|
| MRU | Mauritanian ouguiya | UM |
Capital City: Nouakchott
Local time: Thursday, December 11 at 3:39 pm (GMT)
The flag of Mauritania has a green field with a thin red horizontal band at the top and bottom of the field. At the center of the field is a five-pointed yellow star above an upward facing yellow crescent.
Bordering Countries
Mauritania is a member of the United Nations.
Visiting Mauritania
You're in for a treat! Mauritania is a fascinating place to explore, especially from November to March. Here's what you could encounter:
- Unique desert landscapes
- Rich cultural heritage
- Historic sites and ancient cities
- High risk of terrorism and kidnapping
- Extreme heat and harsh climate
- Limited infrastructure and medical facilities
- 3.8HIGH RISK
Travel is risky, prepare well and consider avoiding
- Mauritanian cuisine features couscous and fish.
- Popular dishes include thieboudienne and mechoui.
- Mint tea is a traditional and important drink.
- Visit the ancient city of Chinguetti
- Explore the Banc d'Arguin National Park
- Experience the Sahara Desert
Clouds