Mauritania

Country Mauritania
Capital Nouakchott
Continent Africa
Currency Ouguiya(MRO)
Languages Arabic, Pulaar, Soninke, Wolof, French, Zenaga & Berber

Nouakchott

Information

Introduction

Independent from France in 1960, Mauritania annexed the southern third of the former Spanish Sahara (now Western Sahara) in 1976 but relinquished it after three years of raids by the Polisario guerrilla front seeking independence for the territory. Maaouya Ould Sid Ahmed TAYA seized power in a coup in 1984 and ruled Mauritania with a heavy hand for more than two decades. A series of presidential elections that he held were widely seen as flawed. A bloodless coup in August 2005 deposed President TAYA and ushered in a military council that oversaw a transition to democratic rule. Independent candidate Sidi Ould Cheikh ABDALLAHI was inaugurated in April 2007 as Mauritania's first freely and fairly elected president. His term ended prematurely in August 2008 when a military junta led by General Mohamed Ould Abdel AZIZ deposed him and ushered in a military council government. AZIZ was subsequently elected president in July 2009. The country continues to experience ethnic tensions among its black population (Afro-Mauritanians) and white and black Moor (Arab-Berber) communities, and is having to confront a growing terrorism threat by al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).

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References

Mauritania - Wikipedia
Mauritania - CIA World Fact Book
Mauritania - BBC
Mauritania - Timeline - BBC

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Secretary-General appoints Mamadou Kane of Mauritania United Nations Resident Coordinator in Micronesia - UN Sustainable Development GroupSecretary-General appoints Mamadou Kane of Mauritania United Nations Resident Coordinator in Micronesia  UN Sustainable Development Group

Hynfra and Mauritania Sign Green Ammonia Project Framework - Fuel Cells WorksHynfra and Mauritania Sign Green Ammonia Project Framework  Fuel Cells Works

Hynfra signs agreement for $1.5 billion green ammonia project in Mauritania - Offshore-Energy.bizHynfra signs agreement for $1.5 billion green ammonia project in Mauritania  Offshore-Energy.biz

Mauritania driving global hub ammonia status with Hynfra deal - gasworldMauritania driving global hub ammonia status with Hynfra deal  gasworld

Hynfra signs framework for USD-1.5bn green ammonia plant in Mauritania - Renewables NowHynfra signs framework for USD-1.5bn green ammonia plant in Mauritania  Renewables Now

Mauritania: Years of Migration Control Abuses - Human Rights WatchMauritania: Years of Migration Control Abuses  Human Rights Watch

Hynfra inks framework agreement for $1.5bn Mauritania green ammonia plant - h2-view.comHynfra inks framework agreement for $1.5bn Mauritania green ammonia plant  h2-view.com

2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Mauritania - U.S. Department of State (.gov)2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Mauritania  U.S. Department of State (.gov)

Mauritania Joins the LNG Club: The Geoeconomics of West African Energy - Geopolitical MonitorMauritania Joins the LNG Club: The Geoeconomics of West African Energy  Geopolitical Monitor

Morocco & Mauritania to speed up partnership in grids interconnection, renewable energies - The North Africa PostMorocco & Mauritania to speed up partnership in grids interconnection, renewable energies  The North Africa Post

UN expert to assess the situation of migrants in Mauritania - ohchrUN expert to assess the situation of migrants in Mauritania  ohchr

Mauritania, resource-rich Islamic nation, weighs economic boost from joining Trump's Abraham Accords - Washington TimesMauritania, resource-rich Islamic nation, weighs economic boost from joining Trump's Abraham Accords  Washington Times

Highlights: Mauritania 0-0 South Sudan in 2026 Qualifiers World Cup - VAVEL.comHighlights: Mauritania 0-0 South Sudan in 2026 Qualifiers World Cup  VAVEL.com

At least 49 killed as migrant boat capsizes in Africa's Mauritania; around 100 missing: Report - Times of IndiaAt least 49 killed as migrant boat capsizes in Africa's Mauritania; around 100 missing: Report  Times of India

World Cup 2026: Atlas Lions heading to the Americas, Mauritania, Senegal, Egypt secure hard-fought victories - cafonline.comWorld Cup 2026: Atlas Lions heading to the Americas, Mauritania, Senegal, Egypt secure hard-fought victories  cafonline.com

Sixty-nine people drown as migrant boat capsizes off coast of Mauritania - The GuardianSixty-nine people drown as migrant boat capsizes off coast of Mauritania  The Guardian

Hynfra signs Framework Agreement with the Government of Mauritania for a USD 1,5 billion green ammonia project in Nouakchott - Hydrogen CentralHynfra signs Framework Agreement with the Government of Mauritania for a USD 1,5 billion green ammonia project in Nouakchott  Hydrogen Central

No one shreds on keys like Mauritania’s Ahmedou Ahmed Lowla - CDM Create Digital MusicNo one shreds on keys like Mauritania’s Ahmedou Ahmed Lowla  CDM Create Digital Music

Join EU Humanitarian Aid media trip to Mauritania - European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid OperationsJoin EU Humanitarian Aid media trip to Mauritania  European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations

Report highlights impact of Mauritania’s investment reforms and further potential - UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)Report highlights impact of Mauritania’s investment reforms and further potential  UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

Canary Islands migrants: Boat capsizes off Mauritania killing at least 69 passengers - BBCCanary Islands migrants: Boat capsizes off Mauritania killing at least 69 passengers  BBC

Mauritanian Fishermen Struggle to Survive 15 Years After Chinese Deal - Africa Defense ForumMauritanian Fishermen Struggle to Survive 15 Years After Chinese Deal  Africa Defense Forum

Islamic Republic of Mauritania: Strengthening Governance and Compliance Management in the Free Zone of Nouadhibou - International Monetary FundIslamic Republic of Mauritania: Strengthening Governance and Compliance Management in the Free Zone of Nouadhibou  International Monetary Fund

FIDE Director for Chess Development visits Mauritania – International Chess Federation - FIDEFIDE Director for Chess Development visits Mauritania – International Chess Federation  FIDE

Mauritania accused of widespread abuses against migrants - BBCMauritania accused of widespread abuses against migrants  BBC

WHO validates Mauritania for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem - World Health Organization (WHO)WHO validates Mauritania for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem  World Health Organization (WHO)

EU deal fuelling Mauritania's abuse of migrants - Human Rights Watch - BBCEU deal fuelling Mauritania's abuse of migrants - Human Rights Watch  BBC

Euronews OCEAN Season 7, Episode 6 - Mauritania - oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.euEuronews OCEAN Season 7, Episode 6 - Mauritania  oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu

Morocco, Mauritania to Boost Renewable Energy Cooperation - Barlaman TodayMorocco, Mauritania to Boost Renewable Energy Cooperation  Barlaman Today

Polisario Fumes Following Morocco-Mauritania Military Meeting Over Sahara Map Display - Morocco World NewsPolisario Fumes Following Morocco-Mauritania Military Meeting Over Sahara Map Display  Morocco World News

Combating drug trafficking along the Mauritania-Senegal border requires youth empowerment and strengthening cooperation - United Nations Office on Drugs and CrimeCombating drug trafficking along the Mauritania-Senegal border requires youth empowerment and strengthening cooperation  United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

Madagascar 0-0 Mauritania (3 Aug, 2025) Final Score - ESPN IndiaMadagascar 0-0 Mauritania (3 Aug, 2025) Final Score  ESPN India

Giving back to the desert in Mauritania - Food and Agriculture OrganizationGiving back to the desert in Mauritania  Food and Agriculture Organization

Former foreign minister of Mauritania hails China-Africa cooperation - China DailyFormer foreign minister of Mauritania hails China-Africa cooperation  China Daily

Analysis of Interconnected Climate Security and Violent Extremism Risks: A Practical Guide for Mauritania - Welcome to the United NationsAnalysis of Interconnected Climate Security and Violent Extremism Risks: A Practical Guide for Mauritania  Welcome to the United Nations

Rapid response halts diphtheria outbreak among refugees in Mauritania - WHO | Regional Office for AfricaRapid response halts diphtheria outbreak among refugees in Mauritania  WHO | Regional Office for Africa

EU provides €4 million in humanitarian aid to Mauritania - European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid OperationsEU provides €4 million in humanitarian aid to Mauritania  European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations

Mauritania’s Balancing Act amid Intensifying Algerian-Moroccan Rivalry - Stiftung Wissenschaft und PolitikMauritania’s Balancing Act amid Intensifying Algerian-Moroccan Rivalry  Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik

Mauritania: Challenging gender stereotypes in football - ohchrMauritania: Challenging gender stereotypes in football  ohchr

UNHCR Mauritania - Overview of activities in Mbera camp, April 2025 - ReliefWebUNHCR Mauritania - Overview of activities in Mbera camp, April 2025  ReliefWeb

PAGFAM - Support Program for Financial and Administrative Governance in Mauritania - EEASPAGFAM - Support Program for Financial and Administrative Governance in Mauritania  EEAS

Mauritania - European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid OperationsMauritania  European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations

Advancing sustainable agricultural mechanization in Mauritania: FAO and government join forces to strengthen national capacities | Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization - Food and Agriculture OrganizationAdvancing sustainable agricultural mechanization in Mauritania: FAO and government join forces to strengthen national capacities | Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization  Food and Agriculture Organization

PRESIDENT OF INDIA VISITED MAURITANIA YESTERDAY - PIBPRESIDENT OF INDIA VISITED MAURITANIA YESTERDAY  PIB

How the Tourism Industry is Combating Poverty in Mauritania - BORGEN MagazineHow the Tourism Industry is Combating Poverty in Mauritania  BORGEN Magazine

Mauritania intercepts 30,000 migrants, cracks down on over 80 smuggling rings this year - InfoMigrantsMauritania intercepts 30,000 migrants, cracks down on over 80 smuggling rings this year  InfoMigrants

National Consultations on Senegal-Mauritania Aquifer Basin Project - UNECENational Consultations on Senegal-Mauritania Aquifer Basin Project  UNECE

Mauritania: Journalists take a stand against gender-based violence - ohchrMauritania: Journalists take a stand against gender-based violence  ohchr

Revitalizing farmland in Mauritania: a community-driven initiative - World BankRevitalizing farmland in Mauritania: a community-driven initiative  World Bank

Construction of the Rosso Bridge - Mauritania-Senegal - EEASConstruction of the Rosso Bridge - Mauritania-Senegal  EEAS

Mauritania roundtable raises US$2 billion pledge from the Arab Coordination Group in development funding - isdb.orgMauritania roundtable raises US$2 billion pledge from the Arab Coordination Group in development funding  isdb.org

How Mauritania-Israel normalization may boost US posture in the Sahel - Atlantic CouncilHow Mauritania-Israel normalization may boost US posture in the Sahel  Atlantic Council

World Humanitarian Day: Nurse Abidine in Mauritania’s Mbera refugee camp carries hope every day - WHO | Regional Office for AfricaWorld Humanitarian Day: Nurse Abidine in Mauritania’s Mbera refugee camp carries hope every day  WHO | Regional Office for Africa

Construction of a Datacenter in Nouakchott, Mauritania - EEASConstruction of a Datacenter in Nouakchott, Mauritania  EEAS

Bilateral meeting with H.E. Memma Beibatta, Minister of Agriculture of Mauritania - Food and Agriculture OrganizationBilateral meeting with H.E. Memma Beibatta, Minister of Agriculture of Mauritania  Food and Agriculture Organization

Mauritania’s Sidi Ould Tah elected African Development Bank president - DevexMauritania’s Sidi Ould Tah elected African Development Bank president  Devex

‘Xenophobic’: Neighbours outraged over Mauritania’s mass migrant pushback - Al Jazeera‘Xenophobic’: Neighbours outraged over Mauritania’s mass migrant pushback  Al Jazeera

Digital 2025: Mauritania - DataReportal – Global Digital InsightsDigital 2025: Mauritania  DataReportal – Global Digital Insights

TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024: Mauritania team profile - cafonline.comTotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024: Mauritania team profile  cafonline.com

Mali, Mauritania and Senegal must unite against cross-border terrorism - ISS AfricaMali, Mauritania and Senegal must unite against cross-border terrorism  ISS Africa

Population Movement Rosso Mauritania - DREF Operation (MDRMR019) - ReliefWebPopulation Movement Rosso Mauritania - DREF Operation (MDRMR019)  ReliefWeb

Deployment of a Second High-Speed Submarine Cable for Mauritania - EEASDeployment of a Second High-Speed Submarine Cable for Mauritania  EEAS

After Morocco, Société Générale Exits Mauritania in African Retreat - Morocco World NewsAfter Morocco, Société Générale Exits Mauritania in African Retreat  Morocco World News

Women in Mauritania show what zero-waste looks like - DWWomen in Mauritania show what zero-waste looks like  DW

Impact of the deteriorating security situation in Mali on border areas: Mauritania - Senegal - Guinea (GRANIT) (as of 31 May 2025) - ReliefWebImpact of the deteriorating security situation in Mali on border areas: Mauritania - Senegal - Guinea (GRANIT) (as of 31 May 2025)  ReliefWeb

Mauritania: AFP explores the desert and the treasures of a forgotten city - afp.comMauritania: AFP explores the desert and the treasures of a forgotten city  afp.com

Cold-water coral mounds and reefs off Mauritania and associated megafauna - FrontiersCold-water coral mounds and reefs off Mauritania and associated megafauna  Frontiers

Counter-Terrorism Committee conducts a follow-up assessment visit to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania - Welcome to the United NationsCounter-Terrorism Committee conducts a follow-up assessment visit to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania  Welcome to the United Nations

Mauritania’s coast guard says at least 49 died when a boat carrying migrants capsized this week - PBSMauritania’s coast guard says at least 49 died when a boat carrying migrants capsized this week  PBS

El Moctar strike lifts Mauritania, leaves CAR on the brink - cafonline.comEl Moctar strike lifts Mauritania, leaves CAR on the brink  cafonline.com

Mauritania launches electronic visa system - VisasNewsMauritania launches electronic visa system  VisasNews

UNHCR Mauritania Refugee Emergency Response (as of 31 December 2024) - ReliefWebUNHCR Mauritania Refugee Emergency Response (as of 31 December 2024)  ReliefWeb

News: L’OTAN livre à la Mauritanie du matériel pour ses forces d'opérations spéciales, 17-Dec.-2024 - NATONews: L’OTAN livre à la Mauritanie du matériel pour ses forces d'opérations spéciales, 17-Dec.-2024  NATO

Japan-Mauritania Summit Meeting - mofa.go.jpJapan-Mauritania Summit Meeting  mofa.go.jp

SYSALIM - Sustainable and inclusive food systems for better security food and nutrition in Mauritania - EEASSYSALIM - Sustainable and inclusive food systems for better security food and nutrition in Mauritania  EEAS

Mauritania’s strategy keeps terrorists at bay while they ravage Sahel countries - The Arab WeeklyMauritania’s strategy keeps terrorists at bay while they ravage Sahel countries  The Arab Weekly

Mauritania must progress towards more effective environmental management including for fisheries, energy and mining activities - UNECEMauritania must progress towards more effective environmental management including for fisheries, energy and mining activities  UNECE

[Blog] Empowering women- and youth-led SMEs in Mauritania - United Nations Economic Commission for Africa[Blog] Empowering women- and youth-led SMEs in Mauritania  United Nations Economic Commission for Africa

Malian refugees in Mauritania: a tale of survival and solidarity - European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid OperationsMalian refugees in Mauritania: a tale of survival and solidarity  European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations

Benali, Ould Khaled discuss accelerating Morocco-Mauritania energy cooperation - Yabiladi.comBenali, Ould Khaled discuss accelerating Morocco-Mauritania energy cooperation  Yabiladi.com

Mauritania: RSF welcomes President Ghazouani’s commitments and calls for the country to champion the right to information on the diplomatic stage - Reporters sans frontièresMauritania: RSF welcomes President Ghazouani’s commitments and calls for the country to champion the right to information on the diplomatic stage  Reporters sans frontières

In Mauritania, CERF fuels hope for Malian refugees - OCHAIn Mauritania, CERF fuels hope for Malian refugees  OCHA

Strengthening economic resilience and social safety nets for sustainable development in Mauritania - World BankStrengthening economic resilience and social safety nets for sustainable development in Mauritania  World Bank

President Murmu meets Mauritania counterpart, discusses ways to further strengthen ties - The HinduPresident Murmu meets Mauritania counterpart, discusses ways to further strengthen ties  The Hindu

Former Mauritanian president jailed for 15 years following appeal - ReutersFormer Mauritanian president jailed for 15 years following appeal  Reuters

Mauritania - World BankMauritania  World Bank

Advancing sustainable agricultural mechanization in Mauritania: FAO and government join forces to strengthen national capacities | Mécanisation agricole durable | Organisation des Nations Unies pour l'alimentation et l'agriculture - Food and Agriculture OrganizationAdvancing sustainable agricultural mechanization in Mauritania: FAO and government join forces to strengthen national capacities | Mécanisation agricole durable | Organisation des Nations Unies pour l'alimentation et l'agriculture  Food and Agriculture Organization

Presidential Visit to Malawi and Mauritania - Drishti IASPresidential Visit to Malawi and Mauritania  Drishti IAS

Mauritania progressing towards zero leprosy cases - WHO | Regional Office for AfricaMauritania progressing towards zero leprosy cases  WHO | Regional Office for Africa

DEVE delegation to Mauritania on 26-28 May 2025 | Missions | Events | DEVE | Committees - European ParliamentDEVE delegation to Mauritania on 26-28 May 2025 | Missions | Events | DEVE | Committees  European Parliament

Understanding the socio-economic profile of refugee arrivals in Mauritania since 2023 - Analysis of UNHCR and WFP data on Malian refugees living in Mauritania (October 2024) - ReliefWebUnderstanding the socio-economic profile of refugee arrivals in Mauritania since 2023 - Analysis of UNHCR and WFP data on Malian refugees living in Mauritania (October 2024)  ReliefWeb

UNHCR Environment and Climate Action in Hodh Chargui, South-East Mauritania, May 2025 - ReliefWebUNHCR Environment and Climate Action in Hodh Chargui, South-East Mauritania, May 2025  ReliefWeb

Mauritania: Dozens of migrants rescued just before boat wreck - InfoMigrantsMauritania: Dozens of migrants rescued just before boat wreck  InfoMigrants

Can Mauritania avoid another fruitless dialogue? - ISS AfricaCan Mauritania avoid another fruitless dialogue?  ISS Africa

SocGen agrees to sell Mauritania's unit to consortium led by Enko Capital - ReutersSocGen agrees to sell Mauritania's unit to consortium led by Enko Capital  Reuters

ECA Assists Young, Women Entrepreneurs in Mauritania in Seizing Opportunities within the Framework of the AfCFTA (updated) - United Nations Economic Commission for AfricaECA Assists Young, Women Entrepreneurs in Mauritania in Seizing Opportunities within the Framework of the AfCFTA (updated)  United Nations Economic Commission for Africa

Mauritania joins the International Partnership on Information and Democracy - Reporters sans frontièresMauritania joins the International Partnership on Information and Democracy  Reporters sans frontières

Promising Practices in Counter-trafficking Programming in North Africa, Mauritania and the Niger - ReliefWebPromising Practices in Counter-trafficking Programming in North Africa, Mauritania and the Niger  ReliefWeb

Balancing profit and preservation: Mauritania pushes for sustainable fishing with EU support - Euronews.comBalancing profit and preservation: Mauritania pushes for sustainable fishing with EU support  Euronews.com

FAO Workshop Launches Hydro-Agricultural Development Project in Mauritania - Food and Agriculture OrganizationFAO Workshop Launches Hydro-Agricultural Development Project in Mauritania  Food and Agriculture Organization