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).

[+] Geography

[+] People

[+] Government

Video

Map


View Larger Map

References

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

Cities

Links

News Headlines

Google News
Mauritania, Czech Republic ink defense cooperation pact - APAnews - Agence de Presse AfricaineMauritania, Czech Republic ink defense cooperation pact  APAnews - Agence de Presse Africaine

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

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

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

Spain and Mauritania reach four agreements on transport, social security, cybersecurity and national parks - La MoncloaSpain and Mauritania reach four agreements on transport, social security, cybersecurity and national parks  La Moncloa

Supporting Children in Mauritania - unicef usaSupporting Children in Mauritania  unicef usa

No, Mr. President, Mauritania is not a "small country" - Financial AfrikNo, Mr. President, Mauritania is not a "small country"  Financial Afrik

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)

Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez visits Mauritania for talks on migration, trade and regional security - africanews.comSpanish PM Pedro Sanchez visits Mauritania for talks on migration, trade and regional security  africanews.com

Euronews OCEAN Season 7, Episode 6 - Mauritania - European CommissionEuronews OCEAN Season 7, Episode 6 - Mauritania  European Commission

Report: PM set to meet Mauritanian leader, as US seeks to widen Abraham Accords - The Times of IsraelReport: PM set to meet Mauritanian leader, as US seeks to widen Abraham Accords  The Times of Israel

Islamic Republic of Mauritania: Fourth Reviews Under the Arrangements Under the Extended Credit Facility, and the Extended Fund Facility, Third Review Under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility, and Request for Rephasing of Access-Press Release; - International Monetary Fund (IMF)Islamic Republic of Mauritania: Fourth Reviews Under the Arrangements Under the Extended Credit Facility, and the Extended Fund Facility, Third Review Under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility, and Request for Rephasing of Access-Press Release;  International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Mauritania : African Development Bank Approves €25.5 Million Trade Finance Facility for Générale de Banque de Mauritanie to Support SMEs and Women Entrepreneurs - African Development Bank GroupMauritania : African Development Bank Approves €25.5 Million Trade Finance Facility for Générale de Banque de Mauritanie to Support SMEs and Women Entrepreneurs  African Development Bank Group

Spain and Mauritania sign four agreements on transport, social security, cybersecurity and national parks - AtalayarSpain and Mauritania sign four agreements on transport, social security, cybersecurity and national parks  Atalayar

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

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)

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

Czech Republic and Mauritania sign defence pact, deepening military ties - Military AfricaCzech Republic and Mauritania sign defence pact, deepening military ties  Military Africa

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

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

Trump Humiliates Liberian, Mauritanian Leaders at White House Meeting - Morocco World NewsTrump Humiliates Liberian, Mauritanian Leaders at White House Meeting  Morocco World News

Spain boosts cooperation with ‘key partner’ Mauritania on migration, security - EuractivSpain boosts cooperation with ‘key partner’ Mauritania on migration, security  Euractiv

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

Mauritania: African Development Bank Scales Up Support for Resilience, Women’s Empowerment, and Climate Action through Three New Financing Agreements - African Development Bank GroupMauritania: African Development Bank Scales Up Support for Resilience, Women’s Empowerment, and Climate Action through Three New Financing Agreements  African Development Bank Group

Mauritania’s Balancing Act amid Intensifying Algerian-Moroccan Rivalry - Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP)Mauritania’s Balancing Act amid Intensifying Algerian-Moroccan Rivalry  Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP)

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

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

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

India, Mauritania sign MoUs to boost ties during President Murmu's visit - Business StandardIndia, Mauritania sign MoUs to boost ties during President Murmu's visit  Business Standard

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

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

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

Mauritania: More support needed to meet the growing needs of Malian refugees - IFRCMauritania: More support needed to meet the growing needs of Malian refugees  IFRC

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

President Droupadi Murmu’s Three-Nation Visit to Algeria, Mauritania, & Malawi Strengthens India’s Ties with Africa - News On AIRPresident Droupadi Murmu’s Three-Nation Visit to Algeria, Mauritania, & Malawi Strengthens India’s Ties with Africa  News On AIR

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

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

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

India and Mauritania sign MoUs on cultural exchange, visa exemption - Times of IndiaIndia and Mauritania sign MoUs on cultural exchange, visa exemption  Times of India

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

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

69614_Mauritania vs I.R. Iran - Beach Soccer Worldwide69614_Mauritania vs I.R. Iran  Beach Soccer Worldwide

ECRE Working Paper 21 – The EU-Mauritania Partnership: Whose Priorities? - European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) |ECRE Working Paper 21 – The EU-Mauritania Partnership: Whose Priorities?  European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) |

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

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

Trump meets five West African leaders, hails pivot from aid to trade - France 24Trump meets five West African leaders, hails pivot from aid to trade  France 24

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

Transforming lives in Mauritania through adaptive social protection - World BankTransforming lives in Mauritania through adaptive social protection  World Bank

Why Trump invited five African leaders to the White House - BBCWhy Trump invited five African leaders to the White House  BBC

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

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

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

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

Africans accuse Trump of chasing minerals and mocking their presidents - RFIAfricans accuse Trump of chasing minerals and mocking their presidents  RFI

African Development Banks inks agreement with Mauritania to improve livestock sector - African BusinessAfrican Development Banks inks agreement with Mauritania to improve livestock sector  African Business

Mauritania name 25-man squad for CHAN 2024 in East Africa - cafonline.comMauritania name 25-man squad for CHAN 2024 in East Africa  cafonline.com

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

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

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

Security Alert: General Safety Reminder - U.S. Embassy in Mauritania (.gov)Security Alert: General Safety Reminder  U.S. Embassy in Mauritania (.gov)

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

An Islamic Republic is planning to join Abraham Accords. Details here - theweek.inAn Islamic Republic is planning to join Abraham Accords. Details here  theweek.in

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

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

Mauritania - World BankMauritania  World Bank

Senegal, Mauritania take step towards shared gas production in important ‘milestone’ - The Arab WeeklySenegal, Mauritania take step towards shared gas production in important ‘milestone’  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

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

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

OLAF and Mauritania Deepen Cooperation in the Fight against Fraud - European Anti-Fraud OfficeOLAF and Mauritania Deepen Cooperation in the Fight against Fraud  European Anti-Fraud Office

Mauritania: Mandatory Online Step Implemented for All Entrants - FragomenMauritania: Mandatory Online Step Implemented for All Entrants  Fragomen

Mauritania: RSF calls on the authorities to send a clear signal against the intimidation of journalists - Reporters sans frontièresMauritania: RSF calls on the authorities to send a clear signal against the intimidation of journalists  Reporters sans frontières

Mauritania: Technical validation workshop for DRR strategy - UNDRRMauritania: Technical validation workshop for DRR strategy  UNDRR

Colorful Dust Over Mauritania - NASA Earth Observatory (.gov)Colorful Dust Over Mauritania  NASA Earth Observatory (.gov)

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

Strengthening stability and border security through development - United Nations Office on Drugs and CrimeStrengthening stability and border security through development  United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

2025 Refugee and Resilience Plan in Mauritania (3RP Mauritania) - ReliefWeb2025 Refugee and Resilience Plan in Mauritania (3RP Mauritania)  ReliefWeb

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

BP and Mauritania say leak detected at gas project off West Africa - ReutersBP and Mauritania say leak detected at gas project off West Africa  Reuters

GCA Supports Climate-Resilient Expansion of Mauritania’s Mining Logistics with African Development Bank Partnership - Global Center on AdaptationGCA Supports Climate-Resilient Expansion of Mauritania’s Mining Logistics with African Development Bank Partnership  Global Center on Adaptation

Mauritania becomes a launchpad for irregular migration to the EU - GIS ReportsMauritania becomes a launchpad for irregular migration to the EU  GIS Reports

Nouakchott and Madrid seal enhanced partnership - APAnews - Agence de Presse AfricaineNouakchott and Madrid seal enhanced partnership  APAnews - Agence de Presse Africaine

Mauritanian President holds talks with Spanish Prime Minister - ????? ????? ???????Mauritanian President holds talks with Spanish Prime Minister  ????? ????? ???????

Guidamakha’s Village Committees Lead Resilience Efforts in Mauritania - Welcome to the United NationsGuidamakha’s Village Committees Lead Resilience Efforts in Mauritania  Welcome to the United Nations

School helps migrants in Mauritania; can it keep them from leaving for Europe? - VOA - Voice of America English NewsSchool helps migrants in Mauritania; can it keep them from leaving for Europe?  VOA - Voice of America English News

Revamped investment code positions Mauritania for growth - African BusinessRevamped investment code positions Mauritania for growth  African Business

Mauritania - Key Message Update: Lean season intensifies among poor households at the start of the rainy season, August 2024 - ReliefWebMauritania - Key Message Update: Lean season intensifies among poor households at the start of the rainy season, August 2024  ReliefWeb

Mauritania: African Development Bank supports rural climate resilience with new sustainable water access project - African Development Bank GroupMauritania: African Development Bank supports rural climate resilience with new sustainable water access project  African Development Bank Group

Spain allocates $232.03 million to support investments in Mauritania - Gulf TodaySpain allocates $232.03 million to support investments in Mauritania  Gulf Today

Signing of Grant Agreement with Mauritania:Contributing to sustainable fishery resource management and marine environment conservation by constructing a fishery research vessel | News&Publication - jica.go.jpSigning of Grant Agreement with Mauritania:Contributing to sustainable fishery resource management and marine environment conservation by constructing a fishery research vessel | News&Publication  jica.go.jp

Mauritania’s Sidi Ould Tah elected new president of African Development Bank - RFIMauritania’s Sidi Ould Tah elected new president of African Development Bank  RFI

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

Mauritania’s bid to become an African energy hub - Financial TimesMauritania’s bid to become an African energy hub  Financial Times

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

Agricultural insurance to improve the lives of 47,500 vulnerable households in Mauritania - IFADAgricultural insurance to improve the lives of 47,500 vulnerable households in Mauritania  IFAD

Diaspora key to India's 2047 development goal: President in Mauritania - Business StandardDiaspora key to India's 2047 development goal: President in Mauritania  Business Standard

Mauritania, EU sign €100M agreement to boost development, combat irregular migration - Anadolu AjansiMauritania, EU sign €100M agreement to boost development, combat irregular migration  Anadolu Ajansi

Mauritania: Population Movement - IFRCMauritania: Population Movement  IFRC

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