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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Mauritania - UNHCR - The UN Refugee AgencyMauritania  UNHCR - The UN Refugee Agency

Investing in the Future of Mauritania: Social Enterprises and Innovative Financing Driven by the Diaspora - Financial AfrikInvesting in the Future of Mauritania: Social Enterprises and Innovative Financing Driven by the Diaspora  Financial Afrik

Mauritania Signs $6M MoU with Saudi Fund for Rural Water Program - Energy Capital & PowerMauritania Signs $6M MoU with Saudi Fund for Rural Water Program  Energy Capital & Power

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

Mauritania slams telcos over poor service - Techpoint AfricaMauritania slams telcos over poor service  Techpoint Africa

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

Our intervention in Mauritania - Action contre la FaimOur intervention in Mauritania  Action contre la Faim

Mauritania justifies closure of media outlet critical of Algeria - Yabiladi.comMauritania justifies closure of media outlet critical of Algeria  Yabiladi.com

Mauritania: UN expert commends Government for addressing migration challenges and urges end to collective expulsions [EN/AR] - ReliefWebMauritania: UN expert commends Government for addressing migration challenges and urges end to collective expulsions [EN/AR]  ReliefWeb

Mauritania to start exporting blueberries by 2027, seeks investors - FreshPlazaMauritania to start exporting blueberries by 2027, seeks investors  FreshPlaza

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

Five crew members lost after Spanish fishing vessel sinks off Mauritania - Undercurrent NewsFive crew members lost after Spanish fishing vessel sinks off Mauritania  Undercurrent News

Jihadists blockade Malian roads near Mauritanian border to disrupt trade, flex muscle - The Arab WeeklyJihadists blockade Malian roads near Mauritanian border to disrupt trade, flex muscle  The Arab Weekly

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

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)

Five Missing in Catastrophic Trawler Collision off Mauritania - The Maritime ExecutiveFive Missing in Catastrophic Trawler Collision off Mauritania  The Maritime Executive

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

Mauritania, Location, Area, Capital, Language, News - Vajiram & RaviMauritania, Location, Area, Capital, Language, News  Vajiram & Ravi

Mauritania: APIM placed under the authority of the Prime Minister's Office to strengthen its institutional weight - Financial AfrikMauritania: APIM placed under the authority of the Prime Minister's Office to strengthen its institutional weight  Financial Afrik

Five missing after fishing boats collide off Mauritania - Baird MaritimeFive missing after fishing boats collide off Mauritania  Baird Maritime

Spaniard, Russian held over ship crash off Mauritania - Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)Spaniard, Russian held over ship crash off Mauritania  Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)

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

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

Mauritanian telecoms regulator ARE orders mobile operators to improve service quality - TelecompaperMauritanian telecoms regulator ARE orders mobile operators to improve service quality  Telecompaper

GIEWS Country Brief: The Islamic Republic of Mauritania 09-September-2025 - ReliefWebGIEWS Country Brief: The Islamic Republic of Mauritania 09-September-2025  ReliefWeb

Mauritania: First solar-wind PPP plant to improve energy access - ESI-Africa.comMauritania: First solar-wind PPP plant to improve energy access  ESI-Africa.com

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

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)

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)

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

Captain & First Officer Arrested After Mauritanian Vessel Sinks In Collision, 5 Crew Missing - Marine InsightCaptain & First Officer Arrested After Mauritanian Vessel Sinks In Collision, 5 Crew Missing  Marine Insight

Joining the Abraham Accords Could Open New Energy Investment Doors in Mauritania - The National InterestJoining the Abraham Accords Could Open New Energy Investment Doors in Mauritania  The National Interest

EU urged to uphold human rights, as Mauritania accused of abuse of migrants - RFIEU urged to uphold human rights, as Mauritania accused of abuse of migrants  RFI

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

SFD Enhances Water Security in Mauritania - ????? ??????? ????????SFD Enhances Water Security in Mauritania  ????? ??????? ????????

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mauritania | Concrete solutions for improving youth’s access to land - Food and Agriculture OrganizationMauritania | Concrete solutions for improving youth’s access to land  Food and Agriculture Organization

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Madagascar, Mauritania eye early advantage in Group B showdown - cafonline.comMadagascar, Mauritania eye early advantage in Group B showdown  cafonline.com

Mauritania Seeks to Benefit from Morocco’s Vocational Training Expertise - Morocco World NewsMauritania Seeks to Benefit from Morocco’s Vocational Training Expertise  Morocco World News

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

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

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

Over 140 feared dead after shipwreck off Mauritania coast - InfoMigrantsOver 140 feared dead after shipwreck off Mauritania coast  InfoMigrants

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

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

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

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

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

Mauritania, UNIDO to Establish Vocational Training Center - Energy Capital & PowerMauritania, UNIDO to Establish Vocational Training Center  Energy Capital & Power

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

UNHCR Mauritania - Development approaches in Forced Displacement Settings, May 2025 - ReliefWebUNHCR Mauritania - Development approaches in Forced Displacement Settings, May 2025  ReliefWeb

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

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

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

Mauritanian president arrives in Doha - Qatar TribuneMauritanian president arrives in Doha  Qatar Tribune

Mauritania’s former president Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz sentenced to 15 Years for corruption - africanews.comMauritania’s former president Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz sentenced to 15 Years for corruption  africanews.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

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

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

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

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

UNHCR Mauritania: Registered refugees and asylum seekers per region (as of 31 July 2025) - ReliefWebUNHCR Mauritania: Registered refugees and asylum seekers per region (as of 31 July 2025)  ReliefWeb

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

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

5 Mauritanians missing after collision of two fishing boats - Arab News5 Mauritanians missing after collision of two fishing boats  Arab News

In Mauritania, CERF fuels hope for Malian refugees - ReliefWebIn Mauritania, CERF fuels hope for Malian refugees  ReliefWeb

Madagascar and Mauritania share spoils in goalless CHAN 2024 opener - cafonline.comMadagascar and Mauritania share spoils in goalless CHAN 2024 opener  cafonline.com

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

Morocco, Mauritania to Boost Parliamentary Ties - Morocco World NewsMorocco, Mauritania to Boost Parliamentary Ties  Morocco World News

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

China, Mauritania celebrate 60 years of diplomatic ties with reception in Nouakchott - XinhuaChina, Mauritania celebrate 60 years of diplomatic ties with reception in Nouakchott  Xinhua

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

Actu | Improving daily life for inhabitants in Hodh Ech Chargui in Mauritania - gret.orgActu | Improving daily life for inhabitants in Hodh Ech Chargui in Mauritania  gret.org

HALO's weapons management work in West Africa - The HALO TrustHALO's weapons management work in West Africa  The HALO Trust

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

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

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

Will Mauritania join the Abraham Accords with Israel? - The New ArabWill Mauritania join the Abraham Accords with Israel?  The New Arab

Algeria, Mauritania Study Creation of Joint Venture for Petroleum Products Distribution - AL24 NewsAlgeria, Mauritania Study Creation of Joint Venture for Petroleum Products Distribution  AL24 News

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