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 Airlines adds wet-leased A320 capacity - ch-aviationMauritania Airlines adds wet-leased A320 capacity  ch-aviation

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

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

Chairman of ruling party of Mauritania hails CPC's governance - China DailyChairman of ruling party of Mauritania hails CPC's governance  China Daily

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)

Rapport d’évaluation des besoins des retournés au Guidimagha (02 - 04 Janvier 2025) - ReliefWebRapport d’évaluation des besoins des retournés au Guidimagha (02 - 04 Janvier 2025)  ReliefWeb

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

Senegal, Gabon, Mauritania… Trump to host five African leaders in Washington - Africa News AgencySenegal, Gabon, Mauritania… Trump to host five African leaders in Washington  Africa News Agency

Mauritania is Now Better Prepared to Handle Public Health Emergencies - Africa CDCMauritania is Now Better Prepared to Handle Public Health Emergencies  Africa CDC

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

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

Mauritanian party leader visits Shanghai, praises CPC's grassroots governance - China DailyMauritanian party leader visits Shanghai, praises CPC's grassroots governance  China Daily

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: 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

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

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

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

Spotlight on basic education completion and foundational learning: Mauritania - UNESCOSpotlight on basic education completion and foundational learning: Mauritania  UNESCO

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

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

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

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

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

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

US President Trump announces surprise summit with five African Nations - africanews.comUS President Trump announces surprise summit with five African Nations  africanews.com

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 AIR -President 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

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

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

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

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

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) |

Mauritania Signs 2 PPAs with TAQA Arabia-GoGas Consortium - Energy Capital & PowerMauritania Signs 2 PPAs with TAQA Arabia-GoGas Consortium  Energy Capital & Power

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

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

The Mauritanian army stands firm against the Polisario in Lebriga - AtalayarThe Mauritanian army stands firm against the Polisario in Lebriga  Atalayar

Mauritania French companies join forces to muscle up Mauritania's navy - Africa IntelligenceMauritania French companies join forces to muscle up Mauritania's navy  Africa Intelligence

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

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

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

Morocco, Mauritania Build Economic Partnership Amid Regional Challenges - Morocco World NewsMorocco, Mauritania Build Economic Partnership Amid Regional Challenges  Morocco World News

The M’Bott Farmer field school (FFS) bringing opportunities to Mauritania with FAO support - Food and Agriculture OrganizationThe M’Bott Farmer field school (FFS) bringing opportunities to Mauritania with FAO support  Food and Agriculture Organization

Exploring the vital Strategic Relations Between Morocco and Mauritania - Modern DiplomacyExploring the vital Strategic Relations Between Morocco and Mauritania  Modern Diplomacy

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

Qatar Charity provides aid for flood-affected in Mauritania - ReliefWebQatar Charity provides aid for flood-affected in Mauritania  ReliefWeb

'There is no way we are going to withdraw from Mauritania' | CWP confirms green hydrogen project is still on the table despite delay - Hydrogen Insight'There is no way we are going to withdraw from Mauritania' | CWP confirms green hydrogen project is still on the table despite delay  Hydrogen Insight

Wang Yi Meets with Mauritanian Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug - fmprc.gov.cnWang Yi Meets with Mauritanian Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug  fmprc.gov.cn

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

New cross-border axis to connect Morocco, Mauritania - APAnewsNew cross-border axis to connect Morocco, Mauritania  APAnews

Mauritania gov’t denies involvement in visit of RSF adviser - Middle East MonitorMauritania gov’t denies involvement in visit of RSF adviser  Middle East Monitor

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

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

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

President Murmu arrives in Mauritania on 2nd leg of her three-nation visit - Business StandardPresident Murmu arrives in Mauritania on 2nd leg of her three-nation visit  Business Standard

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

Mauritania: Another mass expulsion of Sub-Saharan migrants - Global VoicesMauritania: Another mass expulsion of Sub-Saharan migrants  Global Voices

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

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

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

Bilateral Meeting with H.E. Sid'Ahmed Ould Bouh, Minister for Economy and Finance of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania - Food and Agriculture OrganizationBilateral Meeting with H.E. Sid'Ahmed Ould Bouh, Minister for Economy and Finance of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania  Food and Agriculture Organization

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

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

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

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 - 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

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

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

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

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

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

Mauritania: Population Movement - IFRCMauritania: Population Movement  IFRC

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

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

Mauritania - General DebateMauritania  General Debate

UNODC supports a strengthened Cooperation between Senegal and Mauritania in the Fight against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants - United Nations Office on Drugs and CrimeUNODC supports a strengthened Cooperation between Senegal and Mauritania in the Fight against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants  United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

Mauritania is ambitiously working to harness its vast energy resources - African BusinessMauritania is ambitiously working to harness its vast energy resources  African Business

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

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

A Primer For The White House Visit By Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, And Senegal – OpEd - Eurasia ReviewA Primer For The White House Visit By Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, And Senegal – OpEd  Eurasia Review

Deep into the Sahara, on a Mauritanian adventure - Financial TimesDeep into the Sahara, on a Mauritanian adventure  Financial Times

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

Interview: Cooperation with China helps build "Great Green Wall" of Africa: Mauritania environment minister - XinhuaInterview: Cooperation with China helps build "Great Green Wall" of Africa: Mauritania environment minister  Xinhua

Morocco and Mauritania promote integrated and sustainable policies for the Sahel - AtalayarMorocco and Mauritania promote integrated and sustainable policies for the Sahel  Atalayar

TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024: Know Your Team: Mauritania - cafonline.comTotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024: Know Your Team: Mauritania  cafonline.com