Mauritania is rich in mineral resources, especially iron and ore. It is seen by the West as a valuable ally in the fight against Islamist militancy in the Sahel region.
Table of Contents
What was Mauritania known for?
Mauritania is rich in mineral resources, especially iron and ore. It is seen by the West as a valuable ally in the fight against Islamist militancy in the Sahel region.

What is the government of Mauritania?
Unitary state
Semi-presidential systemIslamic republic
Mauritania/Government
What tribes are in Mauritania?
Roughly one-third of the population is made up of mainly four other ethnic groups: Tukulor, who live in the Sénégal River valley; Fulani, who are dispersed throughout the south; Soninke, who inhabit the extreme south; and Wolof, who live in the vicinity of Rosso in coastal southwestern Mauritania.

Is Mauritania a city?
Mauritania
Islamic Republic of Mauritania الجمهورية الإسلامية الموريتانية (Arabic) al-Jumhūrīyah al-Islāmīyah al-Mūrītānīyah République islamique de Mauritanie (French) | |
---|---|
Capital and largest city | Nouakchott 18°09′N 15°58′W |
Official languages | Arabic |
Recognised national languages | Pulaar, Soninke, Wolof |
Recognised languages | French |
Is Mauritania safe for tourists?
Mauritania – Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Reconsider travel to Mauritania due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk.
When did Mauritania ban slavery?
1981
In 1981 Mauritania became the last country in the world to abolish slavery. Though slavery is technically illegal, after being criminalized for the first time in 2007 and again in 2015, abolition is rarely enforced.
Who controls Mauritania?
In August 2019, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani was sworn in as Mauritania’s tenth president since its independence from France in 1960. His predecessor Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz ran the African desert country for 10 years. The ruling party Union for the Republic (UPR) was founded by Aziz in 2009.
Can you drink in Mauritania?
Mauritania is a dry country. The sale and consumption of alcohol is against the law, although some restaurants do serve it. It is wise to carry your ID at all times, particularly when traveling outside Nouakchott. You should also comply promptly with directions from the police and other Mauritanian security forces.
What is the political system in Mauritania?
Until 2005, Mauritania was a one party dominant state with the Democratic and Social Republican Party, now the Republican Party for Democracy and Renewal (PRDS), in power. Opposition political parties were allowed, but had no real chance of gaining power.
Who is the current president of Mauritania?
Mauritania initially began as a single-party authoritarian regime and saw 49 years of dictatorships, flawed elections, failed attempts at democracy, and military coups. Following the last coup in 2008, led by Ould Abdel AZIZ, AZIZ was elected president in 2009 and reelected in 2014.
Does the US government provide emergency services in Mauritania?
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Mauritania as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel outside Nouakchott.
What is the fertility rate in Mauritania?
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. With a sustained total fertility rate of about 4 children per woman and almost 60% of the population under the age of 25, Mauritania’s population is likely to continue growing for the foreseeable future.