Country Profile · No. 32

Mauritania

Capital / Admin Capital

NouakchottPopulation: ~4.9MIndependence: 1960 (November 28)

First President

Moktar Ould Daddah (1960–1978)Current President: Mohamed Ould Ghazouani (Serving since August 2019)

Geography & Borders

Western Sahara / Morocco, Algeria, Mali, Senegal, Atlantic Ocean. Dominated overwhelmingly by the vast, arid expanse of the Sahara Desert.

Demographics & Language

Islam (State religion, 100% Sunni Muslim). Official: Arabic language. National: Pulaar, Soninke, Wolof, French. Major groups: Moors (Bidhan and Haratin, ~70%), Sub-Saharan ethnic groups (Halpulaar, Soninke, Wolof).

Economy & GDP

Iron ore mining, commercial fishing in rich Atlantic waters, petroleum extraction, livestock.

Global Diaspora

1. France (~20k), 2. Spain (~15k), 3. United States (~10k). U.S. Hubs (States / Cities): Ohio (Cincinnati), Kentucky (Louisville), New York (New York City).

Major Conflicts

Western Sahara War (1975–1979, conflict over control of the former Spanish Sahara), various military coups and counter-coups (1978, 1984, 2008).

3 Must-See Sites

1. Richat Structure (Eye of the Sahara) (Massive, striking circular geological dome visible from outer space in the middle of the desert), 2. Banc d'Arguin National Park (UNESCO-listed coastal wetlands serving as a vital wintering ground for millions of migratory wading birds), 3. Ancient Ksours of Ouadane and Chinguetti (Medieval fortified desert caravan towns preserving ancient Islamic libraries).

Quick Facts

Features the extraordinary Richat Structure ("Eye of the Sahara"), a geological wonder spanning nearly 40 kilometers across; one of the last countries in the world to officially abolish chattel slavery (in 1981).