Mauritania

Mauritania, officially the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, is a country in Northwest Africa. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Western Sahara to the north and northwest, Algeria to the northeast, Mali to the east and southeast, and Senegal to the southwest. By land area Mauritania is the 11th-largest country in Africa and the 28th-largest in the world; 90% of its territory is in the Sahara desert.

Most of its population of some 4.3 million live in the temperate south of the country; roughly a third of the population is concentrated in the capital and largest city, Nouakchott, on the Atlantic coast. The country's name derives from Mauretania, the Latin name for a region in the ancient Maghreb. It has a rich history influenced by Berbers, Arab tribes, and colonization by France.

Despite an abundance of natural resources, Mauritania remains poor; its economy is based primarily on agriculture and fishing. Mauritania is culturally and politically part of the Arab world as a member of the Arab League. Arabic is the official language, while Pulaar, Soninke and Wolof are recognized as national languages. The state religion is Islam, and almost all inhabitants are Sunni Muslims.

Etymology

Mauritania gets its name from an ancient Berber kingdom that began around the third century BC. This kingdom was later called Mauretania when it became part of the Roman world. The name "Mauretania" comes from the Mauri people, a group of Berbers. Over time, the French used the name "Mauritanie occidentale" to describe the area, and this eventually became the official name of the country.

History

Main article: History of Mauritania

Mauritania has a rich history shaped by many different groups of people. Ancient tribes such as the Berber, Niger-Congo, and Bafour lived in the area. Over time, these groups moved and changed their ways of living due to the Sahara desert becoming drier.

The Umayyads, the first Arab Muslims, arrived in Mauritania during the seventh century. Later, in the 11th century, the Almoravid movement formed and created a large empire stretching from the Sahara to Europe. This period saw many changes and new groups moving into the region.

In the late 19th century, France began to control Mauritania, making it part of French West Africa. French rule brought changes like ending certain conflicts and slavery, though many people still lived nomadic lives. Mauritania became independent in 1960, led by President Moktar Ould Daddah, who established a one-party government.

Throughout the years, Mauritania has faced various challenges, including conflicts over Western Sahara and changes in leadership through both elections and military takeovers. Despite these challenges, the country continues to develop and adapt.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Mauritania

Mauritania is a large country in western Africa, covering 1,030,000 km². It is mostly flat and arid, with vast plains and occasional ridges. The country borders the North Atlantic Ocean to the west, Senegal to the southwest, Mali to the east and southeast, Algeria to the northeast, and Western Sahara to the north and northwest. Much of Mauritania is desert or semidesert, and the desert has been expanding since the mid-1960s due to severe drought.

The landscape includes scarps, sandstone plateaus, and isolated peaks. The highest peak, Kediet ej Jill, reaches 915 meters. There are also areas of natural vegetation, ranging from tropical forest along the Senegal River to desert in the north. Mauritania has seven terrestrial ecoregions, including the Sahelian Acacia savanna and the Atlantic coastal desert.

Wildlife

Main article: Wildlife of Mauritania

Mauritania’s wildlife is influenced by its position between the Palearctic and Afrotropic biogeographic realms. The north, largely desert, is part of the Palearctic, while the south is dominated by Afrotropical species. The country is important for many migrating birds. Wetlands include Banc d'Arguin National Park and Diawling National Park, which protect coastal and river marine ecosystems.

Government and politics

Main articles: Politics of Mauritania and Foreign relations of Mauritania

Mauritania has a single chamber parliament called the National Assembly, with 176 members elected for five-year terms. The country is a semi-presidential republic, where the president is elected by popular vote for a five-year term and can serve a second term. The most recent presidential election was held in June 2024.

The Armed Forces of Mauritania include an army, navy, air force, gendarmerie, and presidential guard. Though small, the military has been involved in past conflicts such as the Western Sahara War and the Mauritania–Senegal Border War. The country was ranked 95th in the world for peace in 2024.

Main article: Armed Forces of Mauritania

Main articles: Regions of Mauritania and Departments of Mauritania

Mauritania is divided into 15 regions, each governed by a regional governor. These regions are further divided into 44 departments. The system is modeled after the French method of local administration.

Economy

Main articles: Economy of Mauritania, Transport in Mauritania, List of power stations in Mauritania, and Agriculture in Mauritania

Mauritania has many natural resources, including iron ore, which makes up almost half of its exports. Many people in Mauritania work in agriculture and raising animals, even though many moved to cities because of droughts in the 1970s and 1980s. Recently, gold and copper mines have opened, and oil was found offshore in 2001.

The country opened its first deepwater port near Nouakchott in 1986. Despite its resources, Mauritania faces economic challenges, including foreign debt and difficulties in meeting growth goals.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Mauritania

Mauritania has a population of about 4.6 million people, with many living in the capital city, Nouakchott, along the Atlantic coast. The country is home to three main ethnic groups: the Bidhan, or white Moors; the Haratin, or black moors; and Sub-Saharans. Most people speak Hassaniya Arabic, a local dialect.

Mauritania is almost entirely Muslim, with the majority following the Sunni branch of Islam. Small communities of other religions also exist. Arabic is the official language, though French is often used in schools and government work. The country faces health challenges, including high infant mortality and limited medical resources. Education is available, but many students attend school outside Mauritania.

Culture

See also: Mauritanian cuisine, Mass media in Mauritania, and Music of Mauritania

Mauritania’s culture is a mix of Arab-Berber, African, and Islamic traditions. Daily life and customs differ among ethnic groups, but Islam is a key part of the culture. Traditional crafts include metalwork, leatherwork, and textiles, with special jewelry made by Tuareg silversmiths.

Music in Mauritania uses special modes called al-’igga and instruments like the tidinit lute and ardin harp. Famous musicians like Dimi Mint Abba have shared Mauritanian music with the world. The country also enjoys football, with teams sometimes surprising bigger nations in big tournaments. Mauritanian food includes dishes like thieboudienne and yassa, and green tea with mint is a symbol of welcome.