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 vs Madagascar: What time and channel is the CHAN 2024 showdown? - Foot AfricaMauritania vs Madagascar: What time and channel is the CHAN 2024 showdown?  Foot Africa

MATCH FACTS: Madagascar and Mauritania meet for the first time at TotalEnergies CAF CHAN - cafonline.comMATCH FACTS: Madagascar and Mauritania meet for the first time at TotalEnergies CAF CHAN  cafonline.com

Mauritania – China: a new step towards enhanced security cooperation - Financial AfrikMauritania – China: a new step towards enhanced security cooperation  Financial Afrik

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

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

[Blog] Empowering women- and youth-led SMEs in Mauritania - United Nations Economic Commission for Africa[Blog] Empowering women- and youth-led SMEs in Mauritania  United Nations Economic Commission for Africa

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

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)

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

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

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

Jinko ESS powers TIJIRIT factory in Mauritania - Energy-Storage.NewsJinko ESS powers TIJIRIT factory in Mauritania  Energy-Storage.News

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

Garai aims to make Mauritania proud - africanfootball.comGarai aims to make Mauritania proud  africanfootball.com

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

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

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

Four days to go: 'We want Mauritania to be proud of our CHAN performance' - Garai - cafonline.comFour days to go: 'We want Mauritania to be proud of our CHAN performance' - Garai  cafonline.com

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

Aura Energy: Tiris on course to be Mauritania’s first uranium mine - Mining Review AfricaAura Energy: Tiris on course to be Mauritania’s first uranium mine  Mining Review 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

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

Dozens of West African migrants rescued off Mauritania coast - Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)Dozens of West African migrants rescued off Mauritania coast  Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Report: PM set to meet Mauritanian leader, as US seeks to widen Abraham Accords - The Times of IsraelReport: PM set to meet Mauritanian leader, as US seeks to widen Abraham Accords  The Times of Israel

Launch of the U.S.–Mauritania Parliamentary Friendship Group - U.S. Embassy in Mauritania (.gov)Launch of the U.S.–Mauritania Parliamentary Friendship Group  U.S. Embassy in Mauritania (.gov)

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

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

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

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

Mauritanian students grow vegetables in arid conditions - DWMauritanian students grow vegetables in arid conditions  DW

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

UNODC Supports Mauritania in Efforts to Prevent and Counter the Nexus Between Terrorism and Organized Crime - United Nations Office on Drugs and CrimeUNODC Supports Mauritania in Efforts to Prevent and Counter the Nexus Between Terrorism and Organized Crime  United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

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

President Droupadi Murmu’s Three-Nation Visit to Algeria, Mauritania, & Malawi Strengthens India’s Ties with Africa - NewsonairPresident Droupadi Murmu’s Three-Nation Visit to Algeria, Mauritania, & Malawi Strengthens India’s Ties with Africa  Newsonair

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

Presidential Visit to Malawi and Mauritania - Drishti IASPresidential Visit to Malawi and Mauritania  Drishti IAS

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) |

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 : African Development Bank Approves €25.5 Million Trade Finance Facility for Générale de Banque de Mauritanie to Support SMEs and Women Entrepreneurs - afdb.orgMauritania : African Development Bank Approves €25.5 Million Trade Finance Facility for Générale de Banque de Mauritanie to Support SMEs and Women Entrepreneurs  afdb.org

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

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

Mauritanian prime minister arrives in Madinah to visit Prophet’s Mosque - Arab NewsMauritanian prime minister arrives in Madinah to visit Prophet’s Mosque  Arab News

News: L’OTAN livre à la Mauritanie du matériel pour ses forces d'opérations spéciales, 17-Dec.-2024 - NATO - HomepageNews: L’OTAN livre à la Mauritanie du matériel pour ses forces d'opérations spéciales, 17-Dec.-2024  NATO - Homepage

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

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

35th Chinese medical team supports medical service in Mauritania - Global Times35th Chinese medical team supports medical service in Mauritania  Global Times

Exclusive / Mauritania to meet Israel at Trump White House meeting - SemaforExclusive / Mauritania to meet Israel at Trump White House meeting  Semafor

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 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

Deputy Secretary Landau’s Meeting with Mauritanian President Ghazouani - U.S. Department of State (.gov)Deputy Secretary Landau’s Meeting with Mauritanian President Ghazouani  U.S. Department of State (.gov)

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

(Hello Africa) China-Mauritania ties mark 60 years with enduring "Friendship" projects - Xinhua(Hello Africa) China-Mauritania ties mark 60 years with enduring "Friendship" projects  Xinhua

Mauritania’s key CHAN objective is to be competitive with clear identity – Garai - Pan Africa FootballMauritania’s key CHAN objective is to be competitive with clear identity – Garai  Pan Africa Football

Supporting Children in Mauritania - unicef usaSupporting Children in Mauritania  unicef usa

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

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

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

OLAF and Mauritania Deepen Cooperation in the Fight against Fraud - European Anti-Fraud OfficeOLAF and Mauritania Deepen Cooperation in the Fight against Fraud  European Anti-Fraud Office

An Islamic Republic is planning to join Abraham Accords. Details here - theweek.inAn Islamic Republic is planning to join Abraham Accords. Details here  theweek.in

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

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

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

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

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

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

Morocco, Mauritania Sign Industrial Cooperation Deal - Energy Capital & PowerMorocco, Mauritania Sign Industrial Cooperation Deal  Energy Capital & Power

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

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

Balancing profit and preservation: Mauritania pushes for sustainable fishing with EU support - Euronews.comBalancing profit and preservation: Mauritania pushes for sustainable fishing with EU support  Euronews.com

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

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’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

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

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

2025 Refugee and Resilience Plan in Mauritania (3RP Mauritania) - ReliefWeb2025 Refugee and Resilience Plan in Mauritania (3RP Mauritania)  ReliefWeb

School helps migrants in Mauritania; can it keep them from leaving for Europe? - VOA - Voice of America English NewsSchool helps migrants in Mauritania; can it keep them from leaving for Europe?  VOA - Voice of America English News

FAO Workshop Launches Hydro-Agricultural Development Project in Mauritania - Food and Agriculture OrganizationFAO Workshop Launches Hydro-Agricultural Development Project in Mauritania  Food and Agriculture Organization

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

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

Mali criticizes Mauritania for ill treatment of irregular migrants - InfoMigrantsMali criticizes Mauritania for ill treatment of irregular migrants  InfoMigrants

Spain will collaborate with Mauritania in the field of social security to strengthen the protection of migrant workers. - La MoncloaSpain will collaborate with Mauritania in the field of social security to strengthen the protection of migrant workers.  La Moncloa

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

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

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

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

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