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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Deployment of a Second High-Speed Submarine Cable for Mauritania - EEASDeployment of a Second High-Speed Submarine Cable for Mauritania  EEAS

2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Mauritania - U.S. Department of State (.gov)2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Mauritania  U.S. Department of State (.gov)

Mauritania’s MCM Seeks New License to Extend Copper Mine Life - Energy Capital & PowerMauritania’s MCM Seeks New License to Extend Copper Mine Life  Energy Capital & Power

Population Movement Rosso Mauritania - DREF Operation (MDRMR019) - ReliefWebPopulation Movement Rosso Mauritania - DREF Operation (MDRMR019)  ReliefWeb

Mauritania: El Amana Bank opens its doors to the winners of the Financial Afrik Hackathon - Financial AfrikMauritania: El Amana Bank opens its doors to the winners of the Financial Afrik Hackathon  Financial Afrik

Rapid response halts diphtheria outbreak among refugees in Mauritania - WHO | Regional Office for AfricaRapid response halts diphtheria outbreak among refugees in Mauritania  WHO | Regional Office for Africa

Japan-Mauritania Summit Meeting - mofa.go.jpJapan-Mauritania Summit Meeting  mofa.go.jp

Feature: Chinese solution helps ease water shortage in Mauritanian capital - XinhuaFeature: Chinese solution helps ease water shortage in Mauritanian capital  Xinhua

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)

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

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

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

Construction of a Datacenter in Nouakchott, Mauritania - EEASConstruction of a Datacenter in Nouakchott, Mauritania  EEAS

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)

Join EU Humanitarian Aid media trip to Mauritania - European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid OperationsJoin EU Humanitarian Aid media trip to Mauritania  European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations

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

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

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

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

Mauritania’s Balancing Act amid Intensifying Algerian-Moroccan Rivalry - Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP)Mauritania’s Balancing Act amid Intensifying Algerian-Moroccan Rivalry  Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP)

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

Analysis of Interconnected Climate Security and Violent Extremism Risks: A Practical Guide for Mauritania - Welcome to the United NationsAnalysis of Interconnected Climate Security and Violent Extremism Risks: A Practical Guide for Mauritania  Welcome to the United Nations

Ellalink to expand subsea cable to Mauritania - Data Center DynamicsEllalink to expand subsea cable to Mauritania  Data Center Dynamics

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

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

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

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

CHAN 2024: Madagascar advance as Mauritania bow out - africanfootball.comCHAN 2024: Madagascar advance as Mauritania bow out  africanfootball.com

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

LIVE! Central African Republic vs Mauritania in the CAF African Nations Championship - beIN SPORTSLIVE! Central African Republic vs Mauritania in the CAF African Nations Championship  beIN SPORTS

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

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

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

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

Mauritania: AFP explores the desert and the treasures of a forgotten city - afp.comMauritania: AFP explores the desert and the treasures of a forgotten city  afp.com

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

[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

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

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

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

UNHCR Mauritania Refugee Emergency Response (as of 31 December 2024) - ReliefWebUNHCR Mauritania Refugee Emergency Response (as of 31 December 2024)  ReliefWeb

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

Islamic Republic of Mauritania: Improving Administration of Hydrocarbon Tax Revenues - International Monetary FundIslamic Republic of Mauritania: Improving Administration of Hydrocarbon Tax Revenues  International Monetary Fund

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

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

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

Interview: China-Mauritania ties remain rock-solid after 60 years, says Chinese ambassador - focac.orgInterview: China-Mauritania ties remain rock-solid after 60 years, says Chinese ambassador  focac.org

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

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

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

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

Mauritanian customs seize 61 tons of smuggled Polisario fuel in Inchiri province - Yabiladi.comMauritanian customs seize 61 tons of smuggled Polisario fuel in Inchiri province  Yabiladi.com

In Mauritania, CERF fuels hope for Malian refugees - ReliefWebIn Mauritania, CERF fuels hope for Malian refugees  ReliefWeb

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

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

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

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

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 Seeks to Benefit from Morocco’s Vocational Training Expertise - Morocco World NewsMauritania Seeks to Benefit from Morocco’s Vocational Training Expertise  Morocco World News

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

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

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

Sudan’s displaced footballers’ winning streak in Mauritania - BBCSudan’s displaced footballers’ winning streak in Mauritania  BBC

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

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

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

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

Algeria and Mauritania wrap up TotalEnergies CAF CHAN preparations with Blida draw - cafonline.comAlgeria and Mauritania wrap up TotalEnergies CAF CHAN preparations with Blida draw  cafonline.com

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

China, Mauritania celebrate 60 years of diplomatic ties with reception in Nouakchott - XinhuaChina, Mauritania celebrate 60 years of diplomatic ties with reception in Nouakchott  Xinhua

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

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

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

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’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

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

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

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

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

Mauritania's new US friendship group fuels anger amid Gaza war - The New ArabMauritania's new US friendship group fuels anger amid Gaza war  The New Arab

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

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

LIVE! Mauritania vs Tanzania in CAF African Nations Championship - beIN SPORTSLIVE! Mauritania vs Tanzania in CAF African Nations Championship  beIN SPORTS

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

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

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

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

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

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: 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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