Languages Spoken in Mauritania

Mauritania’s linguistic landscape reflects its Saharan-Sahelian crossroads:

• Hassaniya Arabic – native dialect, de facto national language.
• Modern Standard Arabic – official (government, education, media).
• French – official (administration, business, higher education).
• Pulaar (Fulfulde) – spoken by Fulbe/Toucouleur (south).
• Wolof – southern regions.
• Soninke (Sarakole) – along Senegal River.
• Bambara – southeastern areas.

Multilingualism is common; Arabic/French dominate formal domains.