Key Facts About Mauritania

Location: NW Africa; borders Atlantic, Western Sahara, Algeria, Mali, Senegal.
Capital: Nouakchott (Atlantic coast).
Population: ~4.6 million (2021).
Languages: Arabic (official), French (official), Pulaar, Wolof, Soninke, Bambara.
Religion: >99 % Sunni Muslim.
Currency: Ouguiya (MRU).
Economy: Iron ore, copper, gold, fish, livestock, agriculture.
Climate: Hot desert; summer >50 °C.
History: Paleolithic sites; French colony 1904–1960; independence 1960.
Government: Islamic Republic; president + prime minister; history of coups.
Biodiversity: Desert, Sahel, coastal wetlands; migratory birds, gazelles.

Africa