Country guide - Mauritania  

 
 

Introduction: Mauritania is located in North West Africa. It is bound by Senegal to the south west, Mali to the south and east, Algeria to the north east, Western Sahara (occupied by Morocco) to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Mauritania consists mainly of the vast Saharan plain of sand and scrub. Most of this area is a sea of sand dunes, but in places the land rises to rocky plateaux with deep ravines leaving isolated peaks.

Official Name: Islamic Republic of Mauritania
Area: 1,029,920 Sq Km (397,654 Sq Miles)
Population: 2,912,000
Continent: Africa
Density per square mile: 7
Capital City: Nouakchott
Religions: The official religion is Islam with the majority of the population Sunni Muslims. There is also a Christian minority, predominantly Roman Catholic, which accounts for .4% of the population.

Language: Arabic is the official language but French and various tribal languages are spoken too.
Government: Republic

Currency: Ouguiya
GDP: $5.3 billion
GDP Per Head: $1,900

Natural Resources: Copper, iron ore, gypsum, phosphate, diamonds, gold, oil & fish.
Land Use: Arable Land 0.5%
Agriculture: Dates, millet, sorghum, rice, corn, cattle & sheep.
Industry: Fishing, Industrial Gas, Mining, Paints, Textiles

Tourism: This is a desolate, poor country which is mainly desert. Add to this the following statement issued by the British & Foreign Commonwealth Office - 'The situation is returning to normal following the failed military coup on 8-9 June. However, if you intend visiting Mauritania, you should exercise particular vigilance and register your presence with the British Honorary Consul in Nouakchott. You should seek specific advice when travelling to areas outside the main cities of Nouakchott and Nouadhibou'. It probably won't be top of your list for stop offs.

Natural Hazards: hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind blows primarily in March and April; periodic droughts
Health Risks: A yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for anyone coming from an infected area. Water should be boiled or purified before drinking.

Climate: Most of the country is hot and dry with practically no rain. In the south, however, rainfall is higher with a rainy season which runs from July to September. The coast is tempered by trade winds and is mild with the exception of the hot Nouakchott region (where the rainy season begins a month later). Deserts are cooler and windy in March and April. Average temperature ranges in Nouakchott are from 13 to 28 degrees Celsius in December to 24 to 34 degrees Celsius in September.

Time: GMT/UTC hours - No UTC/GMT offset
National Days: November 28

Visas: Only visitors from Arab League countries, France, Italy and certain African nations don't require a visa. Visas of beween one and three months are required by everyone else. Overland travellers should obtain a visa before leaving the UK.

British Embassy Details

 

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