Mauritania is a country in northwestern Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and surrounded by Senegal, Mali, and Algeria. It has a population of about 3.2 million, with over 99% being Muslim. Its geography is mostly desert, with some sandstone dunes and plateaus. The country has a French-influenced model of administration and has gone through periods of democracy and military coups. Its economy heavily relies on agriculture, iron ore, fishing, and recently discovered offshore oil reserves. The tourism trade is modest, with Chinguetti being a popular destination.
Mauritania, officially known as the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, is located in northwestern Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and surrounded by Senegal, Mali and Algeria. Its name comes from the Berber kingdom known in antiquity as Mauretania.
Mauritania is the 29th largest country in the world, with an area of nearly 400,000 square miles (1,030,700 square km). Its estimated population in 2006 is about 3.2 million, of which more than 99% are Muslims. Its geography is mostly desert, with some sandstone dunes and plateaus. The highest peak in Mauritania reaches 3280 feet (1000m). Its capital, Nouakchott, is the nation’s largest and sits on the Atlantic Ocean.
The first settlers of Mauritania were the Bafour, originally a nomadic people. Between the 5th and 7th centuries, Berber tribes originating from North Africa migrated to the region. Later, the Arabs fought the Berbers for control and eventually succeeded. Although the Arabs gained control, the Berbers greatly influenced the region as evidenced by today’s culture and language.
The French began annexing the region in the late 19th century, and in 1900, Mauritania became part of what was known as “French West Africa.” One benefit of French control was that it ended widespread slavery and ongoing tribal warfare. Mauritania became independent in 1920 and many black Africans began resettling Mauritania, sparking conflict with northern Moors who wished the country to remain Arab. National unity continues to remain elusive as “white” Moors, “black” Moors and non-Moorish groups struggle to control certain cultural, religious and political aspects of Mauritania.
Today, Mauritania’s system of government shows its Western influences. Its French-influenced model of administration includes 13 regional governors and a centralized government that has gone through periods of weakness and strength. Since the 1960s, democracy has been erratic, with several military coups, only one in 2005. On March 11, 2007, Mauritania enjoyed its first democratic presidential election in nearly 50 years.
Mauritania’s economy is heavily agricultural, but iron ore makes up 50% of its exports. Fishing and its recently discovered offshore oil reserves are two other highly valuable assets that have attracted foreign investors. The tourism trade is still quite modest due to infrastructure problems, but many visitors are attracted to Chinguetti, classified as the seventh holiest city of Islam.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
