Moving to Mauritania: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

4,005,475

Population Growth Rate

2.29%

Urban Population

41.500000

Population in Major Urban Areas

NOUAKCHOTT (capital) 786,000

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Age Structure

38.870000

Median Age

19.800000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

32

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

8.5

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

4.15

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

9.3%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

9.3%

Mean Age for Mother's First Birth (age 25-49)

21.9

Mother's mean age at first birth

21.9

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.030000

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

-0.87

Ethnic Groups

mixed Maur/black 40%, Maur 30%, black 30%

Nationality Noun

Mauritanian(s)

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Literacy - total population

51.2%

Literacy - male

51.8%

Literacy - female

31.9%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

3.7%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

8.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

61.910000

Infant Mortality Rate

57.480000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

57.480000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

510

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

.13

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

.4

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

5.4%

Major Infectious Diseases - degree of risk

very high

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

12.7%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

52.300000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

51.100000

Underweight - percent of children under five years

19.5%

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Economic Overview

Mauritania's economy is dominated by extractive industries (oil and mines), fisheries, livestock, agriculture, and services.

Half the population still depends on farming and raising livestock, even though many nomads and subsistence farmers were forced into the cities by recurrent droughts in the 1970s, 1980s, 2000s, and 2017.

Recently, GDP growth has been driven largely by foreign investment in the mining and oil sectors.

Mauritania's extensive mineral resources include iron ore, gold, copper, gypsum, and phosphate rock, and exploration is ongoing for tantalum, uranium, crude oil, and natural gas.

Extractive commodities make up about three-quarters of Mauritania's total exports, subjecting the economy to price swings in world commodity markets.

Mining is also a growing source of government revenue, rising from 13% to 30% of total revenue from 2006 to 2014.

The nation's coastal waters are among the richest fishing areas in the world, and fishing accounts for about 15% of budget revenues, 45% of foreign currency earnings.

Mauritania processes a total of 1,800,000 tons of fish per year, but overexploitation by foreign and national fleets threaten the sustainability of this key source of revenue.

The economy is highly sensitive to international food and extractive commodity prices.

Other risks to Mauritania's economy include its recurring droughts, dependence on foreign aid and investment, and insecurity in neighboring Mali, as well as significant shortages of infrastructure, institutional capacity, and human capital.

In December 2017, Mauritania and the IMF agreed to a three year agreement under the Extended Credit Facility to foster economic growth, maintain macroeconomic stability, and reduce poverty.

Investment in agriculture and infrastructure are the largest components of the country’s public expenditures.

Industries

fish processing, mining of iron ore and gypsum

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$4,500.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

4.1%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$23,170,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$4,500.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

4.1%

GDP - official exchange rate

$4,677,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 50.6% government
• consumption: 30.7% investment in fixed
• capital: 41% investment in
• inventories: 6.6% exports of goods and
• services: 24.3% imports of goods and
• services: -53.2%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

23.2%

GDP by Sector- Industry

37.4%

GDP by Sector- services

39.4%

Industrial Growth Rate

2%

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Inflation Rate

7.3%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

ouguiya (MRO)

Currency Name and Code

Ouguiya (MRO)

Fiscal Year

calendar year

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

18%

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Labor Force

1,318,000

Unemployment Rate

30%

Major Industries

fish processing, mining of iron ore and gypsum

Agriculture Products

dates, millet, sorghum, rice, corn, dates; cattle, sheep

Population Below Poverty Line

40%

Child Labor - # of children ages 5-14

127,251

Child Labor - % of children ages 5-14

16%

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Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

50%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

2%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

48%

Annual Budget

$770,000,000 (USD)

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-0.6%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

40.1%

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Full Country Name

Islamic Republic of Mauritania

Country Name

Mauritania

Local - Long

Al Jumhuriyah al Islamiyah al Muritaniyah

Local - Short

Muritaniyah

Former Name

named for the ancient Kingdom of Mauretania (3rd century B.C. to 1st century A.D.), which existed further north in present-day Morocco; the name derives from the Mauri (Moors), the Berber-speaking peoples of northwest Africa

Etymology- history of name

named for the ancient kingdom of Mauretania (3rd century B.C. to 1st century A.D.) and the subsequent Roman province (1st-7th centuries A.D.), which existed further north in present-day Morocco

the name derives from the Mauri (Moors), the Berber-speaking peoples of northwest Africa

Independence

28 November 1960 (from France)

National Holiday

Independence Day, 28 November (1960)

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Government Type

presidential republic

Constitution

• history: previous 1964; latest adopted 12 July 1991
• amendments: proposed by the president of the republic or by Parliament; consideration of amendments by Parliament requires approval of at least one third of the membership; a referendum is held only if the amendment is approved by two-thirds majority vote; passage by referendum requires simple majority vote by eligible voters; passage of amendments proposed by the president can bypass a referendum if approved by at least three-fifths majority vote by Parliament; amended 2006, 2012, 2017

Legal System:

mixed legal system of Islamic and French civil law

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh el GHAZOUANI (since 1 August 2019)
• head of government: Prime Minister Moctar Ould DIAY (since 2 August 2024)
• cabinet: Council of Ministers nominees suggested by the prime minister, appointed by the president election/appointment
• process: president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); prime minister appointed by the president most recent election
• date: 29 June 2024
• election results: 2024: Mohamed Ould Cheikh el GHAZOUANI reelected president in first round; percent of vote - Mohamed Ould Cheikh el GHAZOUANI (UPR) 56.1%, Biram Dah Ould ABEID (independent) 22.1%, Hamadi Sidi el MOKHTAR independent) 12.8%, other 9.0% 2019: Mohamed Ould Cheikh el GHAZOUANI elected president in first round; percent of vote - Mohamed Ould Cheikh el GHAZOUANI (UPR) 52%, Biram Dah Ould ABEID (independent) 18.6%, Sidi Mohamed Ould BOUBACAR (independent) 17.9%, other 11.5% expected date of next
• election: June 2029

Legislative Branch:

• Description: unicameral Parliament or Barlamane consists of the National Assembly or Al Jamiya Al Wataniya (176 seats statutory; 88 members filled from one or two seat constituencies elected by a two-round majority system and the other 88 members filled from a single, nationwide constituency directly elected by proportional representation vote); 20 seats are reserved for women candidates in the nationwide constituency, 11 seats are reserved for young candidates (aged between 25 and 35), and 4 members directly elected by the diaspora; all members serve 5-year terms
• Elections: last held in 2 rounds on 13 and 27 May 2023 (next to be held in May 2028)
• Election Results: - National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - El INSAF 107, Tawassoul 11, UDP 10, FRUD (Republican Front for Unity and Democracy) 7, El Islah (Reformist Party) 6, National Democratic Alliance (AND) 6, El Karama (Dignity Party) 5, Nida Al-Watan 5, Sawab 5, Alliance for Justice and Democracy/Movement for Renewal 4, Hiwar 3, Mauritanian Party for Union and Change (HATEM) 3, El Vadila (Party of Virtue) 2, Union for Planning and Construction (UPC) 1, Party of the Mauritanian Masses (Hakam) 1;
• Composition: men, 135, women 41, percent of women elected 23.3%
• Note: the early parliamentary elections in 2023 were the first to be held under President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, elected in 2019 in a first peaceful transition of power; the elections followed the agreement between the government and parties in September 2022 to renew the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) and hold the elections in the first semester of 2023 for climatic and logistical reasons

Judicial Branch:

• chambers: 2 civil, 2 labor, 1 commercial, 1 administrative, and 1 criminal, each with a chamber president and 2 councilors); Constitutional Council (consists of 9 members); High Court of Justice (consists of 9 members) judge selection and term of
• office: Supreme Court president appointed by the president of the republic to serve a 5-year renewable term; Constitutional Council members appointed - 3 by the president of the republic, 2 by the president of the National Assembly, 1 by the prime minister, 1 by the leader of the democratic opposition, 1 by the largest opposition party in the National Assembly, and 1 by the second largest party in the National Assembly; members serve single, 9-year terms with one-third of membership renewed every 3 years; High Court of Justice members appointed by Parliament - 6 by the ruling Coalition of Majority Parties and 3 by opposition parties
• subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; courts of first instance or wilya courts are established in the regions' headquarters and include commercial and labor courts, criminal courts, Moughataa (district) Courts, and informal/customary courts

Regions or States:

15 regions (wilayas, singular - wilaya); Adrar, Assaba, Brakna, Dakhlet Nouadhibou, Gorgol, Guidimaka, Hodh ech Chargui, Hodh El Gharbi, Inchiri, Nouakchott Nord, Nouakchott Ouest, Nouakchott Sud, Tagant, Tiris Zemmour, Trarza

Political Parties and Leaders:

• Alliance for Justice and Democracy/Movement for Renewal or AJD/MR [Ibrahima Moctar SARR]
• El Insaf or Equity Party [Mohamed Melainine Ould EYIH]
• El Islah Party [Mohamed Ould TALEBNA]
• El Karama Party [Cheikhna Ould Mohamed Ould HAJBOU]
• El Vadila [Ethmane Ould Cheikh Ahmed Eboul MEALY]
• FRUD (Republican Front for Unity and Democracy) [Kadiata Malick DIALLO]
• Mauritanian Party of Union and Change (HATEM) [Saleh Ould HANENNA]
• National Democratic Alliance or AND [Yacoub Ould MOINE]
• National Rally for Reform and Development or RNRD or TAWASSOUL [Hamadi Ould Sidi MOKHTAR]
• Nida El-Watan [Daoud Ould Ahmed AICHA]
• Party for Conciliation and Prosperity or HIWAR [Valle Mint Mini]
• Party of the Mauritanian Masses (Hakam) [El Khalil Ould ENNAHOUI]
• Sawab Party [Ahmed Salem Ould HORMA]
• Union for Democracy and Progress or UDP [Naha Mint MOUKNASS]
• Union of Planning and Construction (UPC) [Qari Ould Mohamed ABDALLAHI]
• Note: only parties with seats in the National Assembly listed

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: no citizenship by descent
• only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Mauritania dual citizenship
• recognized: no residency requirement for
• naturalization: 5 years

Capital Name

Nouakchott

Capital - geographic coordinate

18 04 N, 15 58 W

Capital Time Difference

UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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International Organization Participation:

• ABEDA
• ACP
• AfDB
• AFESD
• AIIB
• AMF
• AMU
• AU
• CAEU
• EITI (compliant country)
• FAO
• G-77
• IAEA
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICC (NGOs)
• ICRM
• IDA
• IDB
• IFAD
• IFC
• IFRCS
• IHO (pending member)
• ILO
• IMF
• IMO
• Interpol
• IOC
• IOM
• IPU
• ISO (correspondent)
• ITSO
• ITU
• ITUC (NGOs)
• LAS
• MIGA
• NAM
• OIC
• OIF
• OPCW
• UN
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNHRC
• UNIDO
• UNWTO
• UPU
• WCO
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO

International Law Organization Participation:

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Cynthia KIERSCHT (since 27 January 2021)
• Embassy: Nouadhibou Road, Avenue Al Quds, NOT PRTZ, Nouakchott
• Mailing Address: 2430 Nouakchott Place, Washington DC 20521-2430
• Telephone: [222] 4525-2660
• FAX: [222] 4525-1592
• Email: consularnkc@state.gov
• Website: https://mr.usembassy.gov/

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador BOIDE Cisse (since 15 September 2021)
• Chancery: 2129 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
• Telephone: [1] (202) 232-5700
• FAX: [1] (202) 319-2623
• Email: ambarimwash@gmail.com

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Geographic Location

Africa

Geographic Coordinates

20 00 N, 12 00 W

Total Area

397,953 Square Miles 1,030,700 Square Kilometers

Land Area

397,953 Square Miles 1,030,700 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

3,153 Miles 5,074 Kilometers

Border Countries

Algeria 463 km, Mali 2,237 km, Senegal 813 km, Western Sahara 1,561 km

Coastline

469 Miles 754 Kilometers

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Terrain

mostly barren, flat plains of the Sahara; some central hills

Highest Point

915 Meters

Highest Point Location

Kediet Ijill 915 m

Lowest Point

-5 Meters

Lowest Point Location

Sebkhet Te-n-Dghamcha -5 m

Natural Resources

iron ore, gypsum, copper, phosphate, diamonds, gold, oil, fish

Irrigated Land

174 Square Miles 450 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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Climate

Mauritania's climate is hot and arid, except in the far south, which has higher humidity.

In Nouakchott, daytime temperatures reach 85°F in the winter, although at night sweaters and blankets are needed.

Summer temperatures regularly reach over 100°F during the day.

It is usually a dry heat that most find more bearable than the same temperatures with high humidity.

Summer evenings can be considerably cooler.

The area's fine sand makes beach going one of the highlights of a tour in Nouakchott.

However, winds can stir this sand into sandstorms that last several hours.

These infrequent sandstorms occur throughout the year, although they are less frequent during the summer and fall months.

Terrain

mostly barren, flat plains of the Sahara; some central hills

Location

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Senegal and Western Sahara

Total Area

397,953 Square Miles 1,030,700 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

Algeria 463 km, Mali 2,237 km, Senegal 813 km, Western Sahara 1,561 km

Environment - Current Issues

overgrazing, deforestation, and soil erosion aggravated by drought are contributing to desertification

very limited natural fresh water resources away from the Senegal, which is the only perennial river

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

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Exports

$1,395,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$1,475,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

iron ore, fish and fish products, gold

Major Imports

machinery and equipment, petroleum products, capital goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods

Top Export Partners

Italy 14.2%, France 13.9%, Spain 11.6%, Germany 10.7%, Belgium 9.8%, Japan 7%

Top Import Partners

France 17.6%, Belgium 7.4%, China 6.6%, Spain 5.7%, Germany 5%

Export Partners

Italy 14.2%, France 13.9%, Spain 11.6%, Germany 10.7%, Belgium 9.8%, Japan 7%

Import Partners

France 17.6%, Belgium 7.4%, China 6.6%, Spain 5.7%, Germany 5%

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Country Description

The Islamic Republic of Mauritania is a developing country in northwestern Africa.

Arabic is the official language, but French is widely used and several local languages are also spoken.

Tourist facilities in the capital, Nouakchott, are adequate, but limited or non-existent elsewhere.

Safety & Security

The current Travel Warning for Mauritania warns U.S. citizens of the continued risks of traveling to Mauritania, and urges extreme caution due to activities by terrorist groups in the region, including Al Qaeda in the Lands of Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).

As noted in the Department of State's Worldwide Caution dated February 19, current information suggests that al-Qaida, its affiliated organizations, and other terrorist organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions across Africa.

These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings, and bombings.

As a result of perceived Western involvement in counterterrorism efforts, terrorist groups have declared their intention to attack Western targets in Mauritania and the region.

It is possible that these terrorist groups will attempt retaliatory attacks against Western targets of opportunity.

Al-Qaida, its affiliated organizations, and other terrorist organizations have previously conducted kidnapping of Westerners for ransom and suicide bombing attempts.

The Mauritanian military continues to engage in action against these elements.

Because of terrorist activities in the vicinity, travelers should avoid all non-essential travel to: the Mali border regions, the Hodh El Charghi and Hodh El Gharbi regions of southeastern Mauritania, the eastern half of the Assaba region (east of Kiffa), the eastern half of the Tagant region of central Mauritania (east of Tidjika), the eastern half of the Adrar region (east of Chinguetti), and the Tiris-Zemmour region of northern Mauritania.

U.S.

Embassy staff members are authorized to travel to these regions only in limited circumstances.

Given threats by Al-Qaida, its affiliated organizations and other terrorist organizations, and because of indications of a desire to kidnap Westerners for ransom, U.S. citizens are urged to remain vigilant and be alert to surveillance or other risks to their safety.

Faith-based organizations, regardless of their location, may also be particularly targeted.

Traveling Safely within Mauritania: Travelers should exercise prudence and caution when traveling in Mauritania.

Be particularly vigilant when traveling by road outside of populated areas, even when traveling along main routes and highways.

The U.S.

Embassy discourages travel outside of urban areas unless in a convoy accompanied by an experienced guide, and even then only if equipped with sturdy vehicles and ample provisions.

Driving outside of urban areas after dark is also strongly discouraged.

The U.S.

Embassy has received reports of banditry and smuggling in the more remote parts of Mauritania.

In Nouakchott and other major cities in Mauritania, there is an increased security presence and additional checkpoints.

Police routinely conduct roadblocks at which they may ask for proof of identity and driver’s licenses.

Travelers should be prepared for such inquiries by carrying identification at all times.

These checkpoints should be respected, even if they appear to be unmanned.

Drivers should stop, sound their horn, and pause for an adequate amount of time before proceeding through the checkpoint to avoid any type of confrontation.

It is best to drive cautiously and be prepared to stop at short notice.

Travelers should be aware of their surroundings at all times and maintain good personal security practices, including always locking homes and cars, varying routes and times of travel, and maintaining a low profile.

When going out, avoid being part of large, highly visible groups of Westerners (but do not travel alone), and avoid sitting in areas that are easily visible from the street when in restaurants or cafes.

Be particularly alert when frequenting locales associated with Westerners, including cultural centers, social and recreation clubs, beach areas, and restaurants.

Landmines remain a danger along the border with the Western Sahara and travelers should cr

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Crime

Overall, crime in Mauritania is not unlike crime in any major city in the United States.

Most incidents occur in the cities and larger towns and are petty crimes, such as pick-pocketing and the theft of improperly secured or openly visible valuables left in vehicles.

To reduce exposure to theft and increase personal safety, lock up valuable items and keep them out of sight.

Walking alone at any time is discouraged, especially for Western women.

Residential burglaries and robberies, particularly at the beaches in Nouakchott, are not uncommon.

In Nouakchott, travelers should avoid the beach at night.

Violent crimes and crimes involving the use of weapons are rare.

Rapes and assaults have occurred and, in some instances, involved U.S. citizens.

The majority of sexual assaults have occurred at night in taxi cabs.

Combined with the lack of government regulation of taxi fares and poor regular maintenance, Westerners should avoid taxis and public transportation.

Foreign tourists, including U.S. citizens, might be targeted for kidnapping in Mauritania.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available.

Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, purchasing them may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While traveling in Mauritania, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own.

In some places, you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you.

In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings.

In some places, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.

These criminal penalties will vary from country to country.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

If you break local laws in Mauritania, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going.

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Medical Facilities

Medical facilities in Mauritania are limited.

There are few modern clinics or hospitals beyond the capital and a few major towns.

At local pharmacies, some medicines are difficult to obtain or may be counterfeit; travelers are advised to carry their own medical supplies and medications (over-the-counter and prescription).

There are no modern mortuary services available in Mauritania.

Procurement of caskets and materials to ship the remains of deceased citizens internationally are not available in Mauritania.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease.

Chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum malaria is a severe form of the disease that is found in many parts of western Africa, including Mauritania.

Because travelers to Mauritania are at high risk for contracting malaria, they should take one of the following anti-malarial drugs: mefloquine (Lariam™), doxycycline, or atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone™).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have determined that a traveler who is on an appropriate anti-malarial drug has a greatly reduced chance of contracting the disease.

In addition, other personal protective measures, such as the use of insect repellents, may help to reduce malaria risk.

Travelers, who become ill with a fever or flu-like illness while traveling in a malaria-risk area, and up to one year after returning home, should seek prompt medical attention and tell the physician their travel history and the names of the anti-malarial drugs they have been taking.

For additional information on malaria, please visit the CDC travelers’ health website.

The latest outbreak of Rift Valley Fever occurred in October 2012 in the Tagant region of Mauritania.

The first outbreak was recorded in December 2010 and subsequently detected in the Adrar and Inchiri regions of Mauritania.

According to the CDC, Rift Valley Fever is a viral disease that primarily affects animals, but also has the capacity to infect humans.

Infection can cause severe disease and death in both animals and humans.

Humans usually get Rift Valley Fever through bites from infected mosquitoes and other insects.

Humans can also get the disease if they are exposed to the blood, body fluids, or tissues of infected animals.

Traffic Safety

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Political Concerns: In September 2012, many countries around the world, including Mauritania, experienced political demonstrations protesting the controversial YouTube video and cartoon.

Also, several political opposition parties have joined together as the Coordination of the Democratic Opposition, and organize regular demonstrations in the capital of Nouakchott seeking the departure of President Aziz.

Although the political rallies are generally calm and peaceful, the possibility of political instability or spontaneous violent protests remains.

In addition, deteriorating economic conditions could cause civil unrest.

Some previous protests in Mauritania have turned violent.

An anti-government group calling itself the Youth of February 25 Movement held a series of protests in the capital of Nouakchott in 2011 calling for political, economic, and social reform.

A separate group, Do Not Touch My Nationality, organized several demonstrations in 2011 over alleged discrimination in a national registration drive in Nouakchott and in smaller towns throughout Mauritania.

Most of these demonstrations turned violent and one protestor was fatally shot by security forces during a September 2011 protest in Maghama.

The demonstrations were generally announced in advance in the media and on the Internet.

U.S. citizens are urged to avoid political rallies and street demonstrations, and to maintain security awareness at all times.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions While in a foreign country, visitors may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The information below concerning Mauritania is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Public transportation is not safe and road conditions in Mauritania are generally poor, particularly in the interior.

Overland travel is difficult and roadside assistance is non-existent.

The country’s size (larger than Texas and New Mexico combined) and harsh climate make road maintenance and repair especially problematic.

Mauritania has only about 2,070 km (1,286 miles) of surfaced roads, 710 km (441 miles) of unsurfaced roads, and 5,140 km (3,194 miles) of unimproved tracks.

Travelers should not offer rides to hitchhikers, nor should visitors to Mauritania accept rides offered by strangers.

Taxis and public transportation and are not considered to be secure forms of transportation for western visitors to Mauritania.

The traditional route to Nouadhibou, prior to the completion of a paved road, was along the beach during low tide.

Some travelers continue to use this route, as do visitors to coastal fishing villages and other points of interest, as well as smugglers and others who try to avoid the security checkpoints that are often established along the asphalt roads.

Pedestrian visitors to the beach should exercise caution because of the beach’s use as a route for motorized vehicles.

U.S. citizens traveling overland for long distances in Mauritania should travel in convoys, and be sure to have suitable four-wheel drive vehicles, a local guide, an adequate supply of water and food, and a second fuel reservoir.

Multiple vehicles are recommended in case of breakdown.

A Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver and satellite phone are essential when traveling in remote areas.

Visitors are urged not to travel alone into the desert or after dark when outside of major urban areas.

Driving in Mauritania can be treacherous, and we encourage travelers to hire a trained local driver.

Traffic patterns differ considerably from those in the United States and many Mauritanians drive without regard to traffic signs or rules.

Roadway obstructions and hazards caused by drifting sand, animals, and poor roads often plague motorists.

These hazards, when combined with the number of untrained drivers and poorly maintained vehicles, make heightened caution imperative at all times.

Drivers should be extremely vigilant and all

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Airports - total

30

Airports with Paved Runways

9

Railways

452 Miles 728 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

1,962 Miles 3,158 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Bogue, Kaedi, Nouadhibou, Nouakchott, Rosso

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Telephones

74,500

Cell Phones

1,300,000

Internet Users

30,000

Internet Country Code

.mr

Internet Hosts

23

Broadcast Media

• broadcast media state-owned
• 1 state-run TV and 1 state-run radio network
• Television de Mauritanie, the state-run TV station, has an additional 6 regional TV stations that provide local programming

Telephone System

• assessment: limited system of cable and open-wire lines, minor microwave radio relay links, and radiotelephone communications stations; mobile-cellular services expanding rapidly
• domestic: Mauritel, the national telecommunications company, was privatized in 2001 but remains the monopoly provider of fixed-line services; fixed-line teledensity 2 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular network coverage extends mainly to urban areas with a teledensity of roughly 106 per 100 persons; mostly cable and open-wire lines; a domestic satellite telecommunications system links Nouakchott with regional capitals
• international: country code - 222; satellite earth stations - 3 (1 Intelsat - Atlantic Ocean, 2 Arabsat); fiber-optic and Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) cables for Internet access

5 facts — expand for details.

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

415,300,000

Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m)

28,320,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

18,120

Oil Exports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

7,337

Oil Reserves- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

20,000,000

3 facts — expand for details.

Anthem History

Word written by Baba Ould Cheikh, music written by Tolia Nikiprowetzky (based on traditional music)

Anthem Lyrics

Arabic Lyrics Kun lil-ilahi nasiran, wa-ankir al-manakira Wa-kun maca l-haqqi l-ladhi yarda-hu minka da’ira Wa-la ta cuddu nafi ca siwa-hu aw da’ira Wa-sluk sabila l-mustafa wa-mutt calayhi sa’ira Fa-ma kafa awwalana a-laysa yakfi l-akhira Wa-kun li-qawmin ahdathu fi amrihi muhajira Qad mawwahu bi-shibhin wa- ctadhiru ma cadhira, Wa-za camu maza cima wa-sawwadu dafatira, Wa-htanaku ahla l-fala, wa-htanaku l-hawadira Wa-awrathat akabira bid catuha asaghira Wa-in da ca mujadilun fi-amri-him ila mira Fa-la tumari fihim illa mira’a zahira

Anthem Lyrics English

Be a helper for God, and censure what is forbidden, And turn with the law which, which He wants you to follow, Hold no one to be useful or harmful, except for Him, And walk the path of the chosen one, and die while you are on it!

For what was sufficient for the first of us, is sufficient for the last one, too.

And leave those people who do evil things with respect to God.

They misrepresented him by making him similar, and made all kinds of excuses.

They made bold claims, and blackened notebooks.

They let the nomads and the sedentary people, both make bitter experiences, And the great sins of their [doctrinal] innovations bequeathed small.

And just in case a disputant, calls you to dispute about their claims, Do not, then, dispute on them, except by way of an external dispute.