The Sahara Republic on the Atlantic
Mauritania is a vast Saharan country straddling the line between Arab North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa — its population is roughly 70% Arab-Berber (Bidhan and Haratin) and 30% Black African (Fulani, Soninke, Wolof). The country is officially an Islamic Republic — one of only four in the world (alongside Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan) — and the Saharan Chinguetti is considered Islam’s 7th holy city in the Mauritanian tradition.
Mauritania was the last country in the world to abolish slavery — legally in 1981, criminally in 2007. Slavery — particularly the hereditary bondage of Haratin Black Mauritanians to Bidhan Arab-Berber families — still persists today by credible estimates, with 90,000-150,000 people living in slavery conditions in 2024 despite the 2007 criminalisation.
Nouakchott — the capital — was a small village until it was chosen to be the capital at independence (1960); it has grown to 1.5+ million people and is one of the Sahara’s largest cities. The country has a remarkable 1,100 km Atlantic coast with rich fisheries (Mauritania sells major fishing rights to the EU and China) and spectacular dunes.
A Brief History
Home to Berber and later Arab peoples. Part of the Almoravid Empire (11th-12th centuries). French colony (Mauritania) from 1904. Independence in 1960. Conflict over Western Sahara 1975-1979 (Mauritania withdrew its claim). Multiple military coups.
Geography and Climate
Mauritania covers 1,030,700 km² — about 80% Sahara. Atlantic coast ~1,100 km. Climate: arid.
Culture, Language and Religion
Arabic is official. Religion: approximately 99% Muslim. Languages spoken include Hassaniya Arabic, Fula, Soninke, Wolof.
The Economy
Mauritania has a lower-middle-income economy (~$11 billion GDP). Iron ore, fishing, and gold are the main sectors. The country has promising offshore gas (GTA field, shared with Senegal).
UNESCO Sites
Mauritania has 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata (Saharan caravan cities) and Banc d’Arguin National Park (coastal, major bird migration site).
Travel Guide
Entry: Visa required. Most safer to travel through tour operators.
Surprising Facts
- Mauritania was the last country to abolish slavery — legally in 1981, criminally in 2007.
- Chinguetti — in the Sahara — is considered Islam’s 7th holy city in Mauritanian tradition.
- The Iron Ore Train — from Zouérat mines to Nouadhibou port — is the world’s longest train (2-3 km long, 210 cars).
- The Richat Structure — the “Eye of the Sahara” — is a 50 km wide geological formation visible from space.
- Mauritania is one of four Islamic Republics — alongside Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
- The Banc d’Arguin is one of Africa’s most important stopover sites for migrating birds — millions stop there each year.
Sources and References
See the frontmatter for cited sources.