Mauritania

Mauritania, officially the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, is a country in West Africa. It is bordered by Western Sahara to the north and northwest, Algeria to the northeast, Mali to the east and southeast, Senegal to the southwest, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The capital and largest city is Nouakchott. The country spans a vast desert and Sahel region along the Atlantic coast, and much of its interior is arid. The population is concentrated along the coast and in oases in the interior. Notable natural areas include Banc d'Arguin National Park, a coastal desert ecosystem that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mauritania gained independence from France in 1960. It has a republican system with a president as head of state and a prime minister as head of government, and a unicameral National Assembly elected by the people. The constitution provides for a multi-party political system, though governance has been affected by military influence and periods of political instability.

Its economy is based on mining, livestock, and fisheries. Iron ore dominates exports, complemented by gold and copper, while fishing and pastoral farming support rural livelihoods. The country faces development challenges, including poverty, desertification, and dependence on commodity prices and aid. Public investment in infrastructure and social services has been limited by capacity and governance factors.

The population is ethnically diverse, with Arab-Berber groups (often referred to as Moors) and Sub-Saharan communities such as the Fula, Soninke, and Wolof. Arabic is the official language; French remains widely used in administration and education, alongside local languages. Islam is the predominant religion, with the Maliki school of jurisprudence and Sufi orders shaping religious and cultural life.

Slavery and discrimination have been longstanding concerns; the government has enacted laws to address them, with limited enforcement.