Facts Africa – Mauritania

Officially Islamic Republic Of Mauritania

President: Mohamed Ould Ghazouani

It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean.

Area: 397,956 sq mi (1,030,700 sq km).

Population: (2022 est.) 4,371,000.

Capital: Nouakchott.

Languages: Arabic (official), Fula, Soninke, Wolof (all national)

Currency: Ouguiya

Mauritania is a republic with two legislative houses; its head of state and government is the president, assisted by the prime minister.

Most of Mauritania is made up of low-lying desert that forms the extreme western part of the Sahara.

Only a tiny fraction of its land is arable, but almost two-fifths is suitable for grazing, and the herding of goats, sheep, and camels occupies a significant portion of the largely nomadic population.

Oil, ocean fishing, and iron ore production are major sources of revenue.