Location

Between Morocco (Western Sahara) and Senegal on the Atlantic coast.
1,032,500 km² for a population of 2,400,000 people.
Capital : Nouakchott.
Minus 1 hour’s time difference in winter and minus 2 hours in summer in comparison to France (GMT).

 Introduction

Two thirds of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania (99% Muslims) is composed of the Saharan dunes and one third located in south is composed of forest and the savannah (the Sahel). The country boasts more than 700 km of coastline. The population is first and foremost concentrated in the oasises and especially near the Senegal river (85% population) serving as a border between Mauritania and Senegal. 20% of the population is composed of the “Maures blancs” (Arabs and Berbers) whereas various black minorities (Peuls, Wolofs, etc.) represent about 80%. For this reason, Mauritania is a sort of connecting land between the Maghreb and black Africa, which explains the numerous intercommunity conflicts that the country has known in the past.
The iron ore mines in the North (Zouérat) represent the main resource of income along with fishing (and international aid), which is why this country remains one of the poorest in the world.

 Brief history

. 5th – 9th century : Arrival of the Berber people and the Islamic religion in this country traditionally occupied by black tribes.
. 1400 : The Arabs move to the coast.
. 15th century : First contact with Europeans.
. 1860-1934 : The French conquer and gradually pacify the country.
. 1920 : The country becomes a member of French West Africa.
. 1946 : Mauritania is declared an overseas French territory for a short time.
. 1957 : The capital of Nouakchott is established.
. 1958 : Mauritania is declared an Islamic Republic.
. 1960 : Mauritania gains independence despite opposition from Morocco who wanted to claim the country. Slavery is unofficially abolished (officially abolished in 1980 !).
. 1970 : Morocco abandons the hope of recuperating Mauritania following the Treaty of Casablanca.
. 1970s : Successive heat waves force the population north (Maures) to the capital and south (mainly Black).
. 1974 : The mines are nationalised and the country pulls out of the “Francs CFA”.
. 1976 : Mauritania occupies the south of Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony. Conflict flares up with the Western Saharans belonging to the Front Polisario.
. 1978 : Beginning of a succession of military-ruled governments (still the case today).
. 1979 : Mauritania abandons the south of Western Sahara to Morocco.
. 1989 : Violent inter-ethnic conflict between the Maures and the Black Africans results in the expulsion to Senegal of part of the latter. Senegal rejects the Mauritanian emigrants.
. 1991 : A new constitution and multiparty system is created, with the first “free” elections since independence held the following year.
. 1999 : Dispute between France and Mauritania following charges against a Mauritanian officer.

 Climate

Most of Mauritania has a desert climate: a rainy season does exist in the south (the Sahel is more temperate) from July to October. The coast enjoys a milder climate thanks to the wind. Generally speaking, the best time to visit Mauritania is from November to February, which includes bird watching in the Ban d’Arguin.

 Languages

Hassaniya and French are both spoken in Mauritania.
Arabic (official language), Peul, Wolof and various other languages belonging to the Black Africans are also spoken.

 Currency

Ouguiya (5 khoum)
Euros (in cash) are accepted. Banks are few and far between, therefore bank cards and even Travellers Cheques are practically inexistent. The black market is of little interest and risky.

 Tourist profile

Very few tourists venture to Mauritania (29,000 in 1999). Most of them are Sahara desert lovers, of which half tend to be French.