Country Profile
An amazing country where the ocean hugs the desert, Mauritania is located geographically at the edge of the sub-Saharan Africa and the North Africa known as the Maghreb. It is one of the main components of the natural corridor that is opening Europe and Africa to each other. Opened to the Atlantic Ocean, Mauritania has the closest African ports to America. A long coastline and a huge Saharan fields make Mauritania a meeting spot between sea and desert delivering hidden treasures such as; fishery resources, mineral resources and fabulous touristic spots. To the South, the Senegal River borders a vast desert-like stretched area, a landscape of multiple possibilities and conditions suitable for agricultural activities. Mauritania is a country of political stability, social peace and proven security. Our Government is committed to a multidimensional development policy driven by a strong commitment to promote and protect our national as well as foreign investments.
Geographic Facts
Area: 1,030,700 km²
Capital: Nouakchott
Major cities : Nouadhibou, Kaedi, Rosso, Zouerate, Atar
Official Language: Arabic
Languages: Arabic, Pulaar, Soninke, Wolof
Currency: Ouguiya (1 € = 383 UM )
National Day : November 28th (independence in 1960)
Demographics
Population: 3.62 million (UNDP , 2013)
Density: 3.51 people / km²
Population growth: 2.3% per year (World Bank, 2011)
Life expectancy: 58.9 years (UNDP, 2013)
Literacy rate: 57% (UNICEF, 2010)
Religion : Islam (official religion)
Economic Facts
GDP ( 2010): $ 4.08 billion (World Bank, 2011)
GDP per capita (2012 – 2005 parity purchasing power) : $ 2225 (UNDP , 2013)
Growth rate ( 2012): 6 %
Share of main sectors in GDP in 2009 (EIU 2012) :
Agriculture : 20.2%
Industry : 35.1%
Services: 44.7%