Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Mauritania
الجمهورية الإسلامية الموريتانية
CapitalNouakchott
Population5,315,065
GDP$11.7bn
Area1,030,700 km²
RegionSub-Saharan Africa
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:11 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
The Amazigh and Bafour people were among the earliest settlers in what is now Mauritania and among the first in recorded history to convert from a nomadic to agricultural lifestyle. These groups account for roughly one third of Mauritania’s ethnic makeup. The remainder of Mauritania’s ethnic groups derive from Sub-Saharan ethnic groups originating mainly from the Senegal River Valley, including descendants of former enslaved peoples. These three groups are organized according to a strict caste system with deep ethnic divides that impact access to resources and power dynamics.
A former French colony, Mauritania achieved independence from France in 1960. Mauritania initially began as a single-party, authoritarian regime and experienced 49 years of dictatorships, flawed elections, failed attempts at democracy, and military coups. Ould Abdel AZIZ led the last coup in 2008, was elected president in 2009, and was reelected in 2014. Mohamed Ould Cheikh GHAZOUANI was elected president in 2019, and his inauguration marked the first peaceful transition of power from one democratically elected president to another, solidifying the country's status as an emerging democracy. International observers recognized the elections as relatively free and fair. GHAZOUANI is seeking re-election in June 2024 for a second, and final, five-year term.
The country is working to address vestigial practices of slavery and its hereditary impacts. Mauritania officially abolished slavery in 1981, but the practice was not criminalized until 2007. Between 2005 and 2011, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) launched a series of attacks killing western tourists and aid workers, attacking diplomatic and government facilities, and ambushing Mauritanian soldiers and gendarmes. Although Mauritania has not seen an attack since 2011, AQIM and similar groups remain active in the Sahel region.
Reference: 2024, 2019, 2014, 2011A former French colony, Mauritania achieved independence from France in 1960. Mauritania initially began as a single-party, authoritarian regime and experienced 49 years of dictatorships, flawed elections, failed attempts at democracy, and military coups. Ould Abdel AZIZ led the last coup in 2008, was elected president in 2009, and was reelected in 2014. Mohamed Ould Cheikh GHAZOUANI was elected president in 2019, and his inauguration marked the first peaceful transition of power from one democratically elected president to another, solidifying the country's status as an emerging democracy. International observers recognized the elections as relatively free and fair. GHAZOUANI is seeking re-election in June 2024 for a second, and final, five-year term.
The country is working to address vestigial practices of slavery and its hereditary impacts. Mauritania officially abolished slavery in 1981, but the practice was not criminalized until 2007. Between 2005 and 2011, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) launched a series of attacks killing western tourists and aid workers, attacking diplomatic and government facilities, and ambushing Mauritanian soldiers and gendarmes. Although Mauritania has not seen an attack since 2011, AQIM and similar groups remain active in the Sahel region.
Geography
Location
Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Senegal and Western Sahara
Map references
Africa
Area
total: 1,030,700 sq km
land: 1,030,700 sq km
water: 0 sq km
land: 1,030,700 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly larger than three times the size of New Mexico; about six times the size of Florida
Land boundaries
total: 5,002 km
border countries: Algeria 460 km; Mali 2,236 km; Morocco 1,564 km; Senegal 742 km
border countries: Algeria 460 km; Mali 2,236 km; Morocco 1,564 km; Senegal 742 km
Coastline
754 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
Climate
desert; constantly hot, dry, dusty
Terrain
mostly barren, flat plains of the Sahara; some central hills
Elevation
highest point: Kediet Ijill 915 m
lowest point: Sebkhet Te-n-Dghamcha -5 m
mean elevation: 276 m
lowest point: Sebkhet Te-n-Dghamcha -5 m
mean elevation: 276 m
Natural resources
iron ore, gypsum, copper, phosphate, diamonds, gold, oil, fish
Land use
agricultural land: 38.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 0.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 38.1% (2023 est.)
forest: 1% (2023 est.)
other: 60.5% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 0.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 38.1% (2023 est.)
forest: 1% (2023 est.)
other: 60.5% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
450 sq km (2012)
Reference: 2012Major rivers (by length in km)
Senegal river mouth (shared with Guinea [s], Senegal and Mali) - 1,641 km
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Niger (2,261,741 sq km), Senegal (456,397 sq km)
Major aquifers
Senegalo-Mauritanian Basin, Taodeni-Tanzerouft Basin
Population distribution
vast areas of the country, particularly in the central, northern, and eastern areas, are desert and lack sizeable population clusters; half the population lives in or around the coastal capital of Nouakchott; smaller clusters are found near the southern border with Mali and Senegal, as shown in this population distribution map
Natural hazards
hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind primarily in March and April; periodic droughts
Geography - note
Mauritania is considered part of both North Africa's Maghreb region and West Africa's Sahel region; most of the population is concentrated in the cities of Nouakchott and Nouadhibou and along the Senegal River in the southern part of the country
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Mauritanian(s)
adjective: Mauritanian
adjective: Mauritanian
Ethnic groups
Black Moors (Haratines - Arabic-speaking descendants of African origin who are or were enslaved by White Moors) 40%, White Moors (of Arab-Amazigh descent, known as Beydane) 30%, Sub-Saharan Mauritanians (non-Arabic speaking, largely resident in or originating from the Senegal River Valley, including Halpulaar, Fulani, Soninke, Wolof, and Bambara ethnic groups) 30%
Languages
Languages: Arabic (official and national), Pular, Soninke, Wolof (all national languages), French
major-language sample(s): كتاب حقائق العالم، المصدر الذي لا يمكن الاستغناء عنه للمعلومات الأساسية (Arabic)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
note: note: the spoken Arabic in Mauritania differs considerably from Modern Standard Arabic; the Mauritanian dialect, which incorporates many Tamazight words, is referred to as Hassaniya
major-language sample(s): كتاب حقائق العالم، المصدر الذي لا يمكن الاستغناء عنه للمعلومات الأساسية (Arabic)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
note: note: the spoken Arabic in Mauritania differs considerably from Modern Standard Arabic; the Mauritanian dialect, which incorporates many Tamazight words, is referred to as Hassaniya
Religions
Muslim (official) 100%
Age structure
0-14 years: 35.7% (male 776,035/female 770,132)
15-64 years: 59.9% (male 1,227,347/female 1,363,938)
65 years and over: 4.4% (2024 est.) (male 80,308/female 110,280)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 59.9% (male 1,227,347/female 1,363,938)
65 years and over: 4.4% (2024 est.) (male 80,308/female 110,280)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 85.4 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 78.5 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 6.9 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 14.5 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 78.5 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 6.9 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 14.5 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 22.1 years (2024 est.)
male: 21.1 years
female: 23.1 years
Reference: 2024male: 21.1 years
female: 23.1 years
Population growth rate
1.92% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
27.2 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
7.2 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
vast areas of the country, particularly in the central, northern, and eastern areas, are desert and lack sizeable population clusters; half the population lives in or around the coastal capital of Nouakchott; smaller clusters are found near the southern border with Mali and Senegal, as shown in this population distribution map
Major urban areas - population
1.492 million NOUAKCHOTT (capital) (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex ratio
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.9 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female
total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.9 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female
total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
21.8 years (2019/21)
note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Reference: 2019note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Maternal mortality ratio
381 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
1.68 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 94.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 55.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 77.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 5.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 44.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 22.2% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 55.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 77.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 5.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 44.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 22.2% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 4.1% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 6.3% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 6.3% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.26 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 89.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 33.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 65.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 10.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 66.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 34.5% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 33.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 65.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 10.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 66.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 34.5% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
12.7% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 8.3% (2025 est.)
male: 15.5% (2025 est.)
female: 1.7% (2025 est.)
male: 15.5% (2025 est.)
female: 1.7% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
22.4% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Currently married women (ages 15-49)
66% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Child marriage
women married by age 15: 15.5% (2021)
women married by age 18: 36.6% (2021)
men married by age 18: 1.2% (2021)
Reference: 2021women married by age 18: 36.6% (2021)
men married by age 18: 1.2% (2021)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 8 years (2020 est.)
male: 8 years (2020 est.)
female: 8 years (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020male: 8 years (2020 est.)
female: 8 years (2020 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 162,277 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of government | Moctar Ould Djay | — | 2024-08-02 | Current | Reported |
| Head of state | Mohamed Ould Ghazouani | — | 2019-08-01 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Mauritania
conventional short form: Mauritania
local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Islamiyah al Muritaniyah
local short form: Muritaniyah
etymology: named for the ancient kingdom of Mauretania (3rd century B.C. to 1st century A.D.); its name derives from the Mauri (Moors) of northwest Africa
conventional short form: Mauritania
local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Islamiyah al Muritaniyah
local short form: Muritaniyah
etymology: named for the ancient kingdom of Mauretania (3rd century B.C. to 1st century A.D.); its name derives from the Mauri (Moors) of northwest Africa
Capital
name: Nouakchott
geographic coordinates: 18 04 N, 15 58 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the meaning of the name is unclear; it may derive from the Berber nawakshut, meaning "place of the winds;" other variants could translate as "the place where water appears in a new well," "the land where shells abound," "a place with pasture," "a windy place," or "without ears" (the last referring to a local chieftain who could have been the place's namesake)
geographic coordinates: 18 04 N, 15 58 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the meaning of the name is unclear; it may derive from the Berber nawakshut, meaning "place of the winds;" other variants could translate as "the place where water appears in a new well," "the land where shells abound," "a place with pasture," "a windy place," or "without ears" (the last referring to a local chieftain who could have been the place's namesake)
Administrative divisions
15 regions (wilayas, singular - wilaya); Adrar, Assaba, Brakna, Dakhlet Nouadhibou, Gorgol, Guidimaka, Hodh ech Chargui, Hodh El Gharbi, Inchiri, Nouakchott Nord, Nouakchott Ouest, Nouakchott Sud, Tagant, Tiris Zemmour, Trarza
Legal system
mixed system of Islamic and French civil law
Constitution
history: previous 1964; latest adopted 12 July 1991
amendment process: proposed by the president of the republic or by Parliament; consideration of amendments by Parliament requires approval of at least one third of the membership; a referendum is held only if the amendment is approved by two-thirds majority vote; passage by referendum requires simple majority vote by eligible voters; passage of amendments proposed by the president can bypass a referendum if approved by at least three-fifths majority vote by Parliament
Reference: 1991, 1964amendment process: proposed by the president of the republic or by Parliament; consideration of amendments by Parliament requires approval of at least one third of the membership; a referendum is held only if the amendment is approved by two-thirds majority vote; passage by referendum requires simple majority vote by eligible voters; passage of amendments proposed by the president can bypass a referendum if approved by at least three-fifths majority vote by Parliament
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Mauritania
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Mauritania
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh el GHAZOUANI (since 1 August 2019)
head of government: Prime Minister Moctar Ould DIAY (since 2 August 2024)
cabinet: Council of Ministers nominees suggested by the prime minister, appointed by the president
election/appointment process: president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); prime minister appointed by the president
most recent election date: 29 June 2024
election results: 2024: Mohamed Ould Cheikh el GHAZOUANI reelected president in first round; percent of vote - Mohamed Ould Cheikh el GHAZOUANI (UPR) 56.1%, Biram Dah Ould ABEID (independent) 22.1%, Hamadi Sidi el MOKHTAR independent) 12.8%, other 9.0%
2019: Mohamed Ould Cheikh el GHAZOUANI elected president in first round; percent of vote - Mohamed Ould Cheikh el GHAZOUANI (UPR) 52%, Biram Dah Ould ABEID (independent) 18.6%, Sidi Mohamed Ould BOUBACAR (independent) 17.9%, other 11.5%
expected date of next election: June 2029
Reference: 2029, 2024, 2019head of government: Prime Minister Moctar Ould DIAY (since 2 August 2024)
cabinet: Council of Ministers nominees suggested by the prime minister, appointed by the president
election/appointment process: president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); prime minister appointed by the president
most recent election date: 29 June 2024
election results: 2024: Mohamed Ould Cheikh el GHAZOUANI reelected president in first round; percent of vote - Mohamed Ould Cheikh el GHAZOUANI (UPR) 56.1%, Biram Dah Ould ABEID (independent) 22.1%, Hamadi Sidi el MOKHTAR independent) 12.8%, other 9.0%
2019: Mohamed Ould Cheikh el GHAZOUANI elected president in first round; percent of vote - Mohamed Ould Cheikh el GHAZOUANI (UPR) 52%, Biram Dah Ould ABEID (independent) 18.6%, Sidi Mohamed Ould BOUBACAR (independent) 17.9%, other 11.5%
expected date of next election: June 2029
Legislative branch
legislature name: Parliament (Barlamane)
legislative structure: unicameral
chamber name: National Assembly (Al Jamiya-Al-Wataniya)
number of seats: 176 (all directly elected)
electoral system: mixed system
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 5/13/2023 to 5/27/2023
percentage of women in chamber: 23.3%
expected date of next election: May 2028
note: note: the early parliamentary elections in 2023 were the first to be held under President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El GHAZOUANI, elected in 2019 in the first peaceful transition of power; the elections followed the agreement between the government and parties in September 2022 to renew the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) and hold the elections in the first semester of 2023 for climatic and logistical reasons
Reference: 2028, 2023, 2022, 2019legislative structure: unicameral
chamber name: National Assembly (Al Jamiya-Al-Wataniya)
number of seats: 176 (all directly elected)
electoral system: mixed system
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 5/13/2023 to 5/27/2023
percentage of women in chamber: 23.3%
expected date of next election: May 2028
note: note: the early parliamentary elections in 2023 were the first to be held under President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El GHAZOUANI, elected in 2019 in the first peaceful transition of power; the elections followed the agreement between the government and parties in September 2022 to renew the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) and hold the elections in the first semester of 2023 for climatic and logistical reasons
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court or Cour Suprême (subdivided into 7 chambers: 2 civil, 2 labor, 1 commercial, 1 administrative, and 1 criminal, each with a chamber president and 2 councilors); Constitutional Council (consists of 9 members); High Court of Justice (consists of 9 members)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court president appointed by the president of the republic to serve a 5-year renewable term; Constitutional Council members appointed - 3 by the president of the republic, 2 by the president of the National Assembly, 1 by the prime minister, 1 by the leader of the democratic opposition, 1 by the largest opposition party in the National Assembly, and 1 by the second largest party in the National Assembly; members serve single, 9-year terms with one-third of membership renewed every 3 years; High Court of Justice members appointed by Parliament - 6 by the ruling Coalition of Majority Parties and 3 by opposition parties
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; courts of first instance, or wilya courts, are established in the regions' headquarters and include commercial and labor courts, criminal courts, Moughataa (district) Courts, and informal/customary courts
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court president appointed by the president of the republic to serve a 5-year renewable term; Constitutional Council members appointed - 3 by the president of the republic, 2 by the president of the National Assembly, 1 by the prime minister, 1 by the leader of the democratic opposition, 1 by the largest opposition party in the National Assembly, and 1 by the second largest party in the National Assembly; members serve single, 9-year terms with one-third of membership renewed every 3 years; High Court of Justice members appointed by Parliament - 6 by the ruling Coalition of Majority Parties and 3 by opposition parties
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; courts of first instance, or wilya courts, are established in the regions' headquarters and include commercial and labor courts, criminal courts, Moughataa (district) Courts, and informal/customary courts
Political parties
Alliance for Justice and Democracy/Movement for Renewal or AJD/MR
El Insaf or Equity Party
El Islah or Reform Party
El Karama or Dignity Party
El Vadila or Virtue Party
Mauritanian Party of Union and Change or HATEM
National Democratic Alliance or AND
National Rally for Reform and Development or RNRD or TAWASSOUL
Nida El-Watan
Party for Conciliation and Prosperity or HIWAR
Party of the Mauritanian Masses or Hakam
Republican Front for Unity and Democracy or FRUD
Sawab Party
Union for Democracy and Progress or UDP
Union of Planning and Construction or UPC
El Insaf or Equity Party
El Islah or Reform Party
El Karama or Dignity Party
El Vadila or Virtue Party
Mauritanian Party of Union and Change or HATEM
National Democratic Alliance or AND
National Rally for Reform and Development or RNRD or TAWASSOUL
Nida El-Watan
Party for Conciliation and Prosperity or HIWAR
Party of the Mauritanian Masses or Hakam
Republican Front for Unity and Democracy or FRUD
Sawab Party
Union for Democracy and Progress or UDP
Union of Planning and Construction or UPC
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Cissé Mint Cheikh Ould BOIDE (since 15 September 2021)
chancery: 2129 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 232-5700
FAX: [1] (202) 319-2623
email address and website: ambarimwashington@diplomatie.gov.mr
mauritaniaembassyus.org – Mauritania Embassy washington
Reference: 2021chancery: 2129 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 232-5700
FAX: [1] (202) 319-2623
email address and website: ambarimwashington@diplomatie.gov.mr
mauritaniaembassyus.org – Mauritania Embassy washington
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Corina R. SANDERS (since September 2025)
embassy: Nouadhibou Road, Avenue Al Quds, NOT PRTZ, Nouakchott
mailing address: 2430 Nouakchott Place, Washington DC 20521-2430
telephone: [222] 4525-2660
FAX: [222] 4525-1592
email address and website: consularnkc@state.gov
https://mr.usembassy.gov/
embassy: Nouadhibou Road, Avenue Al Quds, NOT PRTZ, Nouakchott
mailing address: 2430 Nouakchott Place, Washington DC 20521-2430
telephone: [222] 4525-2660
FAX: [222] 4525-1592
email address and website: consularnkc@state.gov
https://mr.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ABEDA, ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AIIB, AMF, AMU, AU, CAEU, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO (pending member), ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAS, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
28 November 1960 (from France)
Reference: 1960National holiday
Independence Day, 28 November (1960)
Reference: 1960Flag
description: green with red stripes along the top and bottom edges; on the green field, a five-pointed yellow star is centered over a yellow, upward-pointing crescent moon
meaning: the crescent, star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam; green also represents hope for a bright future; yellow stands for the sands of the Sahara, and red for blood shed in the fight for independence
meaning: the crescent, star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam; green also represents hope for a bright future; yellow stands for the sands of the Sahara, and red for blood shed in the fight for independence
National symbol(s)
five-pointed star between the horns of a horizontal crescent moon
National color(s)
green, yellow
National anthem(s)
title: "National Anthem of Mauritania"
lyrics/music: unknown/Rageh DAOUD
history: adopted 2017
Reference: 2017lyrics/music: unknown/Rageh DAOUD
history: adopted 2017
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 2 (1 cultural, 1 natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Ancient Ksour (Fortified Villages) of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt, and Oualata (c); Banc d'Arguin National Park (n)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Ancient Ksour (Fortified Villages) of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt, and Oualata (c); Banc d'Arguin National Park (n)
Government & Official Links
No official institutional links have yet been verified for this country.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Assembly | — | 176 | — |
Economy
Economic overview
lower middle-income West African economy; primarily agrarian; rising urbanization; poor property rights; systemic corruption; endemic social and workforce tensions; wide-scale terrorism; foreign over-fishing; environmentally fragile
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $33.069 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $31.434 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $29.514 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $31.434 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $29.514 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $6,400 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $6,300 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $6,100 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $6,300 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $6,100 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 18.6% (2024 est.)
industry: 30.6% (2024 est.)
services: 43.2% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 30.6% (2024 est.)
services: 43.2% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 55.3% (2023 est.)
government consumption: 17.2% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 23.5% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 18.9% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 38.3% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -53.2% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2023government consumption: 17.2% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 23.5% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 18.9% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 38.3% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -53.2% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
rice, milk, goat milk, sorghum, sheep milk, lamb/mutton, beef, camel meat, camel milk, dates (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
fish processing, oil production, mining (iron ore, gold, copper)
note: note: gypsum deposits have never been exploited
note: note: gypsum deposits have never been exploited
Industrial production growth rate
2.8% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
1.21 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 23.2% (2024 est.)
male: 19.9% (2024 est.)
female: 30.1% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 19.9% (2024 est.)
female: 30.1% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
31.8% (2019 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2019note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2019: 32 (2019 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2019note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 3.1% (2019 est.)
highest 10%: 24.6% (2019 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2019highest 10%: 24.6% (2019 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2023: 1.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 1.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 0.1% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Remittances 2022: 1.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 0.1% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $1.617 billion (2019 est.)
expenditures: $1.407 billion (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019expenditures: $1.407 billion (2019 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2016: 100% of GDP (2016 est.)
Reference: 2016Current account balance
Current account balance 2023: -$966.506 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$1.424 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$807.862 million (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Current account balance 2022: -$1.424 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$807.862 million (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2023: $3.955 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $4.132 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $3.18 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Exports 2022: $4.132 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $3.18 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
China 25%, Switzerland 14%, Canada 12%, UAE 9%, Spain 7% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
gold, iron ore, fish, processed crustaceans, copper ore (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2023: $5.271 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $5.77 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $4.312 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Imports 2022: $5.77 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $4.312 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 19%, UAE 14%, Morocco 6%, Spain 6%, France 5% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, raw sugar, palm oil, wheat, soybean oil (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021: $2.039 billion (2021 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2020: $1.493 billion (2020 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2019: $1.029 billion (2019 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2021, 2020, 2019Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2020: $1.493 billion (2020 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2019: $1.029 billion (2019 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $3.072 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: ouguiyas (MRO) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2023: 36.489 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 36.935 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 36.063 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 37.189 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates 2019: 36.691 (2019 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020Exchange rates 2023: 36.489 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 36.935 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 36.063 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 37.189 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates 2019: 36.691 (2019 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2023: -$966.506 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$1.424 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$807.862 million (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Current account balance 2022: -$1.424 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$807.862 million (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2023: $3.955 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $4.132 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $3.18 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Exports 2022: $4.132 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $3.18 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
China 25%, Switzerland 14%, Canada 12%, UAE 9%, Spain 7% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
gold, iron ore, fish, processed crustaceans, copper ore (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2023: $5.271 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $5.77 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $4.312 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Imports 2022: $5.77 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $4.312 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 19%, UAE 14%, Morocco 6%, Spain 6%, France 5% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, raw sugar, palm oil, wheat, soybean oil (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 812,000 kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 1.7 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 378 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 320 million kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 1.7 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 378 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 320 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 72.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 8.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 6.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 12.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 8.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 6.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 12.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
imports: 1 metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption: 32,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 20 million barrels (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021crude oil estimated reserves: 20 million barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas
proven reserves: 28.317 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 14.135 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 48,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2022 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
381 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 4.1% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 6.3% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 6.3% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.26 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Obesity - adult prevalence rate
12.7% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 8.3% (2025 est.)
male: 15.5% (2025 est.)
female: 1.7% (2025 est.)
male: 15.5% (2025 est.)
female: 1.7% (2025 est.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 8 years (2020 est.)
male: 8 years (2020 est.)
female: 8 years (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020male: 8 years (2020 est.)
female: 8 years (2020 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
mixed system of Islamic and French civil law
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court or Cour Suprême (subdivided into 7 chambers: 2 civil, 2 labor, 1 commercial, 1 administrative, and 1 criminal, each with a chamber president and 2 councilors); Constitutional Council (consists of 9 members); High Court of Justice (consists of 9 members)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court president appointed by the president of the republic to serve a 5-year renewable term; Constitutional Council members appointed - 3 by the president of the republic, 2 by the president of the National Assembly, 1 by the prime minister, 1 by the leader of the democratic opposition, 1 by the largest opposition party in the National Assembly, and 1 by the second largest party in the National Assembly; members serve single, 9-year terms with one-third of membership renewed every 3 years; High Court of Justice members appointed by Parliament - 6 by the ruling Coalition of Majority Parties and 3 by opposition parties
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; courts of first instance, or wilya courts, are established in the regions' headquarters and include commercial and labor courts, criminal courts, Moughataa (district) Courts, and informal/customary courts
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court president appointed by the president of the republic to serve a 5-year renewable term; Constitutional Council members appointed - 3 by the president of the republic, 2 by the president of the National Assembly, 1 by the prime minister, 1 by the leader of the democratic opposition, 1 by the largest opposition party in the National Assembly, and 1 by the second largest party in the National Assembly; members serve single, 9-year terms with one-third of membership renewed every 3 years; High Court of Justice members appointed by Parliament - 6 by the ruling Coalition of Majority Parties and 3 by opposition parties
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; courts of first instance, or wilya courts, are established in the regions' headquarters and include commercial and labor courts, criminal courts, Moughataa (district) Courts, and informal/customary courts
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Mauritanian Armed Forces (aka Armée Nationale Mauritanienne): National Army, National Navy, Air Force; Gendarmerie
Ministry of Interior and Decentralization: National Police, National Guard (2025)
note: note 1: the National Police are responsible for enforcing the law and maintaining order in urban areas, while the paramilitary Gendarmerie is responsible for maintaining civil order around metropolitan areas and providing law enforcement services in rural areas; like the Mauritanian Armed Forces, the Gendarmerie is under the Ministry of Defense, but also supports the ministries of Interior and Justice
note 2: the National Guard performs a limited police function in keeping with its peacetime role of providing security at government facilities, to include prisons; regional authorities may call upon the National Guard to restore civil order during riots and other large-scale disturbances; the National Guard includes the nomadic Camel Corps or Nomad Group, also known as the Méhariste
Ministry of Interior and Decentralization: National Police, National Guard (2025)
note: note 1: the National Police are responsible for enforcing the law and maintaining order in urban areas, while the paramilitary Gendarmerie is responsible for maintaining civil order around metropolitan areas and providing law enforcement services in rural areas; like the Mauritanian Armed Forces, the Gendarmerie is under the Ministry of Defense, but also supports the ministries of Interior and Justice
note 2: the National Guard performs a limited police function in keeping with its peacetime role of providing security at government facilities, to include prisons; regional authorities may call upon the National Guard to restore civil order during riots and other large-scale disturbances; the National Guard includes the nomadic Camel Corps or Nomad Group, also known as the Méhariste
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 2.4% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 2.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 2.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 2.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 2.5% of GDP (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military Expenditures 2023: 2.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 2.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 2.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 2.5% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
estimated 17,000 active Mauritanian Armed Forces; estimated 3,000 Gendarmerie (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military's inventory is limited and made up largely of older French and Soviet-era equipment; in recent years, Mauritania has received some secondhand and new military equipment, including unmanned aircraft (drones), from several suppliers, including China and the UAE (2024)
Reference: 2024Military service age and obligation
18 is the legal minimum age for voluntary military service; has a compulsory two-year military service law, but the law has reportedly never been applied (2023)
Reference: 2023Military deployments
450 (plus about 325 police) Central African Republic (MINUSCA) (2024)
Reference: 2024Military - note
founded in 1960, the Mauritanian military is responsible for territorial defense and internal security; it also assists in economic development projects, humanitarian missions, and disaster response; border and maritime security, regional stability, and the threat of terrorist groups operating in the Sahel, particularly Mali, are key areas of focus; Mauritania has received security assistance from the EU, France, NATO, and the US (2025)
Reference: 2025, 1960International Relations
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Cissé Mint Cheikh Ould BOIDE (since 15 September 2021)
chancery: 2129 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 232-5700
FAX: [1] (202) 319-2623
email address and website: ambarimwashington@diplomatie.gov.mr
mauritaniaembassyus.org – Mauritania Embassy washington
Reference: 2021chancery: 2129 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 232-5700
FAX: [1] (202) 319-2623
email address and website: ambarimwashington@diplomatie.gov.mr
mauritaniaembassyus.org – Mauritania Embassy washington
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Corina R. SANDERS (since September 2025)
embassy: Nouadhibou Road, Avenue Al Quds, NOT PRTZ, Nouakchott
mailing address: 2430 Nouakchott Place, Washington DC 20521-2430
telephone: [222] 4525-2660
FAX: [222] 4525-1592
email address and website: consularnkc@state.gov
https://mr.usembassy.gov/
embassy: Nouadhibou Road, Avenue Al Quds, NOT PRTZ, Nouakchott
mailing address: 2430 Nouakchott Place, Washington DC 20521-2430
telephone: [222] 4525-2660
FAX: [222] 4525-1592
email address and website: consularnkc@state.gov
https://mr.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ABEDA, ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AIIB, AMF, AMU, AU, CAEU, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO (pending member), ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAS, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| African Union (AU) | member | 1963-05-25 |
| Arab League (Arab League) | member | 1973-11-26 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1961-10-27 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | 1995-05-31 |
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
International organization participation
ABEDA, ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AIIB, AMF, AMU, AU, CAEU, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO (pending member), ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAS, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 162,277 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Terrorist group(s)
Al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM)
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
5T
Airports
25 (2025)
Heliports
3 (2025)
Railways
total: 728 km (2014)
standard gauge: 728 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge
Reference: 2014standard gauge: 728 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge
Merchant marine
total: 11 (2023)
by type: general cargo 2, other 9
Reference: 2023by type: general cargo 2, other 9
Ports
total ports: 2 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 1
small: 1
very small: 0
ports with oil terminals: 2
key ports: Nouadhibou, Nouakchott
Reference: 2024large: 0
medium: 1
small: 1
very small: 0
ports with oil terminals: 2
key ports: Nouadhibou, Nouakchott
Environment
Environmental issues
desertification caused in part by overgrazing, deforestation, and drought-aggravated soil erosion; limited natural freshwater resources; locust infestation
International environmental agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Climate
desert; constantly hot, dry, dusty
Land use
agricultural land: 38.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 0.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 38.1% (2023 est.)
forest: 1% (2023 est.)
other: 60.5% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 0.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 38.1% (2023 est.)
forest: 1% (2023 est.)
other: 60.5% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 57.7% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 3.84% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 3.84% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 4.86 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 4.86 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from petroleum and other liquids: 4.86 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
35.1 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 454,000 tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 10% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 10% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 95.4 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial: 31.8 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 1.223 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 31.8 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 1.223 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
11.4 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 48,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2022 est.)
Broadcast media
12 TV stations, 6 state-owned and 6 private; 19 radio broadcasters, including 15 state-owned and 4 (Radio Nouakchott Libre, Radio Tenwir, Radio Kobeni and Mauritanid) private; of the 15 government stations, 4 broadcast from Nouakchott (Radio Mauritanie, Radio Jeunesse, Radio Koran and Mauritanid) and the other 12 broadcast from each of the 12 regions outside Nouakchott (2022)
Reference: 2022Internet country code
.mr
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 4,086,657 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 4,210,600 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 4,337,685 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 4,467,708 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 4,600,131 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 4,734,874 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 4,875,637 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 5,022,441 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 5,169,395 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 5,315,065 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $6,407,900,701 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $6,812,472,965 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $7,475,471,310 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $7,894,764,886 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $8,260,567,357 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $9,221,044,667 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $9,562,497,461 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $10,687,541,640 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $10,879,212,033 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $11,679,910,946 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 182,286 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 195,937 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 111,270 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 127,054 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 81,064 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 69,192 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 73,350 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 73,527 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 86,409 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 91,705 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | -3,008 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | -3,001 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | -2,987 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | -3,019 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | -1,483 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | -1,483 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 2,999 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 2,999 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -2,185 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -5,044 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,315,065 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 5,461,319 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 4,736,139 | 2022 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 195,937 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 3.8% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 91,705 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -5,044 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 43,906 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 28,438 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.628 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 0.683 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 0.891 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 0.214 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 1.002 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 1.489 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 0.360 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | No No Illegal since 9 July 1983; Penalty (de jure): Execution for men, (not enforced, under moratorium), up to 2 years in prison and fines for women; (de facto): up to 2 years in prison and a fine. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $11,679,910,946 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $2,198 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 4.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 1.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 10.3% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Lower middle income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 68.7 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 4.6 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 61.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 45.8% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 39.9% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 54.2% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 94.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 59.5% | 2020 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 36.0% | 2020 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 7.6% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 52.2% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 19.6% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 4.3% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 30.2 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 0.3% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 92.1 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 0.9 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 52 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 18.2367° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | -15.9824° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 21.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | -11.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC±00:00, Africa/Nouakchott | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | presidential system | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:10:29