Country Profile: Mauritania

Mauritania, located in Western Africa, is bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean, with significant land boundaries shared with Algeria, Mali, Morocco, and Senegal. The country has a population of approximately 5.2 million, largely concentrated in the capital, Nouakchott. Its economy is predominantly agrarian, alongside fishing and mining industries, while governance has transitioned towards democracy following decades of authoritarian rule. Challenges such as systemic corruption and social tensions remain prevalent.

Geography

Mauritania spans an area of 1,030,700 sq km, making it slightly larger than three times the size of New Mexico. The country features a harsh desert climate and mostly barren, flat landscapes of the Sahara, interspersed with some central hills. Key natural resources include iron ore, copper, and fish, while a significant portion of the population resides along the Senegal River and in the coastal capital.

Coastline: 754 km
Highest Point: Kediet Ijill at 915 m
Climate: Desert; consistently hot, dry, and dusty
Natural Hazards: Periodic droughts and dust storms
Land Use: 38.5% agricultural land (2023 est.)

People and Society

The population of Mauritania is estimated at 5,202,109 as of 2025, consisting of diverse ethnic groups including Black Moors, White Moors, and Sub-Saharan Mauritanians. The official language is Arabic, with significant use of other national languages such as Pular and Soninke. The society is predominantly Muslim, and the country has been addressing historical practices of slavery, which were officially abolished in 1981.

Urbanization Rate: 57.7% of the population living in urban areas (2023)
Median Age: 18.6 years (2025 est.)
Literacy Rate: 59.5% (2020 est.)
Population Growth Rate: 2.88% (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy: 65.9 years (2024 est.)

Economy

Mauritania has a lower middle-income economy, primarily based on agriculture, mining, and fisheries. With a GDP of approximately $10.767 billion (2024 est.) at official exchange rates, the country faces challenges such as corruption and social tensions. The economic landscape includes a mix of agriculture (18.6%), industry (30.6%), and services (43.2%).

Real GDP Growth Rate: 5.2% (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 10.4% (2024 est.)
Poverty Rate: 31.8% below the poverty line (2019 est.)
Agricultural Products: Includes rice, goat milk, and fish
Major Exports: Gold, iron ore, and fish

Government

Mauritania is a presidential republic, having transitioned to a democracy since its independence from France in 1960. The current president, Mohamed Ould Cheikh el Ghazouani, was elected in 2019, marking a significant shift towards peaceful democratic governance. The country's administrative structure is organized into 15 regions.

Capital: Nouakchott
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years
Legislature: Unicameral National Assembly with 176 seats
Latest Election: June 29, 2024 for president
Next Election: Expected in June 2029

Military and Security

Mauritania's military, consisting of approximately 17,000 active personnel, focuses on territorial defense and internal security, alongside combating threats from terrorism in the Sahel region. The government has increased military spending, totaling 2.4% of GDP in 2024.

Military Expenditures: 2.4% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Service Age: Legal minimum age for voluntary service is 18
Troop Deployments: Approximately 450 personnel in Central African Republic (2025)
Security Threats: Presence of Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM)

Energy

Energy access in Mauritania is limited, with about 49% of the population having electricity. The country relies heavily on fossil fuels, which comprise 72.4% of its installed generating capacity.

Installed Generating Capacity: 812,000 kW (2023)
Electricity Consumption: 1.7 billion kWh (2023)
Renewable Energy Sources: Solar (8.5%) and wind (6.3%
Natural Gas Reserves: 28.317 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)

Environment

Mauritania faces several environmental challenges, including desertification, limited freshwater resources, and periodic locust infestations. The country is a party to multiple international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues.

Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 4.86 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Arable Land: 0.4% (2023 est.)
Urban Population: 57.7% (2023)
Climate Change Agreements: Party to the Paris Agreement

Transportation

The transportation infrastructure in Mauritania includes a network of roads, railways, and ports, essential for trade and mobility.

Airports: 25 (2025)
Railways: 728 km (2014)
Ports: Two main ports in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou
Merchant Marine: 11 vessels (2023)

Communications

Mauritania's communication landscape is growing, with an estimated 37% of the population using the internet.

Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 4.76 million (2024)
Fixed Line Subscriptions: 48,000 (2022)
Television Stations: 12 (2022)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	5,202,109 (2025 est.)
Area	1,030,700 sq km
GDP (official exchange rate)	$10.767 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	10.4% (2024 est.)
Electricity Access	49% (2022 est.)
Birth Rate	34.01 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	65.9 years (2024 est.)
Urban Population	57.7% (2023)
Military Expenditures	2.4% of GDP (2024 est.)
Total Fertility Rate	4.76 children born/woman (2025 est.)