Currency | MRO |
---|---|
Number of flights per week | 17 |
Top destinations | Nouakchott |
Most popular airline | Air Algerie |
Most popular airport | Nouakchott Oumtounsy Intl. Airport |
Flight Duration | 7 hour 50 min |
About Mauritania
Officially known as the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, it is situated in northwest Africa. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the country is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the west, Western Sahara to the north, Algeria to the northeast, Senegal to the south, and Mali to the east and south.
In the 4th century, one of the first communities to settle in present-day Mauritania was the Berbers, who migrated from the north. Later, the Zenete and Sanhaja tribes also settled in these lands, uniting with the Berbers and strengthening Mauritania. Subsequently, Muslim Arabs who arrived in the region seized control. Until 1958, Mauritania underwent invasions by the Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, English, and French, finally taking the name the Islamic Republic of Mauritania after the Muslim conquest.
With a population of over 2 million, making it the world's 29th largest country, Mauritania is comprised of 70% Moors (Berbers), 15% Halpulaar, and the remaining 15% consists of Fulbe, Wolof, and various other tribes like Bombarla. Alongside the official language of Arabic, languages such as French, Wolof, Soninke, Berber, Pulaar, and the Hassani dialect of Arabic are widely spoken.
The country, with its capital Nouakchott, is divided into 12 administrative regions and 50 local units, using ouguiya as its currency. Beyond the capital, other significant cities include Nawadhibu, Tazadi, Atar, Walatah, and Rosso.
Mauritania, being hot and arid with sparse vegetation, relies on lucrative underground resources such as iron, copper, iridium, and titanium. Due to 70% of its land being covered by desert, the agricultural sector is not highly developed. 87% of the population earns a living through agriculture, livestock, and fishing. Major agricultural products include millet, sorghum, dates, potatoes, rice, and rubber. The Senegal River Valley, where agriculture is intensive, has a significant population.
In recent years, developments in the steel industry, oil refineries, and excess energy production have contributed to the country's progress. Iron, fish, and seafood, animal products, live animals, salt, and dates are among the most important export products.
The eastern part of Mauritania, covered by the Sahara Desert, experiences a desert climate. Coastal regions and the Assaba Plateau have a mild oceanic climate, featuring fertile soils. During summer, average temperatures vary between 16 and 50 degrees, depending on the region. Nights can be as cool as 0 degrees, while daytime temperatures can reach up to 18 degrees. In the humid areas along the Senegal River, the temperature averages between 24 and 35 degrees.
Religious and national holidays in Mauritania are celebrated in a festive atmosphere. Independence Day on November 28 is marked by vibrant displays. Other popular holidays include Africa Day on May 25, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Lailat al-Miraj, and the Islamic New Year.
The traditional Mauritanian cuisine, closely resembling Lebanese cuisine, places significant importance on seafood due to the popularity of fishing. Chebujin (fish and rice) is commonly consumed in the southern parts of the country, while in the north, meat and couscous are more prevalent. They use a somewhat expensive type of mutton called Mechui in almost all meat dishes.
In the 4th century, one of the first communities to settle in present-day Mauritania was the Berbers, who migrated from the north. Later, the Zenete and Sanhaja tribes also settled in these lands, uniting with the Berbers and strengthening Mauritania. Subsequently, Muslim Arabs who arrived in the region seized control. Until 1958, Mauritania underwent invasions by the Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, English, and French, finally taking the name the Islamic Republic of Mauritania after the Muslim conquest.
With a population of over 2 million, making it the world's 29th largest country, Mauritania is comprised of 70% Moors (Berbers), 15% Halpulaar, and the remaining 15% consists of Fulbe, Wolof, and various other tribes like Bombarla. Alongside the official language of Arabic, languages such as French, Wolof, Soninke, Berber, Pulaar, and the Hassani dialect of Arabic are widely spoken.
The country, with its capital Nouakchott, is divided into 12 administrative regions and 50 local units, using ouguiya as its currency. Beyond the capital, other significant cities include Nawadhibu, Tazadi, Atar, Walatah, and Rosso.
Mauritania, being hot and arid with sparse vegetation, relies on lucrative underground resources such as iron, copper, iridium, and titanium. Due to 70% of its land being covered by desert, the agricultural sector is not highly developed. 87% of the population earns a living through agriculture, livestock, and fishing. Major agricultural products include millet, sorghum, dates, potatoes, rice, and rubber. The Senegal River Valley, where agriculture is intensive, has a significant population.
In recent years, developments in the steel industry, oil refineries, and excess energy production have contributed to the country's progress. Iron, fish, and seafood, animal products, live animals, salt, and dates are among the most important export products.
The eastern part of Mauritania, covered by the Sahara Desert, experiences a desert climate. Coastal regions and the Assaba Plateau have a mild oceanic climate, featuring fertile soils. During summer, average temperatures vary between 16 and 50 degrees, depending on the region. Nights can be as cool as 0 degrees, while daytime temperatures can reach up to 18 degrees. In the humid areas along the Senegal River, the temperature averages between 24 and 35 degrees.
Religious and national holidays in Mauritania are celebrated in a festive atmosphere. Independence Day on November 28 is marked by vibrant displays. Other popular holidays include Africa Day on May 25, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Lailat al-Miraj, and the Islamic New Year.
The traditional Mauritanian cuisine, closely resembling Lebanese cuisine, places significant importance on seafood due to the popularity of fishing. Chebujin (fish and rice) is commonly consumed in the southern parts of the country, while in the north, meat and couscous are more prevalent. They use a somewhat expensive type of mutton called Mechui in almost all meat dishes.