Mauritania

Mauritania is located in the northwest of Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean, the Western Sahara, Algeria, Mali and Senegal. The population of 4.4 million people lives mainly in the south of the country, while 90% of the territory is in the Sahara. The country was conquered by the Arabs in the 7th century and has had a checkered history from French colonization to repeated military coups. The name Mauritania derives from the ancient kingdom of Mauritania. Despite its wealth of natural resources, Mauritania is a poor country that lives mainly from agriculture, livestock and fishing. Among the most famous sights are the historic town of Chinguetti and the Banc d'Arguin nature reserve.

• Country data Mauritania