About MR
Location
Mauritania is located in Northwest Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and northwest, Western Sahara to the north and northeast, Algeria to the northeast, Mali to the east and southeast, and Senegal to the southwest.
Capital
The capital city of Mauritania is Nouakchott.
Population
As of the latest estimates, Mauritania has a population of approximately 4.7 million people.
Area
Mauritania covers a total land area of about 1,030,700 square kilometers (approximately 397,955 square miles), making it the eleventh largest country in Africa.
Official Language
Arabic is the official language of Mauritania. French is also widely spoken, particularly in government, business, and education.
Government
Mauritania is a presidential republic with a multi-party system. The President of Mauritania serves as both the head of state and the head of government. The country has a bicameral legislature consisting of the Senate and the National Assembly.
Independence
Mauritania gained independence from France on November 28, 1960.
Currency
The currency of Mauritania is the Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRO).
Economy
Mauritania's economy is largely based on agriculture, livestock herding, fishing, and mining. The country is rich in natural resources, including iron ore, gold, copper, and petroleum. Mauritania is one of the largest producers of iron ore in Africa. However, the economy faces challenges related to poverty, unemployment, and income inequality.
Natural Resources
Mauritania is endowed with rich mineral resources, including iron ore deposits in the north and northwest regions of the country. Fishing is also a significant economic activity, with Mauritania's waters being among the richest fishing grounds in the world.
Climate
Mauritania has a desert climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters. The country experiences minimal rainfall, particularly in the northern regions, where the Sahara Desert covers much of the territory.
Culture
Mauritania has a diverse cultural heritage influenced by its Arab-Berber, African, and Islamic roots. Traditional music, dance, and poetry play an important role in Mauritanian culture. The majority of the population adheres to Islam, which shapes various aspects of daily life and social norms.
Human Rights
Mauritania faces challenges related to human rights, including issues of slavery, discrimination, and restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly.
Security
Mauritania faces security threats from terrorism, particularly from extremist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) operating in the Sahel region.
International Relations
Mauritania is a member of the United Nations (UN), the African Union (AU), and the Arab League, among other international organizations. The country plays a role in regional security initiatives and has participated in peacekeeping missions in Africa.
This anthem expresses pride, sacrifice, and devotion to the nation of Mauritania, as well as reverence for God.
The national anthem of Mauritania is called "Hymne National de la République Islamique de Mauritanie" in French, which translates to "National Anthem of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania" in English. Here are the lyrics in Arabic along with an English translation:
بلاد العلم السماح المجيد
موريتانيا نحن منفديد
الله أكبر ولله العزة
الله أكبر ولله العزة
كنا يوما فداء للعلم والوطن
موتا وحيينا كراما القوم
الله أكبر ولله العزة
الله أكبر ولله العزة
Land of tolerance, dignity, and grandeur,
Mauritania, we sacrifice ourselves for you.
God is great, and to God belongs all glory.
God is great, and to God belongs all glory.
We were once the sacrifice for knowledge and country,
Martyrs and we lived with the pride of nations.
God is great, and to God belongs all glory.
God is great, and to God belongs all glory.
