Mauritania
| Mauritania | |
|---|---|
| |
| Type | Country |
| Key terms | Geography & climate; Demographics & culture; Economy & governance |
| Related | Sahel; Maghreb; Atlantic coast |
| Examples | Nouakchott; Banc d'Arguin National Park; Tiris Zemmour |
| Domain | Geography, governance, society |
| Wikidata | Q1025 |
Mauritania is a large country in the northwestern corner of Africa, on the Atlantic coast. Officially the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, it spans over 1,030,000 square kilometers (almost as large as Egypt) and links the Arab-Berber Maghreb region of North Africa to the sub-Saharan Sahel. Most of its territory is desert, part of the vast Sahara, though the southern edge borders the greener Sahel and the Senegal River. Nouakchott is the capital and largest city. Mauritania is sparsely populated (about 5 million people), making it one of the least densely inhabited countries in the world. Islam is the dominant religion and Arabic the official language, reflecting the country’s Moorish and Arab heritage. Mauritania’s economy relies on natural resources (iron ore, copper, gold, fish and oil/gas) and farming along the Sénégal River. The country has a mix of nomadic traditions and modern urban life, a history of French colonial rule and post-colonial military rule, and unique culture shaped by desert life. Though richly endowed with minerals and fishing grounds, Mauritania faces challenges such as climate change, poverty, and development inequalities.
Geography and Climate
Mauritania occupies a vast swath of the Sahara Desert in West Africa. It borders Western Sahara (a disputed territory), Algeria, Mali, and Senegal, and has about 700 km of Atlantic coastline. The terrain is largely flat or rolling, with large sand dune fields (called regs and dunes), stone plateaus and occasional rocky outcrops. Only a small part of the country – the southernmost region along the Sénégal River – is semi-arid grassland or savanna; the rest is hyper-arid desert. The northeast contains the ancient Tademaït and Tindouf plateaus, while the Adrar plateau in the west rises to 915 meters at Mount Ijill. Much of inland Mauritania is a plateau of 600–900m above sea level that slopes gently toward the coast.
Mauritania’s climate is extremely dry. Most of the country lies north of the Sahel and experiences a desert climate: daytime temperatures are often above 40°C (104°F) in summer, and there is very little rainfall. A hot, dry wind called the Harmattan blows from the Sahara, reinforcing the aridity. In the far south – in regions near the Sénégal River – the climate is semi-arid or Sahelian, with a short rainy season in summer. For example, Sélibabi in the far south may receive up to 600 mm of rain per year during June–October storms, whereas Nouakchott on the coast averages only 50 mm annually. Seasonal harmattan and periodic heat waves can push temperatures over 45°C inland. Nighttime temperatures drop sharply in the desert. Sandstorms and dust storms are common in the dry season. The country is also vulnerable to climate change: increased desertification and rare but sometimes extreme rainfall events (causing floods) threaten agriculture and settlements.
Only about 0.5% of Mauritania’s land is arable, mainly in the irrigated Senegal River valley to the south. Much of that southern region is relatively flat alluvial land used for farming (millet, sorghum, rice, vegetables) and livestock grazing along irrigated canals. The Sénégal River – which forms Mauritania’s southern border with Senegal – is the country’s only permanent river, although it is subject to seasonal flooding. Elsewhere, drainage is ephemeral: small wadis (seasonal riverbeds) carry rain only during rare storms, and most rainwater simply soaks into the sand or forms temporary ponds. Groundwater beneath the desert is an important resource, tapped by wells and occasional oases that sustain nomadic life.
Mauritania’s environment includes unique natural areas. Off the coast lies the Banc d’Arguin National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s great bird sanctuaries. Its coastal mudflats and islands are breeding grounds for millions of migratory birds (plovers, gulls, flamingos), fish nurseries, and nesting sea turtles. Inland, the Adrar region has ancient trading towns like Chinguetti and Ouadane (also UNESCO sites). Mauritania’s wildlife includes desert-adapted species: desert gazelle (dama gazelle, addax), Barbary sheep (mouflon), various desert foxes, and many reptiles, all struggling with habitat loss. The country has taken measures against desertification, such as joining the “Great Green Wall” initiative to plant trees and create green corridors. Recent projects have set aside new protected areas in the desert to conserve biodiversity and support nomadic communities facing climate stresses.
History
The area that is now Mauritania has been sparsely inhabited for millennia. Prehistoric cultures left rock art and early stone settlements, but much later history began with nomadic Berber (Amazigh) tribes and Black African groups in the Sahel. From the 11th to 13th centuries, an Islamic reform movement known as the Almoravids arose among the Sanhaja Berbers here and expanded across North Africa and Spain, bringing Islam. Over the centuries, the people of Mauritania were organized into regional tribes and sultanates, with Abramid (marabout) scholars and desert traders playing key roles. Trade caravans carried salt, gold, and slaves through Mauritanian oases to markets in Morocco and beyond.
In the 19th century, European colonial powers arrived. The French gradually asserted control: in 1904 Mauritania became part of French West Africa. They drew borders on maps and grouped diverse peoples into one colony. Under colonial rule, administration was limited in the sparsely populated desert; however, colonial towns such as St. Louis (on the Senegal River) and Port-Étienne (now Nouadhibou) grew as trading and railroad hubs. In 1957 Mauritania gained territorial status, and on November 28, 1960, it became independent as the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. Moktar Ould Daddah became the first president.
Post-independence Mauritania struggled to forge unity. President Daddah adopted a one-party state, aligning with Arab countries and Portugal (which occupied nearby Guinea-Bissau) but clashing with Morocco and Algeria. Conflict in the then-Spanish Sahara drew Mauritania in: in 1975, when Spain withdrew from Western Sahara, Mauritania annexed the southern third (Bechar). However, faced with a guerrilla war by the Polisario Front and pressure from neighbors, Mauritania withdrew in 1979. The war destabilized the country. In 1978 a military coup removed Daddah. From 1978 to 1992, Mauritania was ruled by military strongmen (Offala Ould M’Baira, Mohamed Khouna Ould Haidalla) who suppressed dissent and shifted between pro-Western and more radical policies. In 1984, Maaouya Ould Sid’Ahmed Taya took power (another coup) and later moved to establish a multiparty system, though he remained effectively authoritarian.
Brief democratic openings occurred in the 1990s: elections were held and a parliament established (in 1992), but international observers often viewed them as neither free nor fair under Taya’s rule. Taya also modernized the economy somewhat (with international investment in mining and oil), but he banned opposition and limited free press. In 2003 he switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China and improved ties with the West on counterterrorism. In 2007, a coup ousted Taya while he was abroad, as Mauritanian officers acted to forestall a planned reshuffle that included military retirement. Colonel Ely Ould Mohamed Vall led a Military Council, briefly overseeing reform. The council organized democratic elections (move to civilian rule) in 2007.
In 2008, another coup occurred: General Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz (who had been head of presidential security) took power amid tensions and overthrew President Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi. Aziz held elections in 2009 which he won, and then engineered a new constitution (approved by referendum) extending presidential terms and senior military roles. Aziz himself was elected president in 2009 and again in 2014, after legal changes. He arrested corruption cases but also was criticized by opponents for nepotism. In 2019, Aziz backed his former chief of staff, General Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, to succeed him. Ghazouani, campaigning on stability, won the 2019 presidential election. He was re-elected in 2024 with about 56% of the vote, although opposition figures (notably anti-slavery activist Biram Ould Dah Ould Abeid) claimed irregularities. Ghazouani’s government (as of mid-2020s) focuses on economic development, managing migrant flows, and security. Mauritania remains relatively stable and has cooperated with Western nations and its neighbors on counter-terrorism, even as jihadist violence surged in the Sahel region around it.
Through these years, Mauritania has grappled with social issues inherited from its history. One major issue is the legacy of slavery. Under French rule and even after independence, many Black Mauritanians were held in hereditary bondage by Arab-Berber masters. Mauritania was the last country in the world to abolish slavery, legally doing so in 1981 (for pledge) and more meaningfully criminalizing it around 2007–2015. Although government efforts and activism have freed some people, many former slaves (known as Haratin) still face discrimination and poverty. This history is a sensitive subject in politics and society, and activist leaders (like Biram Abeid) have been repeatedly detained for speaking out.
Demographics
Mauritania’s population is around 5 million (as of the mid-2020s). It is ethnically diverse, reflecting a mix of Arab, Berber, and Black African heritage. Roughly 70% of Mauritanians identify as “Moors” (Arab-Berber groups), including about 40% who are Black Moors (Haratin). The Haratin are Arabic-speaking descendants of former slaves and are often socially and economically disadvantaged. The other Moors – sometimes called “White Moors” (Beydane) – trace ancestry to Arab and Berber tribes and were traditionally the ruling class. The remaining ~30% of the population are Black Africans (often referred to simply as “non-Moor” groups), living mainly in the south. These groups include the Halpulaar (also known as Fulani or Peul), the Soninke, the Wolof, and small communities of Bambara and others. These Sub-Saharan ethnic groups speak various languages and historically have more ties southwards into Mali and Senegal.
Mauritania’s official language is Modern Standard Arabic, and most people speak a local dialect called Hassaniya Arabic. However, French is widely used in education, government, and business as a legacy of colonial rule (Mauritania is a member of the Francophonie). Each ethnic group also typically speaks its own native tongue at home: Pulaar (a variety of Fula), Soninke, Wolof, and a few smaller languages have national or regional recognition. Literacy rates are improving but remain modest – roughly 60–70% of adults can read at least one language (higher for men than women). Urbanization is growing: cacao, about 60% of people live in towns and cities (such as Nouakchott, Nouadhibou, Kiffa, Kaédi) whereas the rest are rural or nomadic. However, even in cities traditional customs remain strong.
Mauritania’s population is very young: about three-quarters are under the age of 35. The fertility rate is relatively high (over 4 children per woman on average). Life expectancy is low by world standards (around 63 years for men, 68 for women) due to poverty-related health issues; infant and child mortality have fallen but are still significant. Islam is the overwhelming majority religion (over 99% Sunni Muslim, Maliki school). The state declares Islam as the official religion, but in practice most Mauritanians follow moderate local Islamic traditions. There are very small Christian and Jewish minorities (mostly foreigners), and the constitution guarantees religious liberty. Social life is largely communal and family-oriented. Below the village level, Mauritania’s society has a strong tribal structure: clans led by elders often settle local disputes.
Economically, the population is dispersed. A significant portion of Mauritanians (perhaps 30% overall) still live a pastoral or agropastoral lifestyle, herding cattle, camels, sheep and goats across the arid plains. Nomadic and semi-nomadic herders move seasonally in search of pasture. In settled agriculture along the Sénégal River valley, families farm rice, millet, sorghum, vegetables and raise livestock, benefiting from irrigation. Many people outside the capital work in artisanal gold mining in the south or fisheries on the Atlantic coast. Urban residents may work in government, services, trade, industry or mining. Despite resource wealth, poverty is widespread: an estimated one in three Mauritanians lives below the national poverty line (or sometimes hundreds of thousands in extreme poverty). Access to education and healthcare is limited in rural areas; the government and NGOs are working to improve services. In recent years, Mauritania has also become a transit country for migrants from sub-Saharan Africa moving towards Europe via North Africa.
Ethnic and linguistic diversity sometimes correlates to politics, but Mauritanians generally stress a common national identity. In practice, though, power politics have favored the Arab-Berber elites. The government and military are dominated by Moors, while many Black African Mauritanians claim underrepresentation, especially of Haratin. The authorities have made some efforts to include representatives of different groups, but tensions over discrimination occasionally surface in political debates and social movements.
Economy
Mauritania is classified as a lower-middle-income country with a developing economy. Its GDP has grown in recent years (aided by mining and gas projects) but per capita income remains low (on the order of US$2,000–2,500 per year). The economy is dominated by the primary sector: mining, fisheries, and agriculture. About one-third of the workforce is employed in agriculture (many at subsistence level), 15% in industry (mainly mineral processing) and the rest in services.
Mining and Natural Resources. The mining sector is the cornerstone of Mauritania’s economy. By far the most important export is iron ore: Mauritania has some of Africa’s largest iron deposits (at Zouerate and Fderîck in the north) and for decades iron ore has brought in large export revenue, mainly to China, India, and Europe. Mauritania is the second-largest iron ore producer in Africa (after South Africa). Besides iron, there are rich deposits of copper, gypsum, phosphate (fertilizer), and industrial limestone. In the 2000s and 2010s, Mauritania discovered offshore oil (the Chinguetti oil field) and later natural gas fields shared with Senegal (the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim field). Oil production began around 2006 but was suspended due to low output. Gas production from the GTA project began in late 2024–2025, using a floating LNG facility that turns offshore gas into liquefied natural gas for export. These hydrocarbons hold promise for diversifying revenue, although oil output has been small and gas exports only just starting. Energy also includes the government’s plans to build a gas-fired power plant and expand renewable energy (solar and wind potential is high in the desert).
Agriculture and Livestock. Only a tiny fraction of Mauritania’s land is farmed, but agriculture and herding support rural livelihoods. The fertile bands along the Sénégal River produce rice, millet, sorghum, corn and vegetables on irrigated plots. Date palms and orchards grow around oases in the desert. Nevertheless, Mauritania is not self-sufficient in food: domestic grain production meets only about a third of needs, so the country imports cereals (often from the US, EU, or West Africa). Livestock (sheep, goats, cattle and camels) are a key resource. Mauritanian meat and camels are traded with neighboring countries. Herders moving seasonally must cope with drought and out-of-season rains. Recent years of Sahelian climate shocks have caused famines and refugee flows in parts of rural Mauritania.
Fishing and Marine Sector. Mauritania has rich offshore fisheries in the Atlantic, including tuna, mackerel, sardines, hake, and crustaceans. The ban on bottom-trawling has helped some stocks recover. Fish and fish products are among the country’s top exports and also provide a vital source of protein for the population. The coast’s upwelling waters make a productive fishing ground. Fishing fleets often have joint ventures with foreign companies. The government has negotiated access agreements with the EU and China. Illegal, unreported fishing has been a problem, but recent crackdowns aim to ensure sustainability. The coastal city of Nouadhibou hosts fishing ports and some processing; aquaculture is small but has growth potential.
Economic Indicators. In the 2020s, Mauritania’s economy has been growing at rates of roughly 4–6% per year, though subject to volatility. Growth is mainly driven by mining projects and public investment. Inflation recently has been low (a few percent). The currency, the Mauritanian ouguiya, was revalued in 2018 (dropping four zeros) and has remained relatively stable. Public debt is moderate (around 40–50% of GDP). Unemployment is officially about 10–15%, but underemployment is high. Social indicators lag behind many neighbors: for example, only about 30–40% of women participate in the labor force. Internet and mobile phone use are growing (over a third of people have internet access).
Development Challenges. Poverty is still widespread, especially in rural deserts beyond the reach of services. Even with mining wealth, Mauritania ranks low on the UN Human Development Index. Education gaps are large: many children (particularly girls and rural) do not finish primary school. Health services struggle with malnutrition and maternal health issues in remote areas. The government has sought international aid (World Bank, UN, NGO programs) to build schools, vaccination programs, and clean water projects. Mauritania is also a major transit point for migrants from sub-Saharan Africa heading north, which presents governance and humanitarian challenges.
Trade and International Relations. Mauritania is relatively open to international trade and investment. It joined the World Trade Organization and is a member of the Arab League, African Union, and ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States). France and China are among its largest trading partners (investing in extractive industries and infrastructure). The EU and neighboring Senegal and Morocco are important markets. Economic cooperation with the African Union and partners focuses on combating climate change in the Sahel. France and the U.S. have military bases in Mauritania for regional security missions. In sum, while resource-based exports (minerals, fish) dominate, Mauritania is attempting to diversify through new energy (gas) and by improving infrastructure (roads, ports, electricity) to encourage manufacturing and services growth in the future.
Governance and Politics
Mauritania is officially the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, with a republic-style government. The 1991 constitution (amended in 2006) establishes a semi-presidential system. The President is both head of state and commander-in-chief, elected to five-year terms (renewable once). The President appoints a Prime Minister who heads the government and cabinet. The legislature is unicameral: the National Assembly (Assemblée Nationale) has 157 members elected to five-year terms. There is also a Senate (upper house) in some versions of the constitution, but it was suspended in 2017 (Mauritania’s parliaments have changed back and forth between unicameral and bicameral). Local government is organized into 12 wilayas (regions) and smaller districts, each run by appointed governors and elected councils.
Politics in Mauritania is dominated by the presidency. Since independence, Mauritania has experienced alternations of authoritarian and semi-democratic rule. From the 1960s through much of the 1990s, generic or military-style regimes limited political freedoms – political parties were banned until 1978, then controlled by the ruling regime. Multi-party politics gradually emerged in the 1990s, but elections under President Taya (1992–2005) were criticized by observers for irregularities. Since 2005, Mauritania has held peaceful elections more regularly: presidents were elected in 2007, 2009, 2014, 2019, and 2024. The ruling party (UDP under Aziz, later Union for the Republic and now El Ghazouani’s party) has generally been dominant. The main opposition groups include the Tewassoul Party (Islamist-oriented, based on the history of the banned Nahda movement), the UFP (socialist), and smaller parties like the RFD (democratic forces) and others. A new wave of young reformers and activists has emerged in recent elections, especially around issues like corruption, youth unemployment, and slavery. The state security forces are strong; protests are tightly managed, though some demonstrations occur (such as after disputed elections or in response to grievances).
Mauritania’s political system explicitly fuses Islam and state: Islam is stated as the official religion, and laws are supposed to be consistent with Islamic values. In practice, Mauritania is one of the only so-called “Islamic Republics” in the world (alongside Iran and Pakistan), but its version is relatively moderate: alcohol and pork are banned, and public morality rules follow Islamic norms, but there is freedom for non-Muslims to worship privately. There is (nominal) freedom of expression in the constitution, but press freedoms have been restricted (journalists criticize the government at risk of legal trouble). The Human Rights situation is mixed: the worst abuses of the past (state violence, slavery) have presumably diminished, but there are still concerns. In particular, Mauritania faces international criticism for its track record on slave-descendant Haratine, and for cracking down on dissent. However, compared to many neighboring countries, Mauritania has avoided large-scale armed conflicts or jihadi violence. It participates actively in regional security, contributing troops to peacekeeping (e.g., UN missions) and cooperating with France and the US in anti-terrorism efforts in the Sahel region.
Mauritania’s armed forces have always been influential in its politics (having staged coups in 1978, 2005 and 2008). Presidents Ghazouani and his predecessor Aziz are both retired generals. Civilian institutions (courts, parliament, bureaucracy) are slowly strengthening, and governance reforms have been promised. Mauritania is a participant in international bodies: it joined the African Development Bank, World Bank, IMF, African Union, Arab League, and the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation). It maintains ties with both Arab countries and sub-Saharan African neighbors, sometimes mediating in regional conflicts. Human rights and governance challenges remain on the agenda with the UN and NGOs.
Culture and Society
Mauritania’s culture is a blend of Arab-Berber (Moorish) and sub-Saharan African influences, rooted in nomadic tradition. The dominant identity is Arab-Berber (Hassaniya-speaking), shaped by centuries of desert life and Islam. Social life is organized around extended families and tribal groups. Islamic values pervade daily life: the call to prayer, Ramadan fasting, Eid festivals and Friday worship mark the year. Mosques are central community centers, and Islamic education (Quranic schools) is common. Alongside religious schools, there are secular primary, secondary, and a few universities (like University of Nouakchott) increasingly teaching in French or Arabic. Gender roles in Mauritania remain traditionally conservative, though urban areas see more women working and studying. Widespread early marriage and female participation in politics and workforce remain low, but slowly rising.
Language and Arts: Hassaniya Arabic (a Bedouin dialect) is spoken by the majority; it is the language of everyday life. Poetry and oral literature are highly prized in Mauritanian culture (a legacy of the desert). Traditional poetry (often sung) can express social praise, history or coded commentary. Mauritanians also keep genealogies and histories through oral tradition. Modern literature and music exist too: the country has produced noted poets and diplomats, like Mohamed El-Mokhtar Sidi and Ahmadou Ould Abdallah. Music blends Arabic-Andalusian sounds with African rhythms. Typical instruments include the tidinit (lute), ardin (harp played by women), and various drums. The ‘wandle’ (string instrument) is played by griot musicians. Characters of the Tuareg and Mellah (Jews of Nouakchott) historically also influenced music, but their communities have largely emigrated.
Cultural practices emphasize hospitality. Guests are welcomed often with sweet mint tea, which is an important ritual: Mauritanians drink multiple rounds of strong tea (with heaps of sugar) each time they sit down, as a sign of politeness and respect. Dates and dried milk products are staple foods in rural desert cuisine; urban diets include rice with meat or fish (late lunch is main meal). There is no pork consumption due to Islamic law, and alcohol is mostly banned. Traditional dress is preserved: men often wear a darra’a (a flowing cotton or silk robe) and women wear colorful melhfa wraps. On special occasions one may see elaborate henna tattoos or jewelry inherited from ancestors.
Family structures tend to be patriarchal. Tribal and clan affiliations remain important, especially outside cities. Nevertheless, Mauritanian youth (over half the population) are increasingly influenced by global trends – they use social media, listen to rap and Afrobeat, and some adopt Western clothing alongside traditional attire. Education is also changing society: a growing number of young Mauritanian women attend university or study abroad.
Sports and national symbols: Football (soccer) is extremely popular, and Mauritania’s national team Les Mourabitounes has competed in the African Cup of Nations. Traditional wrestling used to be a national spectacle. The national emblem (green with a crescent and star) and the color green highlight the Islamic heritage. The camel, a symbol of desert life, figures in folklore and commerce. The city of Chinguetti holds one of the world’s oldest libraries of medieval Arabic manuscripts, reflecting Mauritania’s historic role as an Islamic learning center in the Sahara.
Environment and Conservation
Mauritania’s environment is dominated by the harsh Sahara. Land degradation and desertification are major concerns. Over the past century, sahelian regions to the south have become drier, grasslands have shrunk, and the sand dunes of the north have encroached on farmland and roads. These trends have been exacerbated by climate change. Mauritania has endured several severe droughts (especially in the 1970s and 1980s) that led to famine and mass migration. To combat this, the government and international partners pursue projects such as the Great Green Wall, planting shrubs and trees (like acacia) to stabilize soil.
Protected areas have been established to preserve Mauritania’s unique ecosystems. The Banc d’Arguin National Park on the Atlantic coast is a vital wetland: it shelters migratory birds (including flamingos, pelicans, and oystercatchers), marine turtles, and supports local fishing communities. Inland, the Diawling National Park near the mouth of the Sénégal River protects wetlands important for birds and supports floodplain agriculture. Recent initiatives have created protected corridors in the Sahara too: for example, in 2021 Mauritania announced the creation of a vast new nature reserve in the Adrar region to link the Richat Structure (the “Eye of the Sahara”) with other habitats. This project aims to conserve desert wildlife (gazelles, addax, etc.) and support nomadic herders’ livelihoods by securing grazing lands and water springs.
Freshwater is scarce, so water management is crucial. Along the Sénégal River, irrigation dams like Manantali (in Mali) and Diama (Senegal) help regulate water flow for Mauritania’s farms and prevent seawater intrusion. There are smaller dams on tributaries (e.g., Foum Gleita) for crop irrigation. Across the rest of the country, groundwater pumps and wells provide water to oases and towns. The government has undertaken programs to build wells and solar-powered pumps in villages, and to expand piped water in urban areas.
Biodiversity: Extremes characterize Mauritania’s flora and fauna. In the desert interior, vegetation is sparse: acacia shrubs at oases, grasses in the south, and hardy shrubs that can survive drought. Date palms thrive in oases, and figs and wild doum palms grow near wells. Along the coast, mangroves and sea grasses support fish. Wildlife includes a few relict populations of desert antelope and gazelles (though some like the scimitar-horned oryx have disappeared). Birds abound: the coastline is a major stop on migratory routes between Eurasia and Africa. When rains fall, nomadic herds find scrub grasses, and desert frogs and lizards emerge. However, many species are threatened by hunting, habitat loss, and climate. The government, NGOs and UNESCO are active in monitoring and trying to prevent illegal hunting (including of endangered birds) and in reforestation projects.
Environmental Challenges: Mauritania faces major sustainability challenges. Droughts and soil erosion threaten agricultural land in the south. Overgrazing by livestock can degrade rangeland, unless managed with rotation. Urbanization brings its own problems: around Nouakchott, expansion has led to coastal sand moving inland, as well as water scarcity and sanitation issues. Coastal erosion and rising sea levels (a product of climate change) are a concern for low-lying cities. By contrast, in wetter times, intense rains have caused sudden floods that damage infrastructure (for example, the capital experienced serious flooding in 1960, 1993, 2019). The country’s development plan includes adaptation measures: better building codes, emergency relief systems, and climate-smart agriculture (like drought-resistant crops).
Energy and environmental policy: Mauritania has potential for renewable energy. Its flat deserts receive very high solar radiation, and the coastline has consistent winds in places. The government has begun exploring solar and wind farms to reduce dependence on imported fuel and to meet rural power needs. The largest existing wind farm (near Nouakchott) feeds urban grids, and small solar installations pump water in villages. Yet most electricity still comes from imported oil or diesel generators. Transitioning to clean energy is seen as both an economic and environmental goal.
In summary, Mauritania’s environment is one of stark contrasts – from the rich Atlantic islands to the sandy wastes of the interior. Its people have adapted through nomadic traditions and lately through sustainable development efforts. Balancing resource use, economic growth and environmental protection is a key challenge for Mauritania’s future.