Country Profile: Mauritania

Mauritania, located in Western Africa, is a vast country bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean, Senegal, and Western Sahara. Characterized by a predominantly desert climate, it is home to more than 5 million people, with a diverse ethnic composition that includes Black Moors, White Moors, and Sub-Saharan Mauritanians. The economy is primarily agrarian and relies heavily on natural resources such as iron ore and fish, while governance has seen a transition from authoritarian rule to a more democratic framework in recent years.

Geography

Mauritania covers an area of 1,030,700 sq km, making it slightly larger than three times the size of New Mexico. The country's landscape is predominantly flat, with extensive desert plains, and it has a coastline of 754 km. Most of the population is concentrated in urban areas along the coast and near the Senegal River, while vast regions remain sparsely populated due to the harsh desert environment.

• 5,002 km: Total land boundaries with Algeria, Mali, Morocco, and Senegal
• 915 m: Highest point, Kediet Ijill
• -5 m: Lowest point, Sebkhet Te-n-Dghamcha
• 12 nm: Territorial sea claims
• 38.5%: Land used for agriculture (2023 est.)

People and Society

Mauritania has an estimated population of 5,202,109 as of 2025, with a youthful median age of 18.6 years. The population is predominantly Muslim, with 100% adherence to Islam. The country's ethnic composition is diverse, with significant populations of Black Moors, White Moors, and Sub-Saharan Mauritanians. Issues related to social stratification and caste systems remain prominent.

• 35.7%: Population aged 0-14 years
• 2.88%: Population growth rate (2025 est.)
• 34.01: Birth rate per 1,000 population (2025 est.)
• 65.9 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
• 59.5%: Literacy rate (2020 est.)

Economy

Mauritania's economy is classified as lower middle-income and is heavily reliant on agriculture, mining, and fishery sectors. The country has a Real GDP estimated at $33.069 billion in 2024, with growth projected at 5.2%. However, the economy faces significant challenges such as corruption and endemic social tensions.

• 10.4%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.)
• 31.8%: Population living below the poverty line (2019 est.)
• 18.6%: GDP contribution from agriculture (2024 est.)
• $6,400: Real GDP per capita (2024 est.)
• 2.5%: Inflation rate (2024 est.)

Government

Mauritania operates as a presidential republic, with a legal system that incorporates both Islamic and French civil law. The capital, Nouakchott, serves as the focal point for administration and governance. The current president, Mohamed Ould Cheikh el GHAZOUANI, was elected in 2019 and is seeking re-election in 2024.

• 18 years: Legal voting age
• 176: Seats in the unicameral National Assembly
• 2.4%: Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2024 est.)
• 15: Regions (wilayas) in the country
• 28 November: National Independence Day

Military and Security

The Mauritanian Armed Forces consist of the National Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Gendarmerie. National security remains a key concern due to threats from groups such as Al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). The country maintains a military expenditure of 2.4% of GDP.

• 17,000: Estimated active military personnel
• 450: Troops deployed in the Central African Republic (2025)
• 18: Age for compulsory military service, though not enforced
• 3,000: Estimated Gendarmerie personnel
• 2: Main military branches under the Ministry of Defense

Energy

Energy access in Mauritania is limited, with 49% of the population having access to electricity. Fossil fuels dominate the energy sector, making up 72.4% of total installed capacity. The country is also exploring renewable energy sources, including solar and wind.

• 812,000 kW: Total installed electricity generating capacity (2023 est.)
• 1.7 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023 est.)
• 32,000: Daily refined petroleum consumption barrels (2023 est.)
• 378 million kWh: Electricity imports (2023 est.)
• 14.135 million Btu/person: Energy consumption per capita (2023 est.)

Environment

Mauritania faces significant environmental challenges, including desertification, limited freshwater resources, and locust infestations. The government is party to various international environmental agreements aimed at promoting sustainability and biodiversity.

• 11.4 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022 est.)
• 4.86 million metric tonnes: CO2 emissions (2023 est.)
• 45%: Urban population as of 2023
• 454,000 tons: Annual municipal solid waste generated (2024 est.)
• 10%: Percentage of solid waste recycled (2022 est.)

Transportation

Transportation infrastructure includes 25 airports and a limited railway system totaling 728 km. Key ports like Nouadhibou and Nouakchott support trade and commerce.

• 25: Total airports (2025)
• 11: Number of merchant marine vessels (2023)
• 3: Heliports in the country
• 2: Major ports
• 728 km: Total railway length (2014)

Communications

Mauritania's communication landscape includes both fixed and mobile telecommunications, with internet usage at 37% of the total population. There are approximately 4.76 million mobile subscriptions as of 2024.

• 48,000: Fixed-line subscriptions (2022)
• 14,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2022)
• 12: TV stations, with various state and private ownership
• 1: Internet country code (.mr)
• 92: Mobile subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2024)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	5,202,109	2025 estimate
Area	1,030,700 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$33.069 billion	2024 estimate
Energy Consumption	14.135 million Btu/person	2023 estimate
Birth Rate	34.01 births/1,000 population	2025 estimate
Unemployment Rate	10.4%	2024 estimate
Life Expectancy at Birth	65.9 years	2024 estimate
Literacy Rate	59.5%	2020 estimate
Military Expenditures	2.4% of GDP	2024 estimate
Urbanization Rate	57.7%	2023 estimate