Country Profile: Mauritania

Mauritania, located in Western Africa, boasts a vast geographical expanse defined by its desert landscape and minimal water resources. Home to a population that exceeds 5 million, the nation navigates a complex social structure woven by diverse ethnic groups, including the Black Moors and Sub-Saharan Mauritanians. The economy is primarily agrarian, with significant contributions from mining and fisheries, yet it grapples with systemic issues such as corruption and unemployment. Transitioning from years of dictatorship to a more democratic governance, Mauritania seeks to address its socio-political challenges while fostering growth and stability.

Geography

Mauritania is situated in Western Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Senegal to the southwest, and Algeria and Mali to the north and east, respectively. The country's total area is approximately 1,030,700 sq km, making it slightly larger than three times New Mexico. The climate is predominantly desert, characterized by high temperatures and dust, while most of the population resides along the coastal capital, Nouakchott.

754 km of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean.
38.5% of land is used for agricultural purposes (2023 est.).
5,002 km of land boundaries shared with Algeria, Mali, Morocco, and Senegal.
Highest point is Kediet Ijill at 915 m, and the lowest point is Sebkhet Te-n-Dghamcha at -5 m.

People and Society

With an estimated population of 5,202,109 in 2025, Mauritania is home to a tapestry of ethnic groups, predominantly including Black Moors, White Moors, and various Sub-Saharan communities. The official language is Arabic, complemented by local dialects and French. The country is entirely Muslim, reflecting its cultural identity and societal norms.

59.5% literacy rate (2020 est.), with 70.1% for males and 51.8% for females.
35.7% of the population is aged 0-14 years (2025 est.).
57.7% of the population resides in urban areas (2023).
The median age is 18.6 years (2025).

Economy

Mauritania's economy is classified as lower middle-income and is primarily agrarian, despite experiencing rising urbanization. The economic landscape is challenged by corrupt practices, social tensions, and over-reliance on foreign resources, particularly in fishing and mining sectors. Real GDP growth has shown resilience, with a projected growth rate of 5.2% for 2024.

$33.069 billion as the estimated Real GDP (PPP) for 2024.
10.4% unemployment rate projected for 2024.
The agricultural sector accounts for 18.6% of GDP (2024 est.).
Major exports include gold, iron ore, and fish, with $3.955 billion in exports estimated for 2023.

Government

Mauritania is a presidential republic, having transitioned to a more democratic form of government after decades of military authoritarianism. The current president, Mohamed Ould Cheikh el GHAZOUANI, was elected in 2019, marking a significant political shift with peaceful power transfer. The government operates under a mixed legal system that incorporates elements of Islamic and French civil law.

18 years is the legal voting age.
The legislative body is unicameral, with 176 seats in the National Assembly.
Administrative divisions consist of 15 regions.
The latest constitutional amendment was adopted on 12 July 1991.

Military and Security

The Mauritanian Armed Forces comprise the National Army, Navy, and Air Force, and are tasked with national defense and internal security. The military's focus includes counter-terrorism efforts against groups like AQIM, particularly in the Sahel region. As of 2025, military expenditures account for approximately 2.4% of GDP.

Estimated 17,000 active personnel in the armed forces.
The legal minimum age for voluntary service is 18, with a compulsory two-year service law.
Approximately 450 troops deployed on peacekeeping missions in the Central African Republic.

Energy

Mauritania's energy sector is primarily based on fossil fuels, with a growing emphasis on renewable sources. By 2022, only 49% of the population had access to electricity, highlighting the challenges in energy distribution and infrastructure.

812,000 kW of installed electricity generating capacity as of 2023.
32,000 bbl/day of refined petroleum consumption (2023 est.).
Proven natural gas reserves estimated at 28.317 billion cubic meters (2021 est.).

Environment

The country faces significant environmental challenges, including desertification, limited freshwater resources, and the impact of locust infestations. Mauritania is a participant in several international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues.

4.86 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions as of 2023.
38.5% of land used for agriculture (2023 est.), yet prone to overgrazing.
Annual municipal solid waste generation estimated at 454,000 tons (2024 est.).

Transportation

Mauritania's transportation network includes a mix of air and rail services, though infrastructure development remains a challenge. The nation has 25 airports and a limited railway network primarily used for mineral transport.

11 merchant marine vessels as of 2023.
The total railway length is 728 km (2014).
2 major ports: Nouadhibou and Nouakchott.

Communications

Communications infrastructure is gradually improving, with growing mobile phone and internet penetration across the country. As of 2023, approximately 37% of the population is reported to be internet users.

4.76 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2024 est.).
48,000 fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2022 est.).
A total of 12 TV stations and 19 radio broadcasters serve the public.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	5,202,109 (2025 est.)
Area	1,030,700 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$33.069 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment	10.4% (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	34.01 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	65.9 years (2024 est.)
Electricity Access	49% (2022 est.)
Literacy Rate	59.5% (2020 est.)
Military Expenditures	2.4% of GDP (2024 est.)
Environmental CO2 Emissions	4.86 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)