Mauritania: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 15:24, 9 December 2024

File:United States Navy Band - Bilāda l-ʾubāti l-hudāti l-kirām.ogg

Mauritania, officially the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, is a country in Northwest Africa. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Western Sahara to the north and northwest, Algeria to the northeast, Mali to the east and southeast, and Senegal to the southwest. Mauritania is the eleventh largest country in Africa, with an area of 1,030,700 square kilometers.

History[edit]

The history of Mauritania is marked by the influence of various cultures and empires. The region was originally inhabited by Berber tribes, and later became part of the Ghana Empire in the 8th century. The spread of Islam in the region began in the 11th century with the arrival of the Almoravids, a Berber dynasty.

In the 19th century, Mauritania came under French colonial rule, becoming part of French West Africa. It gained independence from France on November 28, 1960. The post-independence period was marked by political instability, including coups and military rule.

Geography[edit]

Mauritania is characterized by its vast desert landscapes, with the Sahara Desert covering much of the country. The climate is generally hot and arid, with limited rainfall. The country has a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, which is home to the Banc d'Arguin National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its biodiversity.

Demographics[edit]

The population of Mauritania is approximately 4.65 million people. The ethnic composition includes Moors (of Arab-Berber descent) and Sub-Saharan African groups such as the Fulani, Soninke, and Wolof. The official language is Arabic, and French is widely used in government and education.

Economy[edit]

Mauritania's economy is largely based on agriculture, livestock, and fishing. The country also has significant mineral resources, including iron ore, which is a major export. The discovery of offshore oil reserves has the potential to boost the economy further.

Culture[edit]

Mauritanian culture is a blend of Arab and African influences. Traditional music, dance, and poetry are important aspects of cultural life. The country is known for its rich oral traditions and the use of the Hassaniya Arabic dialect.

Politics[edit]

Mauritania is a semi-presidential republic, with a President serving as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government. The political landscape has been shaped by a history of military coups, with the most recent transition to civilian rule occurring in 2009.

Also see[edit]

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- [[File:Mauritania flag (2015-present).webp|thumb|Mauritania flag (2015-present).webp|left]] [[File:Rock Art Mauritania.jpg|thumb|Rock Art Mauritania.jpg]] [[File:Fort of Arguin 1721.jpg|thumb|Fort of Arguin 1721|right]] [[File:Johannes Vingboons - Aldus verthoon hem 't casteel Argijn uyt der zee (1665).jpg|thumb|Johannes Vingboons - Aldus verthoon hem 't casteel Argijn uyt der zee (1665)|right]] [[File:Central mosque in Nouakchott.jpg|thumb|Central mosque in Nouakchott.jpg]] '''Mauritania''' (Arabic: موريتانيا‎, Mūrītānyā), officially the '''Islamic Republic of Mauritania''', is a country in [[Northwest Africa]]. It is bordered by the [[Atlantic Ocean]] to the west, [[Western Sahara]] to the north and northwest, [[Algeria]] to the northeast, [[Mali]] to the east and southeast, and [[Senegal]] to the southwest. Mauritania is the eleventh largest country in Africa and has a population of approximately 4.5 million people. The capital and largest city is [[Nouakchott]], located on the Atlantic coast.
+[[File:United States Navy Band - Bilāda l-ʾubāti l-hudāti l-kirām.ogg|thumb]] [[File:Rock Art Mauritania.jpg|thumb]] [[File:Fort of Arguin 1721.jpg|thumb]] [[File:Johannes Vingboons - Aldus verthoon hem 't casteel Argijn uyt der zee (1665).jpg|thumb]] {{Infobox country
-== History ==
+| conventional_long_name = Islamic Republic of Mauritania
-The area that is now Mauritania has been inhabited since the [[Neolithic]] period. The ancient [[Berber]] kingdoms of [[Mauretania]] and [[Numidia]] were established in the region. In the 8th century, the area became part of the [[Islamic]] world through the spread of Islam by the [[Umayyad Caliphate]].
+| common_name = Mauritania
-In the 19th century, Mauritania became a French colony as part of [[French West Africa]]. It gained independence from France on November 28, 1960. The first President of Mauritania was [[Moktar Ould Daddah]], who established a one-party state. In 1978, a military coup d'état led to a series of military governments.
+| native_name = الجمهورية الإسلامية الموريتانية
-== Geography ==
+| capital = [[Nouakchott]]
-Mauritania is largely covered by the [[Sahara Desert]], with the exception of the fertile [[Senegal River]] valley in the south. The country has a hot, arid climate with limited rainfall. The highest point in Mauritania is [[Kediet ej Jill]], which stands at 915 meters (3,002 feet) above sea level.
+| largest_city = Nouakchott
-== Economy ==
+| official_languages = [[Arabic language|Arabic]]
-Mauritania's economy is based on agriculture, livestock, and mining. The country is rich in natural resources, including [[iron ore]], [[gold]], and [[copper]]. The [[fishing industry]] is also significant due to the rich fishing grounds off the Atlantic coast. Despite these resources, Mauritania remains one of the poorest countries in the world, with a high rate of poverty and unemployment.
+| government_type = Semi-presidential republic
-== Demographics ==
+| area_km2 = 1030700
-The population of Mauritania is composed of several ethnic groups, including the [[Moors]] (of Arab-Berber descent), [[Black Africans]], and [[Haratin]] (descendants of former slaves). The official language is [[Arabic]], and [[French]] is widely used in government and education. Other languages spoken include [[Pulaar]], [[Soninke]], and [[Wolof]].
+| population_estimate = 4,650,000
-== Culture ==
+| currency = [[Mauritanian ouguiya]] (MRU)
-Mauritania has a rich cultural heritage that reflects its diverse population. Traditional music, dance, and poetry are important aspects of Mauritanian culture. The country is known for its unique style of [[Moorish architecture]], which can be seen in historic cities such as [[Chinguetti]] and [[Ouadane]].
+}}
-== Politics ==
-Mauritania is a [[republic]] with a semi-presidential system. The President is the head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of government. The country has experienced political instability, including several coups d'état. The most recent coup occurred in 2008, leading to the establishment of a transitional government and subsequent elections.
+'''Mauritania''', officially the '''Islamic Republic of Mauritania''', is a country in [[Northwest Africa]]. It is bordered by the [[Atlantic Ocean]] to the west, [[Western Sahara]] to the north and northwest, [[Algeria]] to the northeast, [[Mali]] to the east and southeast, and [[Senegal]] to the southwest. Mauritania is the eleventh largest country in Africa, with an area of 1,030,700 square kilometers.
-== Religion ==
-Islam is the state religion of Mauritania, and nearly 100% of the population is Muslim. The practice of Islam in Mauritania is characterized by the [[Maliki]] school of Sunni jurisprudence. Religious practices and beliefs are deeply integrated into daily life and the legal system.
+==History==
-== Education ==
+The history of Mauritania is marked by the influence of various cultures and empires. The region was originally inhabited by Berber tribes, and later became part of the [[Ghana Empire]] in the 8th century. The spread of Islam in the region began in the 11th century with the arrival of the Almoravids, a Berber dynasty.
-Education in Mauritania is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 14. The education system faces challenges, including limited resources, low enrollment rates, and gender disparities. Higher education institutions include the [[University of Nouakchott]].
-== Health ==
+In the 19th century, Mauritania came under French colonial rule, becoming part of French West Africa. It gained independence from France on November 28, 1960. The post-independence period was marked by political instability, including coups and military rule.
-The healthcare system in Mauritania is underdeveloped, with limited access to medical services, especially in rural areas. Common health issues include [[malaria]], [[tuberculosis]], and malnutrition. Efforts are being made to improve healthcare infrastructure and services.
-== See also ==
+==Geography==
-* [[List of cities in Mauritania]]
+Mauritania is characterized by its vast desert landscapes, with the [[Sahara Desert]] covering much of the country. The climate is generally hot and arid, with limited rainfall. The country has a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, which is home to the [[Banc d'Arguin National Park]], a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its biodiversity.
-* [[Geography of Mauritania]]
-* [[Economy of Mauritania]]
+==Demographics==
-* [[Politics of Mauritania]]
+The population of Mauritania is approximately 4.65 million people. The ethnic composition includes Moors (of Arab-Berber descent) and Sub-Saharan African groups such as the Fulani, Soninke, and Wolof. The official language is Arabic, and French is widely used in government and education.
-* [[Culture of Mauritania]]
-== References ==
+==Economy==
-{{Reflist}}
+Mauritania's economy is largely based on agriculture, livestock, and fishing. The country also has significant mineral resources, including iron ore, which is a major export. The discovery of offshore oil reserves has the potential to boost the economy further.
-{{Commons category|Mauritania}}
-{{Wikiquote|Mauritania}}
+==Culture==
-{{Wikivoyage|Mauritania}}
+Mauritanian culture is a blend of Arab and African influences. Traditional music, dance, and poetry are important aspects of cultural life. The country is known for its rich oral traditions and the use of the [[Hassaniya Arabic]] dialect.
+==Politics==
+Mauritania is a semi-presidential republic, with a President serving as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government. The political landscape has been shaped by a history of military coups, with the most recent transition to civilian rule occurring in 2009.
+==Also see==
+* [[Nouakchott]]
+* [[Sahara Desert]]
+* [[Ghana Empire]]
+* [[French West Africa]]
+* [[Banc d'Arguin National Park]]
+{{Africa topic}}
+{{Countries of Africa}}
 [[Category:Countries in Africa]]
 [[Category:North African countries]]
-[[Category:Arabic-speaking countries and territories]]
+[[Category:Arab League member states]]
 [[Category:French-speaking countries and territories]]
-[[Category:Islamic republics]]
-[[Category:Least developed countries]]
-[[Category:Member states of the African Union]]
-[[Category:Member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation]]
-[[Category:Member states of the United Nations]]
-[[Category:States and territories established in 1960]]
-{{Africa-topic-stub}}