People & place
5 /km² across 1,030,700 km²
Mauritania has a recorded population of 5,169,395 and a reported surface area of 1,030,700 km².
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Western AfricaMauritania
موريتانيا
Mauritania is a country or territory in Western Africa. Its capital is Nouakchott.
- Population
- 5.2M5 /km²
- Surface area
- 1,030,700 km²
- GDP
- $10.9B$2K per capita
- Capital
- Nouakchott
Mauritania is located in Western Africa, and its capital is Nouakchott. It has a population of approximately 5,169,395 and covers an area of about 1,030,700 km². Its official currency is the Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU).
What stands out
Economic snapshot
$10.91 billion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $10.91 billion and GDP per capita at $2,110 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Practical reference
Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU)
Mauritania uses Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU), calling code +222, internet domain .mr.
About Mauritania
Mauritania is a country in Northwest Africa, known for its vast deserts, rich history, and cultural diversity.
It spans the Sahara Desert and offers an arid climate, with the Atlantic coast providing a few sandy beaches, and the main cities including Nouakchott and Nouadhibou.
Mauritanian culture blends Arab, Berber, and African traditions, featuring music such as the traditional violin and m'rab, camel racing, and a strong literary and Islamic heritage.
The area has seen ancient Carthaginian influence, Arab conquests, French colonization until 1960, and post-independence struggles to balance tribal and modern governance.
Key facts
- Official languages: Arabic and French.
- Population around 5.8 million.
- Currency: Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU).
- Capital city: Nouakchott.
- Largest city: Nouakchott with a population of about 2.5 million.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Country data & reference
Capital
Nouakchott
Population
5,169,395 (5 /km²)
Surface Area
1,030,700 km²
GDP
$10.91 billion (2024)
GDP per Capita
$2,110 (2024)
Region / Subregion
Native Name
موريتانيا
Nationality
Mauritanian
Currency
Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU - UM)Phone Code
+222
Top-Level Domain
.mr
ISO Codes
MR / MRT
Coordinates
20, -12
Time zones
- Africa/Nouakchott (UTC\u00b100)
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
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Mauritania: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Mauritania?
The capital of Mauritania is Nouakchott.
What is the population of Mauritania?
Mauritania has a recorded population of approximately 5,169,395 people.
How big is Mauritania?
Mauritania covers an area of about 1,030,700 km².
What is the population density of Mauritania?
Mauritania has a population density of roughly 5 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of Mauritania?
Mauritania has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $10.91 billion as of 2024.
What is the GDP per capita of Mauritania?
Mauritania has a GDP per capita of approximately $2,110.
What currency is used in Mauritania?
Mauritania uses the Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU), with the symbol UM.
Where is Mauritania located?
Mauritania is located in Western Africa, Africa.
What is the native name of Mauritania?
The native name of Mauritania is موريتانيا.
What are people from Mauritania called?
People from Mauritania are referred to as Mauritanian.
What is the phone calling code for Mauritania?
The international dialing code for Mauritania is +222.
What is the internet domain for Mauritania?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Mauritania is .mr.
What time zone is Mauritania in?
Mauritania uses the Africa/Nouakchott time zone.
What is Mauritania known for?
Mauritania is a country in Northwest Africa, known for its vast deserts, rich history, and cultural diversity.
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