Mauritania

Whether you’re traveling to Mauritania for business or pleasure, there are different ways to get there and countless things to do once you arrive. Traveling to Mauritania does not necessarily entail flying across bodies of water or over land by airplane. Some alternative travel methods include biking trips, road trips, boat rides or cruises.

For travelers to Mauritania, it is important to bring proper documentation such as passports and identification. Make sure these records are up-to-date and will not expire during the excursion. For many travelers who are Mauritania bound, knowing how to pack for the trip, what to do first, and how to get around can be a challenge. But like everything, the more you travel, the more your traveling skills will improve. And what better place to hone those skills than in Mauritania

Mauritania is an exciting place to be. In some instances, its eye-opening experiences and breathtaking sights can dramatically change the visitor’s life. Some people prefer to travel with people they know, while others like to come on their own and meet new friends along the way. But regardless of how or with whom you come, traveling to Mauritania is guaranteed to lead to a new adventure every step of the way.
To get valuable ideas on when to go, how to get there, and what to do once you’re there, search the About-Travel site for suggestions and tips for your next trip.

Location:
Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Senegal and Western Sahara
Geographic coordinates:
20 00 N, 12 00 W
Map references:
Africa
Area:
Total: 1,030,700 sq km
Land: 1,030,400 sq km
Water: 300 sq km
Area - comparative:
Slightly larger than three times the size of New Mexico
Land boundaries:
Total: 5,074 km
Border countries:
Algeria 463 km, Mali 2,237 km, Senegal 813 km, Western Sahara 1,561 km
Coastline:
754 km
Climate:
Desert; constantly hot, dry, dusty
Terrain:
Mostly barren, flat plains of the Sahara; some central hills
Elevation extremes:
Lowest point: Sebkhet Te-n-Dghamcha -5 m
Highest point: Kediet Ijill 915 m
Natural resources:
Iron ore, gypsum, copper, phosphate, diamonds, gold, oil, fish
Geography - note:
Most of the population concentrated in the cities of Nouakchott and Nouadhibou and along the Senegal River in the southern part of the country
Population:
3,177,388 (July 2006 est.)
Nationality:
Mauritanian(s)
Ethnic groups:
mixed Moor/black 40%, Moor 30%, black 30%
Religions:
Muslim 100%
Languages:
Arabic (official), Pulaar, Soninke, French, Hassaniya, Wolof
Country name:
Conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Mauritania
Conventional short form: Mauritania
Local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Islamiyah al Muritaniyah
Local short form: Muritaniyah
Government type:
Republic
Capital:
Nouakchott
Administrative divisions:
12 regions (regions, singular - region) and 1 capital district; Adrar, Assaba, Brakna, Dakhlet Nouadhibou, Gorgol, Guidimaka, Hodh Ech Chargui, Hodh El Gharbi, Inchiri, Nouakchott, Tagant, Tiris Zemmour, Trarza
Independence:
28 November 1960 (from France)
National holiday:
Independence Day, 28 November (1960)
Currency :
Ouguiya (MRO)
Exchange rates:
Ouguiyas per US dollar - 271.3 (2006), 267.04 (2005), 265.8 (2004), 263.03 (2003), 271.74 (2002)

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