Mauritania
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Capital
Nouakchott
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Local time
19:19
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Population
3.81 m
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Driving side
Right
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Calling code
+222
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Currency
UM MRO (ouguiya)
Mauritania
-
Capital
Nouakchott
-
Local time
19:19
-
Population
3.81 m
-
Driving side
Right
-
Calling code
+222
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Currency
UM MRO (ouguiya)
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Petrol price
€ 1.53 pl
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Precipitation
92mm /year
Geography & travel
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Country Area
1 030 700 km2
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Protected Area
1%
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Agricultural area
38%
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Railways
728km
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Annual air passengers
280 214
Population
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Ethnicity
mixed Maur/black - 40 %
Maur - 30 %
black - 30 %
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Religion
Islam - 100 %
Islam - 100 %
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Literacy rates
51.2%
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Languages
Arabic
Pulaar
Soninke
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Armed Forces
20 850
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Murders
10 per 100k
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Alcohol consumption
0.1 l/person
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Smoking
44%
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Diabetes
2.3%
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Malaria
74%
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Tuberculosis
107 per 100k
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HIV
0.5%
Economy
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Industries
fish processing, oil production, mining, gold
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Agriculture
dates, millet, sorghum, rice, corn, cattle, sheep
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Natural Resources
iron ore, gypsum, copper, phosphate, diamonds, gold, oil, fish
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Natural Resources
iron ore, gypsum, copper, phosphate, diamonds, gold, oil, fish
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Renewable Energy
32%
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CO2 Emissions
2 710kt
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Ease of Business
150 (Best=1, Worst=200)
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ATMs per 100k people
9
What not to do when visiting Mauritania
Mauritania Don’t forget to shake hands when greeting (same sex), although the hands are generally not shaken up and down, but clasped and held. A verbal greeting or nod of acknowledgement is the norm for greeting between men and women, accompanied by placing the right hand in the middle of the chest.
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Mauritania Don’t forget to dress and behave conservatively - don’t wear tight and uncovering clothes.
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Mauritania Don’t eat, drink, smoke or chew chewing gum in public during the holy month of Ramadan.
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Did you know?
Mauritania was the last country in the world to abolish slavery in 2007.
Mauritania Don’t try to import religious materials - Mauritania recognises Islam as the sole religion of its citizens and the state. Participation in Christian gatherings and activities is illegal.
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Mauritania Don’t import alcoholic drinks, even alcohol bought in duty-free on an inbound flight may result in a high fine and confiscation.
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Mauritania Don’t be surprised by little personal space and direct communication style in conversations, especially between same sex.
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Mauritania Don’t show the love affection in public - don’t forget the married couples are not allowed to hold hands in public in Mauritania.
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Mauritania Don’t necessarily travel on your own to the border region near Western Sahara - it’s still heavily mined. The border areas near Algeria and Mali are known for a higher probability of banditry - it's better to have a local guide around.
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Tell us your experience
We love to hear from people who have travelled the world and know ‘what not to do’. Why not help other people on their travels?
Mauritania Don’t forget the rainy season extends from July to October.
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