Mauritania (Islamic Republic of Mauritania) is a country located in northwestern Africa. Washed by the Atlantic Ocean. It borders Western Sahara, Algeria, Mali and Senegal. The capital is Nouakchott. The form of government is a presidential republic. The head of state is the president.
Climate. In general, the country is characterized by a dry and hot climate, but there are differences between regions. Most of Mauritania is inland and experiences a dry climate. Summer (April to October) is characterized by high temperatures that can exceed 40°C, especially inland. In winter (November to March) temperatures can be more comfortable, but still quite high, ranging from 20-30°C. There is practically no precipitation and the climate is dry. Mauritania is exposed to the Sahara Desert (khamsin) and monsoon winds. Coastal areas, especially west and south of the capital Nouakchott, have a more temperate climate, with less temperature variation and higher humidity. 60% of the country's territory is occupied by the Western Sahara Desert, which causes sandstorms and droughts in this region.
Number. In 2023, the population was 4,244,878.
Language. In Mauritania, the official languages are Arabic and French. Arabic is widely used in everyday life, education and business. Arabic dialects may vary in different regions of the country. French is used for government and administrative purposes, as well as in education and the media. It is the language of education in the country. Given Mauritania's ethnic diversity, there are many local languages and dialects that can also be used in everyday communication.
Mauritania is one of the most economically underdeveloped countries in the world. More than 40% of the population is below the poverty level. Mauritania is rich in natural resources, including iron ore, oil and gas, and exports them. Oil and gas, in particular, play an important role in the economy and provide a significant share of the country's income. Many Mauritanians (50% of the population) are engaged in agricultural work. Exports include iron ore, gold, copper ore, frozen fish, shellfish and seafood. The main buyer is China.
The health system provides free medical services in public health facilities. However, access to quality health care may not be available, especially in remote areas.
Education at the basic level, including primary and secondary education, is free and compulsory. But the quality of education may leave much to be desired, and not everyone has access to higher education.
The government provides some social benefits and compensation for the most vulnerable groups of the population, such as pensions for senior citizens and benefits for children, but social protection for the unemployed or people in difficult life situations is poorly developed. This leaves unemployed and low-wage workers vulnerable to economic hardship.
