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 9th-15th centuries: Southern Mauritania goes through the hands of several kingdoms: Ghana, Mali, and Sanghay 15th century: Portuguese begin to trade along the coast. 1920: Becomes a French colony. 1960-61: Gains independence and establishes a new constitution. 1978: President is overthrown by military coup. 1984: Military leader overthrown, steps are made to reinstate democracy. |
MAURITANIA Islamic Republic of Mauritania
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Location Mauritania is located in Northern Africa, between Senegal and Western Sahara. |
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Size over three times the size of New Mexico |
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Coastline Mauritania's western side borders the Atlantic Ocean. |
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Terrain Mauritania is mostly barren and flat with some central hills. |
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Land use 1% of Mauritania is fertile and can be used to grow crops. None of the land is used for permanent crops. 38% is taken up by pastures and meadows. 5% of the land is made up of forests. 56% is left over for other uses. |
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Capital Nouakchott, which is home to more than 350,000 people, is Mauritania's capital. |
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Independence On November 28, 1960 Mauritania gained independence from France. |
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National holiday Independence Day, November 28 (1960) |
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Languages Hasaniya Arabic and Wolof are the official languages, but people also speak Pular and Soninke. |
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Population 2, 260,000 (1995 est.) |
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Age 48% of all Mauritanians are between 0-14 years of age. 49% of the population is between 15-64 years old. The remaining 3% are 65 years and over. |
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Life expectancy at birth Male Mauritanians are expected to live to be 46. Female Mauritanians are expected to live to be 52. |
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Total fertility rate Women have an average of 7 children each. |
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Ethnic divisions 30% of Mauritanians are Black, 30% of Mauritanians are Maur, and 40% are mixed Maur/Black. |
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Religions All Mauritanians are Muslim. |
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Literacy 35% of all Mauritanians are literate. 46% of males can read and write. 25% of females can read and write. |
