Mauritania

• Capital of Mauritania: Nouakchott
• Total Area: 1,030,700 km² (397,955 mi²) (Rank 29)
• Population: 5,169,395 (Rank 126) - (2024 estimate)
• Location: Northwestern Africa
• Languages of Mauritania: Arabic (official), French, other local languages
• Religions in Mauritania: Sunni Islam (official)
• Ethnic groups in Mauritania: Haratin 40%, Arab (Beidane) 30%, Halpulaar, Fulani, Mande, and Wolof 30%.
• Currency: Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU)
• Time zone: UTC+0 (GMT). Daylight saving time is not observed.
• Calling code: (+222)
• Organizations: United Nations
• Border countries (4): Algeria 460 km (285 mi), Mali 2,236 km (1,389 mi), Morocco 1,564 km (971 mi), Senegal 742 km (461 mi).
• Coastline: 754 km (469 mi)
• Maritime boundaries: Atlantic Ocean

Major Cities and Regions of Mauritania

1. Nouakchott

• Region: Nouakchott regions.
• Description: The capital and largest city of Mauritania. Located in the southwestern part of the country, it is one of the largest cities in the Sahara. The city serves as the hub of the Mauritanian economy, featuring a deepwater port and Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport, one of the country's two international airports. It also hosts the University of Nouakchott and several other specialized institutions of higher learning.

2. Nouadhibou

• Region: Dakhlet Nouadhibou region.
• Description: The second largest city in Mauritania and a major commercial center. Located on a 65-kilometer peninsula called Ras Nouadhibou (Cap Blanc), just two kilometers from the border between Mauritania and Western Sahara. Nouadhibou is a major port for fishing and mining activities.

3. Chinguetti

• Region: Adrar region.
• Description: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and home of the historic Chinguetti Mosque. Founded in the 13th century as a center for trans-Saharan trade routes, this small city is famous for its simple architecture, desert scenery, and ancient libraries containing historical manuscripts. The city is seriously threatened by encroaching desert sands.

4. Atar

• Region: Adrar region.
• Description: A town in northwestern Mauritania, the capital of the Adrar Region and the main settlement on the Adrar Plateau. Located in the Oued Seguellil valley, it is home to an airport, a museum, and a historic mosque constructed in 1674. Atar serves as a gateway to Chinguett and other desert cities.

5. Tichit

• Region: Tagant region.
• Description: A historic town for explorers and romantics. Built on the high plains of eastern Mauritania, it was a major trading centre for salt throughout history. The medieval trading settlement at Tichit is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for its ornate mosques that punctuate the barren desert landscape.

6. Kaédi

• Region: Gorgol region.
• Description: Located in southern Mauritania on the banks of the Senegal River. An important agricultural center in a region dependent on farming. Known for its traditional mud-brick buildings and vibrant market. Located in a greener area than most of Mauritania due to its proximity to the Senegal River.

7. Zouérat

• Region: Tiris Zemmour region.
• Description: A mining town located in northern Mauritania near the border with Western Sahara. Famous for being a center of iron ore mining, hosting one of the world's largest iron mines. Connected by a 700 km railway network that transports iron to the port of Nouadhibou.

8. Sélibaby

• Region: Guidimaka region.
• Description: Located in far southern Mauritania near the border with Senegal. The capital of Guidimaka region, located in a greener area that receives more rainfall than the rest of the country. Known as an agricultural center with a rich cultural heritage.

9. Rosso

• Region: Trarza region.
• Description: A border town located on the Senegal River, facing the Senegalese city of Rosso. An important crossing point between Mauritania and Senegal, with commercial significance due to its geographical location connecting Mauritania to West Africa.