Mauritania: Overview

Leave lone footprints in the endless sands of this mysterious, desolate Saharan country.

Mauritania is venturing through towns blanketed in sand, crossing moon-like plateaus, taking camel treks across dunes, travelling the longest, dustiest train in the world and gazing at ancient Saharan architecture. One thousand-mile stare coming up.

Travel Warning: Land Mines - Border Disputes - Caution Advised

Those planning to travel through the disputed territory of Western Sahara should note that many areas are mined. The border areas with Algeria and along the northern border with Mali should be avoided due to banditry.

In December 2007, four French tourists were murdered in the Aleg region; more recently, the French government cancelled the 2008 Dakar Rally due to security concerns across Mauritania. In view of these developments, travellers should exercise a high level of caution when visiting the country.

severity: Mid-level alert

Fast Facts

Country Full Name

Islamic Republic of Mauritania

Population

2,500,000

Currency

Name: Ouguiya
Code: MRO
Symbol: UM

Electrical Plugs

European plug with two circular metal pins
220V 50Hz

Languages Spoken

Official: Arabic

Time Zones

GMT/UTC +0 

Country Dialing Code

+222

Weights & Measures

Metric

Traveller Tips & Discussion

Thorn Tree Forum

  • Mauritania
    Post by: tdtd, 29 Aug 07
    2 Replies
    Last reply: 406 days ago
  • Mauritania
    Post by: philbert122@hotmail.com, 23 Apr 08
    4 Replies
    Last reply: 168 days ago
  • border with Mauritania
    Post by: tothosethatdare@yahoo.co.uk, 20 Dec 07
    3 Replies
    Last reply: 293 days ago
  • Mauritania Surf
    Post by: vlal008, 19 Jul 07
    2 Replies
    Last reply: 447 days ago
  • Coup in Mauritania
    Post by: WanderinWilco, 07 Aug 08
    3 Replies
    Last reply: 62 days ago

View more Thorn Tree threads ›

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Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.

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