Mauritania: Saharan Nation

Mauritania, in northwest Africa, is mostly covered by the Sahara Desert. The country bridges Arab North Africa and sub-Saharan Black Africa, creating unique cultural blend, though also historical tensions and slavery issues.

Nouakchott, the capital, has grown from a small village to a major city as nomadic populations settled. The ancient cities of Chinguetti, Ouadane, Tichitt, and Oualata are UNESCO World Heritage sites, showing medieval trans-Saharan trade heritage. The iron ore train, one of the world's longest, crosses the desert.

Mauritania's population includes Moors (Arab-Berber) and Black African groups. Arabic is official, though French and several African languages are spoken. Fishing in Atlantic waters and iron ore mining drive the economy. Mauritania was one of the last countries to officially abolish slavery (1981), though practices reportedly continue. Despite challenges, Mauritanians maintain hospitality traditions and nomadic cultural heritage.