West Africa.

GMT.

1,030,700 sq km (397,950 sq miles).

3.3 million (CIA estimate 2007).

3.2 per sq km.

Nouakchott. Population: 600,000 (UN estimate 2003).

Mauritania is bordered by Algeria, Mali, Western Sahara (Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic) and Senegal. To the west lies the Atlantic Ocean. Mauritania consists mainly of the vast Saharan plain of sand and scrub. Most of this area is a sea of sand dunes, but in places the land rises to rocky plateaux with deep ravines leaving isolated peaks. The Adrar plateau in the central region rises to 500m (1,640ft), and the Tagant further south to 600m (1,970ft). The area is scattered with towns, small villages and oases. The northern bank of the Senegal River, which forms the country’s southern border, is the only area in the country with any degree of permanent vegetation and it supports a wide variety of wildlife.

Republic. Gained independence from France in 1960. 

President Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi since 2007. 

A military council was formed following a bloodless coup in August 2005. The council, headed by Colonel Ely Ould Mohammed Vall, said it had acted to end a 'totalitarian' regime and promised to hold presidential elections within two years. It appointed veteran politician Sidy Mohamed Ould Boubacar as prime minister. Vall handed over to new president Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi following elections on 25 March 2007.

The official language is Arabic but French is widely spoken. The Moors of Arab/Berber stock, speaking Hassaniya dialects of Arabic, comprise the majority of the people. Other dialects include Soninke, Poular and Wolof. English is increasingly spoken.

Islam is the official religion. Despite ethnic and cultural differences among Mauritanians, they are all bound by a common Muslim attachment to the Malekite sect.

220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are normal.

Islam has been the major influence in this country since the seventh and eighth centuries and visitors should respect the religious laws and customs. Dress for women should be uncompromisingly modest. Nearly all the population have traditionally been nomadic herdsmen. The bulk of the population is divided into two main Moorish groups, the Bidan (55%) and the Harattin (20%), with the non-Moorish population concentrated in the Senegal River area. Different classes and tribes tend to be contiguous.