Who are the people?
Mauritania gained independence from France in 1960. It is now a highly centralized Islamic republic dominated by a strong presidency. The official language is Arabic. Mauritanians also speak Hassinya, Poular, Soninke,Wolof, and French.

Half of Mauritania’s people still depend on agriculture for a livelihood. In the past thirty years, recurrent droughts have forced many nomads and subsistence farmers to move into the cities. These urban areas could not cope with this influx, which resulted in high unemployment and a dire lack of social services such as medical care and sanitation.

Lack of potable water is Mauritania’s biggest problem. In many rural areas, less than 10 percent of the people have access to drinkable water.

Mauritanians live on a simple starchy diet of couscous or rice. Families can rarely afford meat or fish. Fruit, most of which is imported, is considered a luxury. Vegetables are not popular, as they are expensive and hard to grow in the desert soil.

Mauritanians are renowned for their kind hospitality. Even the poorest host will serve houseguests small glasses of sweet mint tea.
Mauritania gained independence from France in 1960. It is now a highly centralized Islamic republic

Country Comparison	Mauritania	United States
Population	2.8 million	295.4 million
Land Mass	397,955 sq. miles	3,537,439 sq. miles
Life Expectancy	51.5 years	78 years
Infant Mortality Rate (per 1,000)	78	7
Literacy Rate	41%	97%
Primary School Enrollment	44%	92%
Access to Safe Water	37%	100%
Average Annual Income (GNI per capita)	$350	$41,400

What is it like to live there?
Mauritania is made up of nearly 40 percent desert and 30 percent semi-desert. It is located in northwestern Africa, on the Atlantic Ocean. Western Sahara and Algeria border it to the north, and a narrow band of fertile land along the Senegal river forms the border between Senegal and Mauritania to the south.

Overall, the climate is hot, dry, and dusty. The most comfortable time of year is between November and February when temperatures range from 85°F by day to 55°F in the evenings. From March to May, high winds and blowing sand make travel difficult. It is hottest from June to October, averaging 104°F. The brief rainy season lasts from June to September. Mauritania frequently experiences long-lasting droughts.

Mauritania's main exports are fish and iron ore. The country is home to the world's longest freight train. The more than 1.5 mile-long train carries iron ore from central Zouirat to the port of Nouadhibou.

Mauritania's capital, Nouakchott ("place of blowing sands,") is one of the fastest growing cities in Africa. Currently, almost a third of Mauritania's population resides here. Thousands of nomadic herders migrate to the city annually in search of work as the growing desert continues to consume pastureland and their way of life.
Mauritania is made up of nearly 40 percent desert and 30 percent semi-desert. It is located in nort
Mauritania Projects
With the support of generous donors like you, World Vision is partnering with families throughout Mauritania to build brighter futures filled with hope for their children.

Many activities are under way to help meet immediate needs and promote lasting changes that will strengthen communities and move families toward self-reliance.

Unfortunately, at this time, online picture folders are not available from Mauritania.

You may still be able to sponsor a child from Mauritania by clicking here and submitting a special request.