Mauritania

American  

[mawr-i-tey-nee-uh] / ˌmɔr ɪˈteɪ ni ə /

noun

1. Official Name Islamic Republic of Mauritania.  a republic in western Africa, largely in the Sahara Desert: formerly a French colony; a member of the French Community 1958–66; independent 1960. 418,120 sq. mi. (1,082,931 sq. km). Nouakchott.

2. Mauretania.

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Mauritania British  

/ ˌmɒrɪˈteɪnɪə /

noun

1. Official name: Islamic Republic of Mauritania.  a republic in NW Africa, on the Atlantic: established as a French protectorate in 1903 and a colony in 1920; gained independence in 1960; lies in the Sahara; contains rich resources of iron ore. Official language: Arabic; Fulani, Soninke, Wolof, and French are also spoken. Official religion: Muslim. Currency: ouguiya. Capital: Nouakchott. Pop: 3 437 610 (2013 est). Area: 1 030 700 sq km (398 000 sq miles)

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• Mauritanian
  adjective

Example Sentences

There’s also an opportunity for deeper security partnerships with other nearby countries, including Mauritania, Ghana, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

More than 1,100 people fleeing insecurity in Mali have crossed into Mauritania this week, the UN refugee agency reported Friday, saying conditions were "difficult" for the newcomers.

From Barron's • Dec. 26, 2025

The conflict has forced nearly 50,000 people to flee to M'berra refugee camp in Mauritania, according to the UN refugee agency.

From BBC • Nov. 25, 2025

Between 2,000 and 3,000 people have fled to Mauritania from Lere and its surroundings in the last two weeks, according to the United Nations refugee agency.

From Barron's • Nov. 10, 2025

Syphax, being overcome in a battle, in which it is said he lost thirty thousand men, escaped into Mauritania.

From The Ancient History of the Egyptians, Carthaginians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Medes and Persians, Macedonians and Grecians (Vol. 1 of 6) by Rollin, Charles