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

He also scored his first international goal in March, against Mauritania, one of an eclectic mix of opponents for Scaloni's side in friendlies played this year.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

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

"I spent 15 days there. Then I decided to leave for Mauritania with my wife and children," Ahmed said.

From BBC • Nov. 25, 2025

She was forced to flee the Malian town of Lere, near the border with Mauritania, after her community came under a total blockade by jihadists some two weeks ago.

From Barron's • Nov. 10, 2025

For now, however, Mauritania remains, a   one-party state.

From The 2005 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency