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

• Mauritanian adjective

Example Sentences

He has credited Spain's cooperation with Mauritania and other African countries for the decline in arrivals to the Canaries.

From Barron's

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

The shopkeeper we spoke to has fled Mali and is now living in a refugee camp across the border in Mauritania.

From BBC

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

Meanwhile, Indian passport holders have visa-free entry to 57 countries, just like the citizens of the African country Mauritania, which shares the 85th rank with India.

From BBC