Mauritania

[mawr-i-tey-nee-uh]

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.

Mauritania

/ 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)

Other Word Forms

• Mauritanian adjective

Example Sentences

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

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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.

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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.

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The Security Council had previously urged Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria and Mauritania to resume talks to reach a broad agreement.

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Sambe advised neighbouring Senegal and Mauritania "to fully assess the threat".

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