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

Migrant boats have been forced to leave from further south, notably from The Gambia and Guinea, adding to the journey -- and dangers -- at sea, after Senegal, Mauritania and Morocco increased maritime patrols.

From Barron's • Jan. 2, 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

Jihadists have set up roadblocks in the south and west of the landlocked country near the borders with Senegal and Mauritania, from which vital goods are imported every day.

From Barron's • Nov. 10, 2025

Mauritania has an estimated 1 billion barrels of proved reserves.

From The 2007 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency