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

Since late October there has been a steady influx of refugees into Mauritania from Mali where the security situation remains "very unstable", according to UNHCR.

From Barron's • Dec. 26, 2025

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

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

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

Jugurtha being greatly distressed in his affairs, had recourse to Bocchus king of Mauritania, whose daughter he had married.

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