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

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

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

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

From BBC • Nov. 25, 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

Simon, Surnamed Zelotes, preached the gospel in Mauritania, Africa, and even in Britain, which latter country he was crucified, A. D. 74.

From Fox's Book of Martyrs Or A History of the Lives, Sufferings, and Triumphant Deaths of the Primitive Protestant Martyrs by Foxe, John