Mauritania
Geographic & General info
- Capital: Nouakchott
- Population: approx. 4.8 million
- Languages: Arabic (official), Pulaar, Soninke, Wolof, French
- Area: 1,030,700 km²
- Time Zone: UTC+0 (GMT)
- Currency: Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU)
- Flag Colors: Green, gold yellow, red (with golden crescent and star)
- National Holiday: November 28
- National Anthem: Bilada al-Abit al-Hudat
- Neighboring Countries: Western Sahara, Algeria, Mali, Senegal
Top 15 Largest Cities
- Nouakchott
- Nouadhibou
- Kiffa
- Kaédi
- Rosso
- Zouérat
- Atar
- Sélibaby
- Bogué
- Aïoun el Atrouss
- Boutilimit
- Tidjikja
- Néma
- Aleg
- Chinguetti
Top 15 Highlights
- Ancient Desert City of Chinguetti (UNESCO World Heritage)
- Banc d'Arguin National Park
- Richat Structure (Eye of the Sahara)
- Terjit Oasis
- Ouadane Ancient Ksour
- Erg Amatlich Sand Dunes
- Pass of Tichit
- Erg Chech
- Nouakchott Fish Market & Port (Port de Pêche)
- Mauritania Iron Ore Train (Zouérat to Nouadhibou)
- Ben Amera (Africa's largest monolith)
- Diawling National Park
- Ksar el Barka
- Tichitt Historic Fortified Village
- National Museum & Library of Nouakchott
Climate and Nature
Mauritania is dominated by a hot, hyper-arid desert climate (Sahara) with scarce rainfall and frequent sandstorms (Harmattan). Only the far south along the Senegal River experiences Sahelian conditions. The geography features vast rolling sand dunes, rocky plateaus, palm-filled oases, and rich coastal wetlands bordering the Atlantic.
Culture and Gastronomy
Mauritanian culture blends Moorish/Berber nomadic customs with Sub-Saharan African traditions. Hospitality and the traditional three-round tea ceremony are central to daily social life. Coastal cuisine heavily relies on fish, while inland dishes center on lamb or camel meat. Popular meals include Thieboudienne (fish and rice), Mechoui (roasted lamb), and Couscous.
Economy
The economy relies primarily on iron ore exports and rich commercial fisheries off its Atlantic coastline. Gold and copper mining alongside traditional pastoral livestock farming also provide critical income, complemented by emerging offshore natural gas developments.
Did you know?
- The Richat Structure, known as the "Eye of the Sahara", is a massive 40 km geological circular formation easily visible from space.
- Mauritania's iron ore train between Zouérat and Nouadhibou is one of the longest and heaviest freight trains in the world, often spanning over 2.5 kilometers in length.
- Banc d'Arguin National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the globe's most vital winter sanctuaries for millions of migratory birds.
- The desert libraries of Chinguetti house ancient medieval Islamic manuscripts preserved for centuries in the heart of the Sahara.
- Ben Amera, located near the border with Western Sahara, is considered the world's second-largest natural monolith after Uluru in Australia.
Live footage: Discover Mauritania via webcams and livestreams
Watch the most current webcams in Mauritania and enjoy real-time footage from beautiful locations. Whether you want to check the current weather, see the crowds at points of interest, or simply want to daydream with a livestream from Mauritania: our interactive map points you to the best camera viewpoints.
All webcam locations in Mauritania: Weather & Info
In the list below you'll find all available webcams from Mauritania in alphabetical order. Click on a city for the full live connection, current temperature, wind speed and local weather conditions for that specific place.
