Basic Information About Mauritania:

Population: The population of Mauritania is 4,208,387.

GDP:  $15.5 billion (2016)

Climate: In the south, however, rainfall is higher with a rainy season which runs from July to September. The coast is tempered by trade winds and is mild with the exception of the hot Nouakchott region (where the rainy season begins a month later). Deserts are cooler and windy in March and April. 

People:  The local population is divided into three main ethnic tiers: Bidhan, Haratin, and West Africans. The Bidhan or Moors represent around 30% of residents. They speak Hassaniya Arabic, but are primarily of Sahrawi Berber origin.

Religion:  Islam is by far the largest and most influential religion in the country, and has been since the 10th century. According to government census, 100% of the country’s citizens are Muslim. Like much of North Africa, Mauritanians follow the Maliki school of Islam.

Capital:  Nouakchott is the sprawling capital of Mauritania. 

Language:  The official language is Arabic but French is widely spoken. The Moors of Arab/Berber stock, speaking Hassaniya dialects of Arabic, comprise the majority of the people. Other dialects include Soninke, Poular and Wolof.

Currency:  The Mauritanian Ouguiya is the currency of Mauritania.

Time Zone: UTC+00:00