Mauritania

Introduction to Mauritania

The Islamic Republic of Mauritania, or Mauritania, is a country in northwest Africa. Its coast faces the Atlantic Ocean on the west, with Senegal on the south-west, Mali on the east and south-east, Algeria on the north-east, with the Moroccan-annexed territory of Western Sahara on the north-west. The capital and largest city is Nouakchott, located on the Atlantic coast. It is named after the ancient Berber kingdom of Mauretania.

Political parties, illegal during the military period, were legalized again in 1991. By April 1992, as civilian rule returned, 16 major political parties had been recognized; 12 major political parties were active in 2004. Most opposition parties boycotted the first legislative election in 1992, and for nearly a decade the parliament has been dominated by the PRDS. The opposition participated in municipal elections in January-February 1994 and subsequent Senate elections, most recently in April 2004, gaining representation at the local level as well as three seats in the Senate.

Mauritania, along with Morocco, illegally annexed the territory of Western Sahara in 1976, with Mauritania taking the lower one-third. After several military losses to Polisario, Mauritania retreated in 1979, and their claims were taken by Morocco. Due to economic weakness, Mauritania has been a negligible player in the territorial dispute, with its official position being that it wishes for an expedient solution that is mutually agreeable to all parties.

Mauritania is generally flat, its 1,030,700 square kilometres forming vast, arid plains broken by occasional ridges and clifflike outcroppings. A series of scarps face southwest, longitudinally bisecting these plains in the centre of the country. The scarps also separate a series of sandstone plateaus, the highest of which is the Adrar Plateau, reaching an elevation of 500 meters. Spring-fed oases lie at the foot of some of the scarps. Isolated peaks, often rich in minerals, rise above the plateaus; the smaller peaks are called guelbs and the larger ones kedias. The concentric Guelb er Richat is a prominent feature of the north-central region. Kediet Ijill, near the city of Zouîrât, has an elevation of 1,000 meters and is the highest peak.

Official Canadian government advisories for travelling to, in and around Mauritania

On August 3, 2005, Mauritania experienced a coup d'état. The country is currently stable, and no violence has been reported either during or following the coup. However, Canadians should be aware that the political situation could destabilize without warning. They should monitor local news, be vigilant, and avoid events where demonstrations may occur.

In August and September 2004, coup d'état attempts were put down by government forces in Mauritania.

Petty crimes such as pickpocketing, residential break-ins, thefts, and assaults occasionally occur. Violent crime is infrequent. You should avoid beaches and neighbourhoods around Nouakchott and "le Cinquième," particularly after dark. Unpatrolled beaches should be avoided at all times.

Demonstrations and political gatherings can turn violent. There have been reports of demonstrations in Nouakchott involving stone throwing and tire burning, but foreigners were not targeted. In August 2004, 20 arrests were made.

Travel near the borders with Algeria, Mali, and Western Sahara is dangerous due to banditry. The northern border with Algeria and Western Sahara is now open and travellers are permitted to cross it, although the restriction has not been officially lifted. The northern area beyond the Ouakara-Tichitt-Ouadane-Zouérate line (one third of the country) is desert. Armed Tuaregs (nomads) are active in this area and occasionally attack travellers, stealing their belongings and vehicles. Attempts to resist have resulted in violence, including murder. Only convoys arranged by professional guides should venture into the desert.