Mauritania is the state's position in the world. Full description of Mauritania. Government and politics
Although slavery has been abolished in the country twice: in 1980 and 2007, in fact, about 20% of the population of Mauritania are slaves.
And this amounts to almost 600 thousand people. The slaves are mostly blacks who belong to the ruling Berber class. Slaves are slaves at all times.
They have no personal, political or economic rights, and their children become slave owners.
The official name of the state is Islamic Republic of Mauritania. It borders Western Sahara, Senegal, Algeria and Mali. In the west it is washed by the Atlantic Ocean.
State symbols
Flag– is a rectangular panel with an aspect ratio of 2:3, green, with a horizontal crescent and a five-pointed star above it, yellow, in the center of the flag. The green color of the flag and the crescent with a star symbolize Islam, the main religion of the country, the yellow color of the crescent and star symbolizes the Sahara Desert. Yellow and green are Pan-African colors. The flag was adopted on April 1, 1959, after gaining independence from France.
Coat of arms- emblem of Mauritania. It has the shape of a circle. Green and gold are considered Pan-African colors. Green symbolizes Islam, gold symbolizes the sands of the Sahara desert. The crescent and star are symbols of Islam, the main religion of the state. Along the edges of the circle there are inscriptions in Arabic and French: “Islamic Republic of Mauritania.” The coat of arms was adopted on April 1, 1959.
State structure
Form of government- presidential republic.
Head of State– President, elected by the population for 5 years.
Current president Mohammed Ould Abdel Aziz(Moorish military and political figure)
Head of the government- Prime Minister.
Capital and The largest city
- Nouakchott.
official languages– Arabic and French.
Territory– 1,030,700 km².
Administrative division– 12 regions and the capital autonomous region of Nouakchott. The regions are divided into 44 departments.
Population– 3,359,185 people. 30% are white Berbers (historically slave owners, although many modern Berbers are poor; men usually wear distinctive blue clothing). 40% are “black Berbers” (historically slaves; currently about half of them are in slavery, the rest are descendants of freedmen, occupying an intermediate level between them and blacks who were not slaves). 30% are black, speak African languages and were not slaves; live in the valley of the Senegal River and constitute the nationalities living in the neighboring state of Senegal (Toucouleur, Sarakol, Fulani, Peul, Wolof, Bambara).
Average life expectancy is 60 years.
State religion- Sunni Islam. The penetration of Islam began in the 8th century. Traditional African beliefs (animalism, fetishism, cult of ancestors, forces of nature, etc.) are adhered to by 0.1% of the population. Christianity began to spread in the 16th-17th centuries; the majority were Catholics.
Currency– ouguiya.
Economy– The country is one of the most economically underdeveloped countries in the world. Agriculture(50% of employees): cattle breeding (sheep, goats, cows, camels); dates, millet, sorghum, rice, corn; fishing. Industry(10% of employees): mining of iron ore, copper ore, gold, fish processing. Service sector (40% of employees). Export: iron ore, fish and fish products, gold, copper concentrate. Import: mechanical engineering products, petroleum products, food, consumer goods. Transport: railway, sea.
Education– literacy more than 50%. 6 years of primary education is compulsory (ages 6-11). Training in Arabic, in primary school training is free. Secondary education (6 years) takes place in two stages (3 years each).
Higher education: Metropolitan University (founded in 1981), Higher Administrative School (1966), Pedagogical Institute (1971), Institute of Islamic Studies (1961).
Sport- Football is popular. The country took part in 7 summer Olympic Games(debuted in Los Angeles in 1984). Since then, Mauritania's athletes have participated in every Summer Games. Mauritania has never participated in the Winter Olympics. They did not win any Olympic medals.
Armed forces– ground forces, naval forces (including marines), Islamic air forces. Recruited on a conscription basis by males over the age of 18; minimum service life – 24 months; most military personnel serve voluntarily as professionals; Service in the Air Force and Navy is also voluntary.
Nature
More than 60% of the country's territory is occupied by the rocky and sandy deserts of Western Sahara.
Climate tropical, desert.
In addition to the Senegal River southern border country, there are no other permanent rivers.
The soils are desert. The vegetation cover is extremely sparse; herbaceous vegetation predominates, appearing after occasional rains. In the south of the country there are semi-deserts with shrubs and acacias.
Fauna: numerous reptiles and rodents, including predatory jackals, fennecs, in some areas large ungulates and ostriches have been preserved.
Fenech- a miniature fox of a peculiar appearance. This is the smallest representative of the canine family, smaller in size than a domestic cat. Fenech inhabits sandy deserts, where it stays near thickets of grass and sparse bushes, which provide it with shelter and food.
He lives in holes with a large number of secret passages, which he digs himself; leads a nocturnal lifestyle. They are hunted, killed for their fur, and captured and sold as pets.
It is known that the drawings for his allegorical story “The Little Prince” Exupery created it myself.
In the drawing of Exupery The Fox has unusually large ears, which suggests that it was a fennec fox. The writer tamed it while serving in Morocco.
There are locust attacks - like in this photo.
Considered a natural wonder in Mauritania Richat structure. It is also called the “Eye of the Sahara”.
Richat is about 30 miles in diameter and can even be seen from space. The formation was originally thought to have been caused by a meteorite, but modern geologists argue that it is the result of erosion. But the reason for its round shape still remains a mystery.
Culture
The dwellings of the indigenous population are rectangular in shape, the walls are made of sandstone, and the flat roof is covered with acacia trunks.
Among nomadic peoples, their dwellings are tents covered with blankets made of felted camel wool or fabric.
Modern construction – aluminum, reinforced concrete structures and glass.
Origin visual arts on the territory of modern Mauritania began in the Neolithic era. Among the rock paintings of Adrar and Taganta are images of horses, camels and carts.
Crafts and artistic crafts are developed: wood carving, silver carving, metal working, leather dressing. The leather industry is the most developed: the production of waterskins, pouches, carpets, grain sacks, pillows, shoes, bags, etc., as well as the production of the famous Moorish tapestries with unique designs. The art of Moorish jewelers who make jewelry from gold, silver and coral is famous.
Pottery and manufacturing developed calabash(vessels made from pumpkin). The collection of Moorish art is presented in the exhibition of the National Museum (Nouakchott).
Solo choral singing and dancing are common. Musical instruments: harps, drums, lutes, tom-toms, flutes.
The first national film is “O. sun" (1967) directed by Med Hondo.
Tourism in Mauritania
Tourism is poorly developed, because it is a rather poor, deserted, and most importantly politically unstable country. But Mauritania attracts real travelers with prehistoric rock paintings, exotic cities with sandy streets, dunes...
Ban d'Arguin National Park on the Atlantic coast (the largest in Africa) was created to study and protect unique natural areas transitioning from desert to ocean. The main attraction of the park is the millions of birds whose migration routes intersect on this coast. 249 bird species have been recorded.
White mangrove swamps alternate here with sand dunes; antelopes, jackals, honey badgers, desert cats live on the coast, and turtles, dolphins and monk seals live in the coastal waters.
Monk Seal
There is a lot of marine phytoplankton on the coast - food for birds and fish. Therefore, there is an abundance of crabs and gastropods. Many birds from Plover family They winter in Banc d'Arguin park, where the largest population in the world is located.
Mammals: about 20 Dorcas gazelles, jackals, sand fox, sand cat, African wild cat, genet (predator), African striped marten, honey badger, striped hyena.
Sand fox (fennec fox)
Nouakchott is the young capital of Mauritania and its largest city. Its construction began in 1957. At the time of the declaration of independence of Mauritania, the French colonial administration was located on the territory of modern Senegal. There were no cities in the country. Therefore, the small village of Nouakchott, which was nothing special, was chosen as the capital.
The old city is a typical Arab settlement with narrow streets and alleys, small adobe houses, courtyards, and a mosque. In a separate area there are government offices, where buildings of original architecture stand out: the Presidential Palace, the Parliament building, the buildings of various ministries and embassies.
Nouakchott is also called the “windy city”. It is located 3 km from the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by sand dunes and dense greenery that shelters its streets from the scorching sun. The winds do not subside here most of the year, which is why the city received the name Nouakchott, which in the Berber language means “the place where the winds blow.”
Here it is National Museum, where you can get acquainted with the history and culture of peoples; Carpet center with a permanent exhibition and sale; African markets, Aquarium.
Nouadhibou in the north of the country it is considered the best place for sport fishing and water sports. The cemetery of sunken ships is also attractive to tourists.
The 1.5 km train departs from Nouadhibou, the longest in the world! It is designed to transport ore, but it has one passenger carriage in which anyone can ride, sitting on the floor or on a wooden bench.
Kumbi-Saleh, the ancient capital of the medieval Empire of Ghana, attracts with its restored complexes of religious buildings, walls, city parks and a unique water supply system, the principle of operation of which is incomprehensible to modern scientists. Archaeological excavations are still ongoing here.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mauritania
This is already mentioned by us Banc d'Arguin National Park and the Ancient Ksar (fortification) at Ouadani, Chinguetti, Tishiti and Hualati.
Ancient Ksar (fortification) at Ouadani, Chinguetti, Tishiti and Hualati
Ouadan
The city was founded by a Berber tribe in 1147 at the foot of the Adrar plateau, and over time became an important trading center. In 1487, a Portuguese trading post was established in the city. Since the 17th century the city fell into decay. The ruins of the old city remain untouched, but the modern settlement is located outside its boundaries.
Chinguetti
The settlement in this place was founded in 777. By the 11th century. it became a trading center for the Sanhaji confederation of Berber tribes.
In the middle of the 13th century. the city was reborn as a fortified settlement on the trans-Saharan trade routes. The city was the first stopover for pilgrims on their way to Mecca, which is why it became a holy city. Schools were founded here where they taught rhetoric, astronomy, mathematics, medicine and jurisprudence. For centuries, Mauritania was known in the Arab world as the "land of Chinguetti," and the West African city was sometimes called the "seventh holy city of Islam."
Quiet
Ancient fortified settlement (ksar) is a small, partially abandoned, modern city in the Mauritanian region of Takant. Founded around 1150. Known for its traditional architecture. The main occupation of local residents is Agriculture(cultivation of date palms). There is a small museum in the city.
Walati
An ancient fortified settlement (ksar), as well as a small modern city in the southeast of Mauritania. It is believed that farmers and cattle breeders were the first to settle here.
The modern city was founded in the 11th century. in the territory of the Ghana Empire. The city was destroyed in 1076, but rebuilt in 1224 and became an important trading city on the trans-Saharan trade routes and an Islamic center.
IN beginning of XXI V. A museum of manuscripts has been created in the city. The city is known for its traditional architecture.
Story
BC e. the southern part of modern Mauritania was inhabited by peoples of the Negroid race. They were engaged in hunting and farming.
In the 1st millennium BC. e. From the north, the gradual settlement of the country by Berber herders began, who pushed the blacks to the south. The Berbers formed a confederation of Sanhaji tribes.
From the 11th century Arabization and Islamization of the population began. The Arabs took a dominant position in the country, establishing power over the Berbers and blacks, who adopted the language and family way of life from the Arabs. The oasis of Chinguetti became the main center of the country, and the country began to be called Tarb el-Bidan (“land of the whites”).
In the 11th century On the territory of Mauritania, a political entity was formed, headed by the leader of the Berber tribe of Lemtuna Abu Bekr Ibn Omar.
After 20 years of jihad, Abu Bekr's empire stretched from Senegal to the Mediterranean coast. The ruling dynasty in the state was named Almoravids. Under his successor Yusuf ibn Tashfin, the invasion of the Iberian Peninsula began, and by the end of the 11th century. The Almoravid Empire extended from the Senegal River in the south to the Ebro River (in Spain) in the north. They also owned the Canary Islands. In Mauritania, a complex hierarchy of clans developed: the Hassan Arabs, then the Berber warriors, then the peaceful Berber marabouts, then the Berber tributaries, and then the Negroes conquered by the Berbers (slaves and Haratin freedmen). IN social structure Separate castes were formed on a professional basis: singers and musicians (griots), artisans, hunters (nemadi), fishermen (imragen).
Colonization
From the middle of the 19th century. The French began to develop the area, and already in 1904 the area north of the Senegal River was declared a French possession with the name “Civil Territory of Mauritania.” The conquest of Mauritania by the French was difficult. Only in 1920 did France officially declare Mauritania its colony within French West Africa, but only during the operations of 1934-1936. the French were able to establish virtual control over the entire territory of the country.
In 1946, Mauritania received the status of an overseas territory of France, and in 1958 - the status of an autonomous republic of the French Community.
Independence
The country gained independence from France on November 28, 1960. The Islamic Republic of Mauritania was proclaimed. Since August 1961, Moktar Ould Dadda began to rule the country.
Moktar Ould Dadda– first president and prime minister of Mauritania
The Mauritanian People's Party (PMN) became the ruling and only one in the country (1961).
Mauritania had a difficult relationship with Morocco, with whom the country competed for the territory of Western Sahara. They officially presented their territorial claims to Western Sahara to the UN, while simultaneously challenging each other's rights to this territory. The protracted period of hostilities depleted the country's economy, and the end of the war was not in sight.
In 1964, diplomatic relations were established with the USSR.
Coup
The Polisario Front is a military-political organization operating in Western Sahara. In the 1970-1980s. waged an active armed struggle against armed forces Morocco and Mauritania, which occupied this territory. The Polisario Front concentrated its attacks primarily against Mauritania. The capital of Nouakchott was attacked twice. Combat operations in the iron ore mining zone sharply worsened the country's financial situation.
July 10, 1978 a group of officers led by Colonel Mustafa Ould Saleh carried out a coup, overthrowing and arresting Ould Dadda. The Constitution was suspended, the government, parliament, youth and others were dissolved public organizations. A new government has been formed. The Military Committee for National Revival (MCNV) became the country's highest legislative body for 13 years.
The military leadership set itself three goals: to end the war in Western Sahara, straighten out the economy and establish “genuine democracy.” The Polisario Front announced a unilateral cessation of hostilities against Mauritanian troops.
But a severe drought began. Almost the entire livestock was in danger of dying. Mass exodus has begun rural population to the cities. Under these conditions, decisive measures were necessary. But the VCNV was divided into “moderates” and supporters of radical reforms. On April 3, 1979, Colonel Ould Saleh was overthrown by Lieutenant Colonels Ould Buseif, Ould Luli and Ould Heidallah. Military cooperation with France was resumed.
In 1979, Colonel Ould Bousseif died in a plane crash.
Mauritania renounced its “claims to Western Sahara” and took a neutral position on this issue. By December 1979, a contingent of Moroccan troops was withdrawn from the territory of Mauritania.
Reforms
In January 1980 Ould Luli was removed from his post, and a colonel became the head of the VKNS Ould Heidallah.
In 1980, the HCNV banned slavery. Mauritania was the last country in the world where slavery was officially permitted. Most urban residents freed their slaves, but in rural areas this process continued for a very long time. Anti-Slavery Society spokesman A. Whittaker: “From an economic point of view, a master and his slave are not much different from each other, since both are poor.”
Corruption remained a major problem.
1984 coup
In December 1984, Colonel Ould Taya overthrew Colonel Ould Heidallah and in 1991 announced a transition to civilian rule and a multi-party system. A new constitution of the country was adopted. The first multi-party presidential elections in Mauritania were held in January 1992, won by Ould Taya. He also won the presidential elections in December 1997.
Modernity
In the 2003 presidential elections, Ould Taya received 67.0% of the vote. In August 2005, Ould Taya was overthrown by Colonel Ould Wallem. In March 2007, he became president Ould Sheikh Abdalahi.
In August 2008, General Ould Aziz, former chief of staff of the armed forces and commander of the presidential guard, overthrew Ould Sheikh Abdalahi. In July 2009, he held elections, after which he became president of Mauritania.
Mauritania on a map of Africa
(all pictures are clickable)
Geographical position
Mauritania is a country in West Africa. It neighbors Western Sahara, Algeria, Mali and Senegal; The western coast of the country is washed by the waters of the Atlantic, the length of the coastline is 754 km. The relief is represented mainly by the sandy and rocky plains of Western Sahara; in the extreme southwest the desert gives way to savanna. The area of the country is more than 1 million km².
The climate is tropical desert, with sharp changes in daily temperatures. In winter, there are frosts at night, and during the day the temperature can rise to +30-40 °C and above. Precipitation is negligible - no more than 100 mm per year. During periods of drought, dust storms come from the Sahara. Residents of the country are constantly faced with the problem of fresh water shortage.
Flora and fauna
The vegetation is predominantly desert and semi-desert.
The fauna is represented by antelopes, mountain goats, sand foxes and jackals. Reptiles and arthropods are found in large numbers.
Mauritania Map
According to government system Mauritania- a republic divided into twelve regions and one autonomous capital district. The head of the state and government is the president. The local currency is the Mauritanian ouguiya. The capital is the city of Nouakchott.
Population
The population is 3.5 million people, of which 80% are Moors (descendants of Arabs and Berbers), 20% are black representatives of the Fulani peoples. Official language- Arabic, French is also widely used. Almost 99% of the population is Sunni Muslim.
Economy
Mauritania is an agricultural state. Pasture farming predominates in the agricultural sector. In a few oases, grains are grown for domestic consumption. A significant share of GDP is made up of iron ore production for export. Fishing and seafood production are developed on the coast (the lion's share of products is exported).
Colonization of the territories of modern Mauritania by Europeans began in the 15th century, when the Spaniards and French erected the first fortress trading cities and began to export gold and black slaves from these lands. By the beginning of the 20s. XX century Mauritania became part of French West Africa. The country gained independence in 1960.
Attractions
You can learn about the history and culture of nomadic peoples at the National Museum in the center of Nouakchott.
Mauritania is famous for its carpets. There is a Carpet Center in the capital, where the most worthy products are brought for exhibition and sale. self made from all over the country.
Exporting handmade carpets woven in local workshops abroad is only possible with a receipt or seller's invoice.
Mauritania photo
POPULATION: 2.4 million people. Three quarters of the population are the so-called Moors - Arabs and Berbers. The rest are Negro-African peoples: Tukuler, Soninke, Pular, Fulani, Wolof and others.
LANGUAGE: Arabic (official), French and numerous local dialects.
RELIGION: Sunni Islam is practiced by about 99% of the population.
GEOGRAPHY: Islamic republic in northwestern Africa. It borders Algeria, Mali, Western Sahara (under the patronage of Morocco) and Senegal. From the west it is washed by the Atlantic Ocean (about 700 km of coastline). More than 60% of the country's territory is occupied by the rocky and sandy deserts of the West. Sahara, the territory is mostly flat - the height is up to 915 m, although there are also picturesque remnant rock massifs. Total area - 1031 thousand square meters. km.
CLIMATE: Tropical desert, average monthly temperatures range from +16 C to +20 C in January to +32-43 C in July-August. Precipitation in most parts of the country is less than 100 mm. per year, only in the south, in the Sahel zone - 200–400 mm. Best time to visit the country - from December to February, when the temperature in the capital area ranges from +15 C at night to +28 C during the day and humid winds from the ocean bring relative freshness.
POLITICAL STATE: Islamic Republic. The head of state and government is the president. Legislature- bicameral parliament (Senate and National Assembly).
CURRENCY: Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRO), equal to 100 Khums. The best place to exchange currency is the capital airport bank. Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 8.30 to 11.15 and from 14.15 to 16.00. During Muslim holidays - from 8.30 to 14.00, Saturday and Sunday - closed (working hours may vary). It is possible to exchange currency on the black market, but in this case the risk of fraud is inevitable. In markets and in the private sector, it is quite possible to pay in French francs or US dollars, but most often the exchange rate will be very arbitrary. Usage credit cards Only possible in large international hotels in Nouakchott (preferably American Express), the use of traveler's checks is also limited. Tipping is 10% in restaurants, hotels and taxis.
TIME: It is 3 hours behind Moscow, from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October - 4 hours.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS: Nouakchott is one of the youngest capitals in the world - modern development began only in 1960. Located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, the city has good beaches with a completely modern recreation infrastructure, two typically African markets, which also provide the opportunity to purchase the entire range of goods typical of the nomadic peoples of the Sahara - from antique weapons to magnificent metalwork, for which local craftsmen are famous. You can get acquainted with the history and culture of the nomadic peoples of the country by visiting the National Museum in the center of the capital and the unique Carpet Center, where the best handicrafts from all over the Sahel zone are brought for a permanent exhibition and sale. Nouadhibou is a city and port on the peninsula of the same name in the north of the country - one of the best places in the country for water sports and sport fishing - one of the world's largest populations of ocean fish is concentrated off the coast of this area, which guarantees fantastic catches (however, from -due to the controversial issue of whether this region belongs to Mauritania, travel by foreign tourists without the accompaniment of local guides is not recommended by the authorities). Atar ("place of fast sands"), also known as Teyateaneng, is the traditional craft and artisanal center of the country, the place where the famous Moorish tapestry, handmade fabrics and a variety of wood products were produced (moreover, local craftsmen do not have " bad habit" sell ritual masks or figurines that have already been used in ritual ceremonies, which is considered quite common in some African countries). Tishit is a “ghost town” in the heart of the desert. Of the 5 thousand inhabitants of the city, no more than 500 regularly live in it, the rest continue to lead a lifestyle characteristic of all nomadic tribes of the country - they wander through the desert for 10 months a year.Tourists are usually brought to Tishit by the desire to become more closely acquainted with the life and traditions of the Berber peoples, as well as the fantastic landscape of the desert surrounding on all sides and the local mosque - one one of the most intricately ornamented and exquisitely decorated mosques in the world.Kumbi Saleh, located near the modern city of Ayun el Atrous - the legendary capital of the medieval Empire of Ghana and perhaps the largest city of its time - is one of the most interesting archaeological sites in Africa. Excavations are underway has been here since 1913, but no more than 30% of its territory has been restored, with numerous complexes of religious buildings, city walls, a park and even own system water supply, the principle of operation of which is still not completely clear. Ban d'Arguin National Park is one of the main natural attractions of the country. This unique section of the coast is the intersection of migratory flows of millions of birds from all over Europe, northern Asia and Africa; more than 2 million flocks of birds are recorded here during the winter. The ocean is here crystal clear and has thousands of sandy islands that serve as a haven for winged travelers, so this territory is protected with special care - the use of motorized vehicles is prohibited, and excursions to the islands are carried out on sailing or rowing ships, which gives them a special exoticism. the recently created Dowling National Park, which attracts tourists because it is the only place on Earth entirely dedicated to the protection of desert flora and fauna, Special attention They also pay attention to the protection of birds, many of which fly here for the winter from all over Europe.
ENTRY RULES: Visa regime. To obtain an entry visa, you must submit: 2 photographs, 2 forms in French, a passport, visas of neighboring countries (for a transit visa), an invitation or confirmation of a hotel reservation. The period required to obtain a visa is from two to three days. The visa is valid for entry and exit from the country for a month from the date of issue at the consulate. Citizens of France, Italy and Central African countries do not require a visa. There are no discounts for children who have their own passport. Children included in their parents' passports enter the country without paying a consular fee. For Russian citizens, entry is free; for citizens of Ukraine, the consular fee is 75 US dollars; citizens of other countries are recommended to contact the consulate to obtain accurate information.
CUSTOMS RULES: Import and export of foreign currency is not limited, declaration is required. When exporting unspent currency, you must have a bank certificate confirming the exchange of the missing amount into national currency or invoices and checks confirming the legality of the exchange or purchases. There are restrictions on the import of professional photographic equipment (this does not apply to amateur photographic equipment). The import of drugs, pornographic literature, weapons and ammunition is prohibited. documentaries, videotapes and other items that contradict the norms of Islam, animals and plants that are on the verge of extinction, objects of classical art. With special permits from the relevant authorities, the following are exported: seeds and plants (a certificate is required), works of art, archaeological objects, works of art and historical documents. With a receipt or seller's invoice, the export of handmade carpets produced in local workshops and objects of decorative and applied art, including decorative weapons, is allowed.
Islamic Republic, state in the West Africa. The history of the name goes back to what existed on 3. North. Africa already in the 3rd millennium BC. e. history region (Mauretania) . The name was given by the Phoenicians, for whom this region lay on the extreme 3., and they called her Mauharim - "Western Edge". During the colonial period, the name referred to one of the territories of French West Africa, in 1960 G. he was inherited state .
Geographical names of the world: Toponymic dictionary. - M: AST. Pospelov E.M. 2001.
Mauritania
(Mauritanie, Spanish moros - the name of the Muslim conquerors of the Iberian Peninsula - Arabs and Berbers in the Middle Ages. Europe), state in the NW. Africa. Pl. 1030.7 thousand km², capital Nouakchott
. In the IV–XI centuries. part of the territory within the state of Ghana; in the 11th–12th centuries. – Almoravids; in the XIII–XIV centuries. - Mali. In the XIV–XV centuries. Arabs invaded M. The first Europeans (Portuguese) appeared in the 15th century. From the middle of the 19th century. active colonization by the French; since 1920 the colony has been composed of French West Africa
; since 1946 – “overseas territory”; since 1958 ed. republic within the French Community. Since November 28 (national holiday) 1960 – independent Republic of Al-Jumhuriyah al-Islamiyah al-Muritaniya
(Islamic Republic of Mauritania
), which is headed by the president; legislative branch has a bicameral parliament consisting of the National. Assembly and Senate.
B. h. territories - sandy and rocky deserts in the west. Sugars, low plains and low plateaus (up to 915 m); on the W. there are sand dunes, on the N. and NE. ergs (dry riverbeds with sands). The climate is tropical desert. Wed.-Mon. temperatures from 16 to 32 °C; daily range up to 40 °C, especially in winter. Precipitation per b.h. countries less than 100 mm per year (in the north up to 50 mm, in the south up to 400 mm). Withering east. harmattan winds. There are no permanent rivers, except for the transit river. Senegal to the southwest. border. The vegetation is sparse, dominated by ephemeral grasses (appearing after occasional rains); in the south there are semi-deserts with shrubs and acacias. National a park Ban d'Arguin; reserves.
Population 2747 thousand people. (2001); over 80% Arab-Berbers (Moors); the rest are Negroid peoples (chiefly sampled in the south). Official languages – Arabic and French. Muslims (Sunnis) predominate. City dwellers 35%; nomads ("great nomads") approx. 25%. Over 4/5 of the population is located in the south. parts of the country (Sahel), including 1/5 - in a narrow strip of the Senegal valley (350 people per 1 km²). An agricultural country with a developing mining industry. Ferrous is extracted. ore (80% of foreign exchange earnings), gold, gypsum, rock salt, native sulfur. There are deposits of phosphates and industrial copper. meanings. Production of food, leather, cement, metallurgy. prom-sti. Sat down. x-in backward. Agriculture is limited to the Senegal valley and oases. The main crops are African sorghum, rice, millet, corn and date palm (especially in the Atar oasis, called the “pearl” for its huge palm grove). M. provides itself with grain only 30%; the deficit is covered by international. help. One of the first places in Africa in terms of the number of livestock per capita; under pastures approx. 1/4 of the territory; nomadic and semi-nomadic meat and wool cattle, camel breeding. Nomads (self-name - “sons of rain clouds”) cover distances of more than 1000 km, crossing the borders of the West. Sahara, Morocco and Algeria. Collection of gum arabic (gum) from acacias (approx. 10% of the world supply). Significant marine fish (sardines, tuna, whiting), river fish in Senegal, and marine fisheries (lobsters, shrimp). Crafts: making carpets, clothing, fabrics, art. and jewelry made of coral, metal, ebony, clay toys; embossing and painting on leather. 1.8 thousand km of paved roads; and. 670 km, used for the removal of iron. ore to the sea, served by specialists. trains of 150 cars (length up to 2 km); court according to the river Senegal; intl. airports and seaports (Nouadhibou, Nouakchott). Capital University (since 1983) and the Higher Institute of Islamic Studies in Butilimit. Cave drawings different eras(including on the way through the Sahara - on the “chariot road”). In the south there are ancient fortified settlements on the hills; round stone burial grounds (shushi) near wells; numerous mosques made of stone; Berber villages - ksars (developed Kumbi-Sale; Chinguetti). Cash unit – ouguiya.
Dictionary of modern geographical names. - Ekaterinburg: U-Factoria. Under the general editorship of academician. V. M. Kotlyakova. 2006 .
Encyclopedia Around the World. 2008 .
MAURITANIA
AFRICAN ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF MAURITANIA
State in northwest Africa. In the north it borders with Western Sahara and Algeria, in the east with Mali and Senegal, and in the west it is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The area of the country is 1030700 km2.
The population of Mauritania (estimated for 1998) is about 2,511,500 people, with an average population density of about 2 people per km2. Ethnic groups: Moors (descendants of Arabs and Berbers) - 80%, blacks - 20%. Language: Arabic, French (both state), Hassanya, Woolof, Pular, Soninke. Religion - almost 100% Muslims (Islam is the state religion). The capital is Nouakchott. Largest cities: Nouakchott (560,000 people), Kaedi (74,000 people), Nouadhibou (70,000 people), Rosseau (50,000 people). The government system is an Islamic republic. The head of state is President Maauya Ould Seed Ahmed Taya (in office since April 18, 1992). The head of government is Prime Minister Sheikh Al Asia Ould Mohamed Hounah (since January 1996). The monetary unit is ougiya. Average life expectancy (as of 1998): 50 years for men, 53 years for women. The birth rate (per 1000 people) is 44.5. The mortality rate (per 1000 people) is 14.6.
Since 1903, Mauritania has been a French protectorate. The Islamic Republic of Mauritania was proclaimed on November 28, 1958, within the framework of the constitution of the fifth French republic. On November 28, 1960, the country gained full independence. Mauritania is a member of the UN, GATT, IMF, WHO, and the Organization of African Unity. Arab League.
Most of Mauritania is desert, but in the south there is a small belt of greenery where rare monkeys live. The average annual temperature reaches 38° C.
Encyclopedia: cities and countries. 2008 .
Mauritania is a state in West Africa, washed on the west by the Atlantic Ocean. Area - 1030.7 thousand sq. km. Until 1960, Mauritania was a French possession (cm. France). The official language is Arabic. Administrative division: 12 regions and 1 autonomous capital district.
Most of the country is occupied by the sandy and rocky deserts of Western Sahara. The relief is dominated by vast low-lying plains and low plateaus (732 m above sea level). The only river with a permanent flow is the border Senegal.
The climate is tropical desert, with average monthly temperatures ranging from 16–20 °C in January to 30–32 °C in July. Precipitation in most of the country is less than 100 mm per year, only in the south - in the Sahel zone - 200–400 mm. The vegetation also has a corresponding character: sparse shrubs and isolated trees in the south, and in the rest of the territory, sparse greenery appears only in a short time after the rains. Large animals include oryx and addax antelopes, mountain goats, and small predators include the jackal and fennec fox. Lots of snakes and lizards, as well as insects and spiders.
The modern population of Mauritania (about 3.27 million people) is ethnically heterogeneous: three quarters are the so-called Moors - Arabs and Berbers, engaged primarily in cattle breeding; in the south, Negro-African peoples predominate - Toucouleur, Fulani, Wolof and others, who are mainly sedentary Lifestyle. Islam has been declared the state religion. Mauritania, unlike some other countries of North and West Africa, did not experience the heyday of medieval civilization, but the urban settlements of Chinguetti, Tishit, and Walata that have survived from that era testify to their former prosperity and the subtle art of decorating the facades of buildings. The Chinguetti Library contains 2 thousand manuscripts of Arab scholars. The musical, singing, and dance arts of the peoples of Mauritania are diverse. The capital and largest city of the country is Nouakchott, built only 30–40 years ago. The second largest and most important city is the port of Nouadhibou. In the 4th - mid-11th centuries. The southern part of the territory of Mauritania was part of the medieval states of West Africa (
- (Islamic Republic of Mauritania), a state in northwest Africa, washed by the Atlantic Ocean. Area 1030.7 thousand km2. Population 2.2 million; Moors (Arabs of Western Sahara) over 80%, Berbers, etc. The official language is Arabic.… … Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary
Islamic Republic of Mauritania, a state in northwestern Africa. Art monuments dating back to the Neolithic belong to the culture of the Negroid peoples and Berbers (rock paintings, stone tombs of Shushi). In the Middle Ages on... ... Art encyclopedia
Mauritania- a state in northwestern Africa. In the north it borders with Western Sahara and Algeria, in the east with Mali and Senegal, and in the west it is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
The name of the country comes from the Phoenician Mauharim - “Western region”.
Capital
Square
Population
2747 thousand people
Administrative division
The state is divided into 12 regions and 1 autonomous capital district.
Form of government
Republic.
Head of State
President, elected for a term of 6 years.
Supreme legislative body
Bicameral parliament (upper house - Senate, elected for 6 years, lower house - National Assembly, term of office - 5 years).
Supreme executive body
Government.
Big cities
Kaedi, Nouadhibou, Rosso.
Official language
Arab.
Religion
100% are Sunni Muslims.
Ethnic composition
80% are Moors, 20% are blacks.
Currency
Oogiya = 5 Khumsam.
Climate
The climate in Mauritania is tropical and desert. The average annual temperature ranges from + 16°C to + 38°C. Precipitation falls less than 100 mm per year (in the northeast less than 50 mm, in the south - 200-400 mm).
Flora
Most of Mauritania is desert, and only in the south a small area of the territory is covered with vegetation (shrubs, acacias).
Fauna
The fauna of Mauritania is also not rich. Among the representatives of the animal world, the jackal, fox, gazelle, antelope, mountain goat, rodents and snakes, and many insects and spiders live here.
Rivers and lakes
There are no permanent rivers, and only Mauritania's border with Senegal runs along the Senegal River. Attractions. There are no special attractions on the territory of the state.
Useful information for tourists
During Muslim holidays, government offices and shops are open from 8.30 to 14.00 (opening hours may vary), Saturday and Sunday are days off. You can also exchange currency on the black market, but in this case the risk of fraud is inevitable. In markets and in the private sector, it is quite possible to pay in French francs or US dollars, but most often the exchange rate will be arbitrary. The use of credit cards is only possible at major international hotels in Nouakchott (American Express is preferred), and the use of traveler's checks is also limited. Tips are 10% of the bill in restaurants, hotels and taxis.