Mauritania
Mauritania, officially the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, is a country in Northwest Africa. It borders the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Senegal to the southwest, Mali to the east and southeast, Algeria to the northeast, and Western Sahara to the northwest. Here are detailed aspects of Mauritania:
Geography
- Mauritania has a land area of approximately 1,030,700 square kilometers, making it the 29th largest country in the world.
- The landscape is primarily desert, part of the Sahara Desert, with some savannah areas in the south.
- The country includes the Senegal River which forms part of its border with Senegal.
- The highest point is Kediet ej-Jill at 915 meters.
History
- Historically, the region of Mauritania was home to various empires, including the Ghana Empire, the Mali Empire, and the Songhai Empire.
- In the late 19th century, the area became a French colony, known as French West Africa.
- Independence was achieved on November 28, 1960.
- The country experienced a series of coups and political instability following independence, with the most recent coup in 2008, followed by elections in 2009.
Politics
- Mauritania is a presidential republic with a multi-party system.
- The current president is Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, who was elected in 2019.
- Islam is the state religion, and Sharia law is used as a source of legislation.
Economy
- The economy is largely based on agriculture, livestock, fishing, and mining, particularly of iron ore, which is one of the world's largest producers.
- The country is also known for its offshore oil and natural gas deposits.
- Poverty remains a significant issue, with a large portion of the population living below the poverty line.
Culture
- The population is predominantly of Moors descent, with significant influence from Arab culture.
- The official language is Arabic, but Pulaar, Soninke, Wolof, and French are also widely spoken.
- Music is central to Mauritanian culture, with styles like Mauritanian music including the use of the Tidinit, a traditional stringed instrument.
Human Rights
- Mauritania has been criticized for its human rights record, particularly concerning slavery, which was legally abolished in 1981 but still exists in practice.
- Efforts to combat slavery and improve human rights conditions are ongoing.
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