Mauritania
Nouakchott · Africa · Western Africa
Population
4.9M
World Bank, 2025
Area
1,030,700 km²
GDP
$10.9B
World Bank, 2025
GDP Per Capita
$2,110.12
World Bank, 2025
Life Expectancy
68.5 yrs
World Bank, 2025
Capital
Nouakchott
Mauritania is a country located in Western Africa, with its capital in Nouakchott. As of 2025, it has a population of 4.9M and covers an area of 1,030,700 km². The economy of Mauritania has a gross domestic product (GDP) of $10.9B (World Bank, 2025), translating to a per-capita income of $2,110.12 with annual economic growth of 6.3%. Life expectancy in Mauritania stands at 68.5 years (World Bank, 2025), below the global average of 72 years. The official language is Arabic, and the currency is the Mauritanian ouguiya (UM). Mauritania shares land borders with 4 countries.
How to Call Mauritania
The international calling code for Mauritania is +222. When calling from abroad, first dial your country's exit code (for example, 00 in Europe), then 222, then the local number.
Country Code
+222
Exit Code
00
Trunk Prefix
None
Format
+222 XX XX XX XX
Mobile Prefixes
2, 3, 4
Example: To call a number in Mauritania from abroad, dial +222 55 55 55 55
How Large Is Mauritania's Economy?
Mauritania's GDP of $10.9B makes it a lower-middle-income economy by World Bank classification. GDP per capita of $2,110 is near the regional average of 2,200 (World Bank, 2025). The most recent annual growth rate of 6.3% is above the global median of 3.1% (World Bank, 2025). The unemployment rate of 10.3% is 32% above the regional average of 7.8 (World Bank, 2025). Inflation of 2.5% is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks. Mauritania's official currency is the Mauritanian ouguiya (UM). As a UN member, Mauritania participates in multilateral trade frameworks.
GDP
$10.9B
World Bank, 2025
GDP Per Capita
$2,110.12
World Bank, 2025
GDP Growth
6.3%
Unemployment
10.3%
Inflation
2.5%
Currencies
MRU
What Are Mauritania's Demographics?
With 4.9M people, Mauritania is a nation of 4.9M people. At 5 people per km², the country is sparsely populated. Life expectancy stands at 68.5 years, 3.5 years below the global average of 72 years. Infant mortality of 31.0 per 1,000 live births is 30% below the regional average of 44 (World Bank, 2025). The country's official language is Arabic.
Population
4.9M
World Bank, 2025
Life Expectancy
68.5 yrs
World Bank, 2025
Infant Mortality
31.0 per 1k
Literacy Rate
—
Languages
Arabic
CO₂ Per Capita
—
Where Is Mauritania Located?
Mauritania covers 1,030,700 km² (398,000 sq miles) and shares land borders with 4 countries. The country sits within the Africa region, Western Africa subregion, spanning Africa. Nouakchott serves as the seat of government and administrative capital of Mauritania. The country spans 1 time zone. Recognized internationally by ISO codes MR and MRT, Mauritania is an independent sovereign state and a full UN member. Its 1 currency (MRU) reflects its participation in multilateral trade and monetary frameworks.
Area
1,030,700 km²
Region
Africa
Subregion
Western Africa
Capital
Nouakchott
Timezones
UTC
Continents
Africa
Border Countries
Data sourced from World Bank Open Data. Last updated: April 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mauritania
What is the population of Mauritania?
Mauritania has a population of 4.9M as of 2025, according to World Bank data. Life expectancy is 68.5 years.
What is the capital of Mauritania?
The capital of Mauritania is Nouakchott. It serves as the country's administrative and political center.
What is the GDP of Mauritania?
Mauritania's GDP is $10.9B as of 2025 (World Bank). GDP per capita is $2,110.12. The economy grew at 6.3% in 2025.
What is the life expectancy in Mauritania?
The average life expectancy in Mauritania is 68.5 years (World Bank, 2025), below the global average of 72 years. The infant mortality rate is 31.0 per 1,000 live births.
What region is Mauritania in?
Mauritania is located in Africa, specifically in Western Africa. It is part of the continent of Africa.
What is the size of Mauritania?
Mauritania covers an area of 1,030,700 km² (397,955 square miles). The population density is approximately 4.8 people per km².
What currency does Mauritania use?
Mauritania uses the Mauritanian ouguiya (UM) with currency code MRU.
What language is spoken in Mauritania?
The official language of Mauritania is Arabic.
Is Mauritania a member of the United Nations?
Yes, Mauritania is a member of the United Nations.
What is Mauritania's GDP?
Mauritania's GDP is $10.9B (World Bank, 2025). This places it among Africa's economies by total output.
What is Mauritania's GDP per capita?
Mauritania's GDP per capita is $2,110, which is near the regional average of 2,200 (World Bank, 2025).
What is Mauritania's inflation rate?
Mauritania's inflation rate is 2.5%, within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks (World Bank, 2025).
What is the population density of Mauritania?
Mauritania has a population density of 5 people per km², making it sparsely populated.
What is the life expectancy in Mauritania?
Life expectancy in Mauritania is 68.5 years, 3.5 years below the global average of 72 years (World Bank, 2025).
What is the total area of Mauritania?
Mauritania has a total land area of 1,030,700 km² (398,000 sq miles). This measurement covers the country's total sovereign territory as recorded by international geographic databases.
How many countries does Mauritania border?
Mauritania shares land borders with 4 countries (identified by the ISO 3166-1 alpha-3 codes: DZA, MLI, SEN, ESH). These borders define the country's overland connections to the wider region.
What is the calling code for Mauritania?
The international calling code for Mauritania is +222. To call Mauritania from abroad, dial your country's exit code (00), then 222, followed by the local number.
How do I call Mauritania from the US?
To call Mauritania from the United States, dial 011 + 222 + the local phone number. For example: 011-222-55 55 55 55.
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