Mauritania flag

Mauritania

Islamic Republic of Mauritania

Capital

Nouakchott

Region

Africa

Population

4,927,532

Area (km²)

1,030,700

💡Quick Summary

Mauritania, a vast West African nation dominated by the Sahara Desert, boasts an area of 1,030,700 km² and a population of around 4.9 million people, blending Arab-Berber and sub-Saharan cultures. Its capital, Nouakchott, serves as the economic hub, with the economy heavily reliant on mining, fishing, and agriculture, though GDP figures are not available here. Despite challenges like poverty and slavery legacies, it's a gateway to ancient caravan routes and stunning nomadic heritage.

Key Insights

High Fertility Despite Rapid Urbanization

Mauritania exhibits a high Total Fertility Rate (4.70 births per woman), which is characteristic of less developed nations. However, this high rate persists even though nearly 60% of the population lives in urban areas, suggesting a slower demographic transition than typically observed with rapid urbanization.

Strong Economic Growth Outpaces Inflation

The country experienced robust GDP growth of 6.809% in 2023. While inflation is present at 4.953%, the real economic growth rate (GDP growth minus inflation) remains positive and substantial, indicating genuine expansion rather than just price increases.

Significant Electricity Access Gap

Despite substantial urbanization, only about half of the population has access to electricity. This low electrification rate (50.3%) presents a major infrastructural bottleneck, especially for the large rural population and for sustaining the reported high economic growth.

Relatively Low Unemployment for Developing Economy

Mauritania's unemployment rate stands at 10.446%. While high by global developed standards, this figure is relatively moderate compared to many resource-dependent or developing economies in the region, suggesting a degree of job creation or high informal employment.

Economic Indicators
Latest economic data from World Bank

GDP (Current US$)

$10.73B

Year: 2023

GDP Per Capita

$2,135.78

GDP Growth (%)

6.81%

Inflation (%)

4.95%

Unemployment (%)

10.45%

Debt to GDP (%)

N/A%

Source: World Bank • Last updated: 12/24/2025

Historical Trends & Data Visualizations

GDP Growth Rate
Annual percentage change in GDP over time
2014201520162017201820192020202120222023-3.00%0.00%3.00%6.00%9.00%
  • GDP Growth (%)
Population Growth
Total population over time
201420152016201720182019202020212022202301,500,0003,000,0004,500,0006,000,000
  • Population
Life Expectancy
Average life expectancy at birth (years)
20142015201620172018201920202021202220230.0years20.0years40.0years60.0years80.0years
  • Life Expectancy (years)
Renewable Energy Consumption
Percentage of total energy from renewable sources
2014201520162017201820192020202120220.0%8.0%16.0%24.0%32.0%
  • Renewable Energy (%)
GDP Per Capita
Economic output per person (current US$)
2014201520162017201820192020202120222023$0$550$1,100$1,650$2,200
  • GDP Per Capita ($)

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