Islamic Republic of Mauritania
Capital
Nouakchott
Region
Africa
Population
4,927,532
Area (km²)
1,030,700
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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