Country name: Islamic Republic of Mauritania

 Government Type: Republic

Independence: November 28, 1960 (from France)

Capital: Nouakchott

Main Towns: Zouerat-Nouadhibour

Geographic Location: Mauritania lies in the far west of Africa, bordering Western Sahara from north and north-west, Mali from south, Algeria from north – east and the Atlantic Ocean from west.

Geographic Area: 1,030,700 km2.

Population: 3,364, 940 (July 2007 est.)

Ethnic groups: Moor-Mixed moor/black.

Languages: Arabic (official)-Pulaar-Soninke-French-Wolof

Historical glimpse: Mauritania became independent in Nov. 1960. The first President of Islamic republic was Makhtar Ould, Doddah and the current one is president Sidi Duld Cheikh Abdellahi, since (April 19, 2007).

Economy: Mauritania has extensive deposits of iron ore, which accounting for nearly 40% of total exports.

GDP: $ 5.818 billion (2007 est.)

GDP (real growth rate): 1.5 % (2007 est.)

Agricultural Products: Dates-Millet-sorghum-rice – corn and cattle.

 Industries: Fish processing – mining of iron ore and gypsum.

Currency: Ouguiya

Reg. Org Membership: ACP-AU-OIC-OIF