Mauritania Travel Guide
Did you know?
The surface area of Mauritania is 398 thous. mi², which puts the country in position number 30 in terms of the area in the world.
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between Nouakchott (MR) and Washington D.C. (US) is 3898 miles
To calculate distance between your location and Nouakchott click here
Country Comparison
Compare Mauritania to any country in the world and see key differences between them side-by-side.
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Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Mauritania
Best Ways to Experience Mauritania
- Cuisine
- Animals
Practical Information for Travelers
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Currency
MoreMauritanian Ouguiya (MRU)
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Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Mauritania.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Rabies
Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by neurotrophic viruses from the rhabdovirus family.The infection is most often caused by biting a sick animal or other contact of its saliva with mucous membranes, conjunctiva or damaged skin.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Keep away from animals
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting 
Mauritania for tourism
A visa is required, but it is possible to obtain it at selected border crossing points (visa on arrival).
- Available at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport.
- International Certificate of Vaccination required.
Electricity
220V (50 Hz)
In Mauritania the standard voltage is 220V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Type C sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more information
Type CFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 125 / 231 Ranking | 4 649 658 black Moors (Haratines - Arab-speaking slaves, former slaves, and their descendants of African origin, enslaved by white Moors) 40%, white Moors (of Arab-Berber descent, known as Bidhan) 30%, black Africans (non-Arabic speaking, Halpulaar, Soninke, Wolof, and Bamara ethnic groups) 30% |
Area | 30 / 230 Ranking | 398 thous. mi² It is approximately 11% of the territory of United States. |
Life expectancy | 173 / 196 Ranking | 64.9 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 62.4women 67.4 |
Median age | 29 / 157 Ranking | 21 Average age of population expressed in years.men 20.1women 22 |
Population growth | 38 / 172 Ranking | 2.02% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 116 / 131 Ranking | 53.5% Ability to read, write and count.men 63.7%women 43.4% |
GDP | 142 / 194 Ranking | 5 388 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |
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