The official name is The Islamic Republic of Mauritania. Located in northwest Africa. Area 1030.7 thousand km2, population 2.75 million people. (2001). The official language is Arabic. The capital is Nouakchott (426.3 thousand people, 2001). Public holiday - Independence Day November 28 (since 1960). The monetary unit is ougiya (equal to 5 khumsams).

Member of the UN (since 1961), OAU, LAS, KEAO, OIC, etc.

Sights of Mauritania

Geography of Mauritania

In the west it is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The coast is low and abounds with sandbanks, islands and lagoons. In the west are capes Ti-miris and Nouadhibou.
It borders on Western Sahara in the north, Algeria in the northeast, Mali in the east and south, and Senegal in the south. The river flows along the southern border. Senegal.

Most of the territory is occupied by the sandy and rocky deserts of the Sahara. Along with them there are flat or hilly desert plains. In the northeast there is the Adrar plateau (height 829 m), interspersed with large hilly terrain. In the south there are sandstone plateaus with precipitous ledges. In the west there are ridges of dunes located in a northeast direction. In the north and northeast there are large ergs. In the center there is a thin sandy cover.

The soil cover is poor. In the desert zone there are bare rocks and sand dunes. In some places there are salt marshes. On the southern plains, gray-brown predominates, in dry savannas - reddish-brown, in the river valley. Senegal has fertile soils. Water supply is provided by groundwater.

The vegetation is represented mainly by shrubs and herbs. In the south and southwest of the country it is richer. The flora of the Atlantic zone is relatively diverse. In savannah, semi-desert and desert it is much poorer. The fauna is small and does not have a rich species composition.

Mineral resources include large reserves of iron ore (1 billion tons). There are also reserves of copper ore (32 million tons), gold, diamonds, gypsum, phosphorites (136 million tons), cobalt, oil and other valuable minerals.

The climate is tropical, desert. The influence of the ocean extends only to a narrow coastal strip, where there is high air humidity. Average monthly temperatures in January are +16-20°C; July +30-32°C; maximum +45°C. The average annual precipitation in most of the country is approx. 50-100 mm, but in the northeast - less than 50 mm, in the south - 200-400, and in some places even 600 mm. At the same time, 2/3 of the country’s territory is defined as “Saharan”: not a drop of precipitation falls there for years.

Population of Mauritania

Average annual growth rate 2.6% (2001). Population density - 2.7 people. per 1 km2. Birth rate 42.95%, mortality 13.65%. Infant mortality is one of the highest in the world. Average life expectancy 51.14 years (estimate), incl. men - 49.04; women - 53.29 years.

The majority of the population (approx. 70%) are Moors of Arab-Berber origin - representatives of the Caucasian race. They live in the northern and central regions of the country, profess Malekite Islam and speak the Hassaniya dialect of Arabic. There are “white” Moors (Bidans) and “black” Moors (Haratins) - descendants of slaves freed in the past. Previously, 2/3 of the Moors led a nomadic and semi-nomadic lifestyle, engaging in cattle breeding. But it started in the 1970s. A ten-year drought caused significant damage to the livestock population and forced many nomadic pastoralists to switch to a sedentary lifestyle. In 2000, the share of this group of the population of Mauritania in its total population was 4.8% (versus 83% in 1965).

Due to the reduction in the rural population, the number of city dwellers increased: in 1996, almost 53% of its total population (against 14% in 1970). More than 80% of the townspeople live in the capital. Up to 40% of city residents live in slums.

OK. 1/3 of the population is made up of Negroid peoples: Tukuler, Sarakol, Fulbe (20%; also called Fula, Fulani and Pel), Wolof (12%), Bambara, etc. They live in a relatively narrow zone in the south of the country, mainly in the river valley .Senegal, and lead a sedentary lifestyle, along with agriculture, also engaged in livestock breeding, fishing, some crafts, and trade. Their native languages ​​are Soninke, Wolof, and Pulaar.

The official religion is Malekite Islam. The vast majority of the population (99.6%) adheres to the Muslim religious and legal school, 0.1% adheres to local beliefs and cults. Animistic ideas are strong in the religious beliefs of the Negroid peoples of the south of the country. A few immigrants from West African countries (Senegalese and Malians), as well as Europeans (French, Spaniards) are Christians, the overwhelming majority are Catholics. Several dozen Mauritanians are Protestants.

History of Mauritania

The territory of modern Mauritania has been inhabited since ancient times. In the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras, people with dark skin lived nearby in tribal groups - people from the tropical regions of Africa and light-skinned people who came from the north. Most of the peoples of the Negroid race, who led a sedentary lifestyle along the banks of rivers and lakes, remained hunters and fishermen, others became cattle breeders, and still others became primitive farmers.

In the 1st millennium BC. The penetration of the Sanhaja Berber tribes - nomadic pastoralists - began from the north. They pushed the Negroid tribes to the south, and enslaved those remaining in the oases. Islam served as the ideological basis for this. However, the further advance of the Berber tribes to the south encountered opposition from the Ghana Empire (4th-13th centuries), whose capital, Kumbi-Sale, was located on the territory of modern eastern Mauritania (Hod region). In turn, the Berbers, who occupied most of the northern and central regions of modern Mauritania, created their own state entity in the Aukar region, eventually. 8th century also became dependent on the Ghana Empire.

K ser. 11th century The ideologist of Islam Abdallah ibn Yassin around 1040 declared jihad (“holy war”) to the “infidels” (i.e., Negroid tribes). The war lasted 23 years. Its result was the creation of a large political association of the theocratic type called the Almoravid state (after the death of Yasin it was headed by Abu Bakr, or Bubakr, and after his death in 1087 - by his cousin and co-ruler Yusuf ibn Tash-fin). The result of the jihad was the fall of the Ghana Empire and the subjugation of a vast territory from the Senegal River valley in the south to the Berbers. Ebro in what is now Spain. After the death of Tashfin (1106), the power of the Al-Moravid state was shaken. In the 13th-14th centuries. the southern part of the territory of present-day Mauritania (the area adjacent to the Senegal River valley) came under the rule of the medieval Muslim state of Mali.

In the 14th century From north to south, the Arab tribes of the Hasaniya, or Bani Hasan, who were part of the Ma-Kil confederation, began to advance across the territory of modern Mauritania. They subjugated the Berbers (in the north and center of what is now Mauritania) and the Negroid tribes (in the south). The Arab-Berber confrontation lasted 30 years (1644-74) and ended with the establishment of Arab rule throughout the country.

Beginning of the 15th century was marked by the penetration of Western European colonialists into the territory of modern Mauritania. The first among them were the Portuguese, followed by the Dutch, the British and finally the French. In 1626 they founded the colony of Saint-Louis at the mouth of the Senegal River. In 1903, France declared Mauritania its protectorate, and in 1920 - a colony within French West Africa (FWA) with its center in Saint-Louis. In 1957, the FZA was reorganized and Moktar Ould Dadde, who came from the top of the influential marabout tribe (a marabout is a traditional representative of the Muslim clergy), was tasked with forming an autonomous government. The first government he formed consisted of the French. This caused natural discontent among national patriotic forces, under whose pressure Ould Dadda formed a new government on January 13, 1958, consisting only of Mauritanians.

On September 28, 1958, Mauritania received the status of an autonomous Islamic Republic of Mauritania (IRM) within the French Community with the right to create constitutional bodies of internal government, and on November 28, 1960 - political independence.

The ruling Mauritanian People's Party (PMN, general secretary - Ould Dadda) was created; On May 20, 1961, the country's first Constitution was adopted; On August 20, 1961, the first head of state was elected - the President of the IWW. The only candidate was Ould Dadda.

The national leadership faced the need to solve the problems of stabilizing the internal political situation, the socio-economic development of the country, and pursuing an independent foreign policy course. The lack of financial resources necessary for this forced Ould Dadda to seek external economic assistance, primarily from the former metropolis, which entailed an increase in external government debt. The brakes on the effective development of the IWW were the dominance of foreign monopolies, the archaic social structure of Mauritanian society, the instability of the internal political situation, and the complexity of relations with neighboring countries.

All R. 1970s The problem of Western Sahara became a serious test for the IWW. The failure of the country's leadership to solve it in July 1978 led to a military coup d'etat. The president was arrested, the PMN was dissolved, and political activity was prohibited. Power passed to the Military Committee of National Revival (MCNV, in 1979 renamed the Military Committee of National Salvation - MCNS), the chairmen of which were successively Mustafa Ould Mohammed Salek, Mahmoud Ahmed Luli (June 1979), Mohammed Huna Ould Heidallah (January 1980), Maauya Ould Sidi Ahmed Taya.

Government and political system of Mauritania

IRM is a presidential republic, the Constitution of 1991 is in force. Administratively, the country is divided into 12 regions: Adrar, Asaba, Brakna, Ghidimaqa, Gorgol, Dakhlet Nouadhibou, Inshiri, Tagant, Tiris-Zemmour, Trarza, Hod el-Gharbi, Hod- ash-Sharqi; autonomous capital district - with the rights of a region; 53 districts; 208 communes - local authorities. Large cities: Nouakchott, Nouadhibou (76.1 thousand people, 2001), Kaedi (51.6 thousand).

The highest legislative body is parliament. Consists of two chambers. The upper house is the Senate. Lower - National Assembly. Executive power belongs to the head of state and the cabinet, or council of ministers. The head of state is the president (since 1992 he has been Maaouia Ould Sidi Ahmed Taya). Elected by direct universal suffrage for a term of 6 years and can be re-elected several times. Has the prerogative to appoint the head of government.

Chairman of the Senate - Bubu Farba Dieng (since April 1992; re-elected to this post in 1996 and October 2001).

Chairman of the National Assembly - Rachid Ould Salek (since October 2001).

The Prime Minister is Sheikh al-Alawiyya Ould Mohamed Hounah (the last government was formed in August 2002).

Moktar Ould Dadda (born 1924) - President of Mauritania (1961-78), leader of the ruling PMN. He took part in the development of the first Constitution. He was re-elected to the presidency three times, each time for a term of 5 years. At the same time he was the head of government and supreme commander of the Armed Forces. In August 1975, at the VII Congress of the PMN, he was proclaimed the “father” of the nation.

In July 1978, a military coup d'etat took place in the country and Ould Dadda was arrested. Later released. He emigrated to France, where he stayed for 23 years. In July 2001 he returned to his homeland. Opposition parties welcomed his return. And although Ould Dadda said that he would not participate in the public life of the country, his arrival was perceived by political forces as an incentive to intensify action.

Maaouya Ould Sidi Ahmed Taya (born 1943), Colonel. From July 1978 to March 1984 - Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense; from March to December 1984 - Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces. Since December 12, 1984 - head of state, chairman of the All-Union Council of People's Commissars. He was re-elected to this post in 1987. In accordance with the 1991 Constitution, when a presidential form of government was established, he was elected to the post of president as a result of elections in 1992 and 1997. At the same time, he was the leader of the ruling Republican Social Democratic Party (RSDP, founded in 1991).

Abdalla Ould Ahmed (born 1940), political and military (military rank - colonel) figure, diplomat, economist. Since July 1978 - member of the VCNV (since April 1979 - VCNS); in 1980-88 - permanent member of the VKNS. In 1979-80 - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. From July 1982 to March 1984 - Minister of Internal Affairs. In 1984 - commander of the Zuerat Military District. From December 1984 to May 1985 - Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces. Since 1985 - in the UN system. Since 1990 - Member of the UN Secretariat, Special Coordinator for New and Renewable Energy Sources. From November 1993 to October 1995 - UN Special Representative in Burundi. In December 1996, in the elections of the UN Secretary General, he was a candidate from African countries.

Mohammed Huna Ould Heidallah (born 1940), lieutenant colonel; in 1980-84 - Chairman of the All-Russian Congress of People's Commissars.

Regions are headed by governors, districts are headed by prefects, and communes are formed through municipal elections.

There is a multi-party system in place. There are 20 officially registered political parties and associations of different directions. The most influential: Republican Social Democratic Party; Moorish Renaissance Party; United for Democracy and Unity.

The Union of Workers of Mauritania (STM) is a single national trade union center (founded in 1961, has about 45 thousand members). Member of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions. The General Secretary of the STM is Mohammed Brahim.

The main tasks of the country's leadership in the field of domestic policy are strict compliance with the current legislation in order to restore the population's trust in state institutions and psychological restructuring of the consciousness of the vast majority of the population, aimed at developing a new, social attitude towards domestic political life. These tasks were to be solved within the framework of “structures for educating the masses”, which developed a program of action in the political, economic and cultural fields. However, the political situation remained tense. The confrontation between white-skinned and black Mauritanians persisted; Moors and Negro Africans; free and former and remaining enslaved citizens of the country. The opposition was formed among the Moors and black Africans and was represented by conservative Islamist groups, organizations for the rights of black Africans, and various political parties. They regularly held demonstrations, which the authorities violently dispersed. Repression by the authorities strengthened public opposition to the regime.

In foreign policy, the IWW adheres to the principles of non-alignment and advocates a peaceful political solution to the problem of Western Sahara. The emphasis is on strengthening ties with Western countries, primarily with the United States, NATO and EU member countries, in particular within the framework of the “Mediterranean dialogue” on military-political cooperation, in which the IWW has enjoyed observer status since 1994. Specifically, we are talking about these countries providing military assistance to the IWW, the reorganization of its Armed Forces, incl. to combat Islamic terrorism.

The Middle East policy of the IWW has changed radically. At the end of October 1999, it, following Egypt (1979) and Jordan (1994), established full diplomatic relations with Israel. This decision caused a mixed reaction in the Arab world, primarily from Iraq. In November 1999, the IRM broke off diplomatic relations with him.

There has been an evolution in relations with neighbors. The border conflict with Mali was resolved by demarcating the joint border. On the contrary, relations with Senegal have become strained. The reason (in June 2000, as in 1989) was Dakar’s intention to implement an irrigation project in the north of the country by filling dry river beds with water from the Senegal River, along which the border with the IRM passes. As a sign of protest, the Mauritanian side demanded that the Senegalese, who had once settled on the territory of the IWW, leave the country within 15 days. This measure affected almost 100 thousand Senegalese citizens, of whom, however, only 16 thousand were officially registered. At the same time, fearing for their fate, Negro-Mauritanians (about 60 thousand people) began to return to their homeland en masse from Senegal.

The king of Morocco acted as a mediator in relations between the two countries. Recognizing the relations of good neighborliness and strong friendship between the IWW and Morocco, he called on both sides “to exercise restraint” and recommended that they “give preference to dialogue and cooperation.” Under these conditions, the IRM set a course for strengthening relations with the countries of the Maghreb, primarily with Morocco, as well as Algeria, incl. within the Arab Maghreb Union.

Of the countries of the former “socialist camp,” relations between the IWW and the PRC developed most favorably. In 2000-01, a number of Chinese government and political figures visited the country. During the negotiations, mutual satisfaction was expressed with the progressive development of relations between the two countries and hope for the comprehensive strengthening of these relations.

Total strength of the Armed Forces (2000) - approx. 20 thousand people plus 20 thousand reservists. Permanent paramilitary paramilitary forces - approx. 5 thousand people Ground forces - 15 thousand people, Air Force - 150 people, Navy - approx. 500 people

Mauritania has diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation (established with the USSR in 1964).

Economy of Mauritania

GDP (currency purchasing power parity) $5.4 billion; per capita US$2,000 (2002). The share of industry in GDP is 31%; agriculture - 25%; services - 44%. The economically active population is 750 thousand people, 53% of which are employed in agriculture.
The basis of the economy is the mining industry. The manufacturing industry is poorly developed and is represented mainly by fish processing enterprises in Nouadhibou (their share in GDP creation is about 4%, 2002).

Agriculture is in a state of chronic crisis due to almost complete dependence on unfavorable natural and climatic conditions (less than 1% of the land concentrated along the coast of the Senegal River receives sufficient rainfall for growing crops), poor technical equipment, and lack of qualified personnel. The farming is carried out using medieval methods. Productivity is low and fluctuates annually due to periodic long-term droughts. Domestic production does not satisfy the population's needs for grains, most of which are imported in significant quantities.

The coastal waters of Mauritania are among the richest areas in the world in terms of fisheries. The share of marine fisheries in the creation of GDP in the end. 1990s was 13%. The industry employs approx. 25 thousand people However, subsequently there was a decline in the fishing industry, and its share in GDP creation decreased. In 2000, the industry found itself in a pre-crisis state, and the most valuable species of fish products were on the verge of extinction. The reason is barbaric fishing methods and the inability of the state to provide effective control over the activities of fishing vessels fishing in Mauritanian waters. Besides, ok. 40% of the Mauritanian fleet's ships are in poor condition.

Livestock farming, which is the main occupation of the rural population, suffers from frequent and sometimes multi-year droughts. Nevertheless, the livestock population remains at approximately the same level.

Rail transport is represented by the only railway connecting the centers of iron ore production in the area of ​​​​Zouerat with the ore port of Nouadhibou, with a length of 853 km. The road's carrying capacity is 15 million tons of iron ore. Diesel-electric traction is used.

The total length of roads is approx. 8 thousand km, of which only 1.9 thousand km are asphalted (end 1999).

Seaports are in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou.

The main water artery is the river. Senegal with a length of 210 km. It has 3 large ports (in the cities of Guraye, Kaedi, Roso) and 4 berths with a ferry crossing. Annual passenger turnover is 87.6 thousand people, cargo turnover is 11 thousand vehicles.

Two international airports (in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou) and 23 regional ones. The national airline Air Moritani carries out air transportation of passengers and cargo within the country and to neighboring countries.

There are 570 thousand radio receivers throughout the country (1997), 87 thousand television sets (1998), 26 thousand telephone numbers (2000), incl. 7.1 thousand mobile; 27 thousand personal computers, 7 thousand Internet users (2001).

Domestic trade is regulated by the Mauritanian Chamber of Commerce for Agriculture, Livestock, Industry and Mines; industry and trade associations (NAFTEC, Mauritanian Fish Trade Society, National Import-Export Society); General Confederation of Mauritanian Entrepreneurs.

Foreign tourists are interested in historical and cultural attractions, hunting grounds and national parks, a number of which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage Program list.

The country's leadership declared the main directions of socio-economic policy to be the improvement of finances, the general growth of the economy, and ensuring social justice. Primary attention is given to solving the food problem. However, the emphasis is on iron ore mining and fisheries development (to generate foreign exchange earnings) to the detriment of other sectors of the economy, the rise of which would help create new jobs and provide employment to the population.

Another problem is the concentration of large financial resources in the hands of the ruling elite. As a result, there is no domestic market in banking, fishing, and mining.

The Central Bank of Mauritania (founded in 1973) is an emission bank and has 4 branches. The seven commercial banks are either private, wholly nationally owned, or jointly owned, with mixed Mauritanian-foreign capital.

State budget (1999, billion ouguiyas): revenues 56.00; expenses 51.7. The main areas of investment spending (32.7%) are the development of infrastructure, agriculture, marine fisheries, and the mining industry. At the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries. IRM ranked 98th among 132 countries of the world and, according to the UN classification, was included in the group of least developed states burdened with large external financial debt. In con. 1990s external debt: $2,453 million, 83% of which was long-term public debt. The cost of debt servicing is 25.6% of the value of exports of goods and services. 3/4 of the population lived in conditions below the officially recognized poverty threshold. Unemployment reaches 50% of the working population. The health care system is poorly developed.

Foreign trade turnover (1999, million US dollars) 638, incl. exports 333, imports 305. The main export goods are iron ore, fish and fish products, gold. The main import goods are machinery, petroleum products, capital goods, products, consumer goods. Leading trading partners: exports - Japan (18%), France (17%), Italy (16%), Spain (11%); imports - France (27%), Benelux (9%), Germany, Spain (7% each).

In foreign economic relations, the country's leadership proceeds from the possibility of receiving gratuitous assistance for the development of the national economy and does not show any particular interest in developing cooperation on a commercial basis. This largely determines the nature of the relationship between the IWW and its main foreign economic partners. The leading place among them belongs to France, which accounts for 1/3 of all assistance provided to Mauritania by other investor countries. The main areas of cooperation are the mining industry, energy and electrification, construction, infrastructure development, agriculture, irrigation, marine fisheries, education, healthcare, tourism, and environmental protection. Carried out within the framework of mixed commissions.

Science and culture of Mauritania

Primary schooling of 6 years is formally considered compulsory for all children aged 6 to 11 years; training is free. Conducted in Arabic, French is studied. The average 6-year school consists of two stages - each for a period of 3 years. Training is conducted in French. The total number of students in primary and secondary schools in 1998-99 was approx. 410 thousand. In general, 60% of children are covered by primary education, 18% of adolescents of the corresponding age are covered by secondary education. Vocational education is carried out on the basis of primary schools in secondary technical lyceums and colleges, but is poorly developed.

Higher education institutions - University (Nouakchott, 1981); Pedagogical Institute (Nouakchott, 1971); National Administrative School (Nouakchott, 1966); National Institute of Higher Islamic Studies (Butimilit, 1961). Teaching in higher educational institutions is conducted in French. In 1998-99, approx. 13 thousand students.

In Mauritania there are scientific institutions on general issues - the National Institute of Higher Scientific Research (Nouakchott, founded in 1986), the National Institute of Higher Islamic Studies (Butimilit, 1961), the Mauritanian Association of Libraries, Archives and Documentation Centers (Nouakchott, 1979) and specialized - National Institute of Higher Scientific and Technical Research in Fisheries (Nouadhibou, 1983), Directorate of Mines and Geology (Nouakchott, 1968). There are national libraries in Boutimilit, Kaedi, Nouakchott, Tijikja, Oualat, and Chinguetti. In Nouakchott - the National Archives (founded in 1955) and the Center for Pedagogical Documentation (1962).

Mauritania is a country of ancient civilization and a rich multinational culture based on a combination of traditions of Africans, Berbers, Arabs, and Andalusian Spaniards. In the south of the country, dozens of fortified settlements dating back to the 1st millennium BC have been preserved from the Neolithic period. round stone burial grounds “shushi”, and on trade routes, near wells - stone houses and mosques. From the Neolithic period, rock paintings of animals and people, carts drawn by bulls or horses, and hunting scenes have been preserved. The center of artistic culture was the capital of medieval Ghana (now ruins) - Kumbi-Sale, as well as medieval cities, or fortified settlements “ksars”, Wadan, Walata, Chinguetti. A distinctive feature of this synthetic art is monumental architecture (fortifications, civil, religious buildings).

The musical culture of the Moors and Negroid peoples is characterized by professional music of oral tradition, cult rituals, folklore and modern music based on a combination of traditions of national and European light genre music.

Issues of cinematography and the production of short films are dealt with by the Cinema Society (founded in 1984), which has a monopoly right to import, distribute and distribute foreign film products in the country. The most famous filmmakers are Mohammed Medone Hondo Abib and Sydney Sokona.

There are the Commercial and Administrative Publishing House, the National State Publishing House and the National Press Society. The Mauritanian Information Agency (MIA, founded in 1975; until January 1990 it was called the Mauritanian Press Agency - MAP) publishes the Official Gazette bulletin and the daily People's newspaper in Arabic and French.

The radio broadcasts in Arabic, French, Sarakol, Toukouler and Wolof languages ​​throughout the country and broadcasts to countries in Europe, Africa and the Arab East. Television (founded 1984) is run by the Mauritanian Television and Film Agency and the House of Television in Nouakchott.

I arrived in Senegal yesterday. Before this, I traveled around Mauritania for about a week. That's what I can say about it.
In short, it is a full-fledged Arab country with an African way of life.


The country is small, almost all of it is in the desert, there is practically nothing to see.

Dunes are rarely found. Basically, the desert is not particularly remarkable.

In the northeast, in the Zuerat region, there are even some mountains where ore is mined. But still, a non-tourist country.

The main attraction (I think Bolashenko will support me 100% here) is the longest train in the world! Going to the aforementioned Zuerat. A rare African railway built after independence. The train is enchanting, I will, of course, write a detailed post about it.

A fishing port in the second city of the country and also the large port of Nouadhibou. An extremely colorful place. The second most interesting in the country.

Mauritania is a very poor and backward country. In most aspects, almost typical Africa.

The country is very dirty. Garbage is lying everywhere. There are very few trash cans, no one needs them here. Often people are selling something right in the middle of it.

An ordinary city street in Nouakchott. There is still asphalt on PCH, but instead of sidewalks there are sand-covered roadsides, which are difficult to walk on due to the abundance of sand. Garbage is everywhere.

The problem is that in Mauritania there is desert everywhere and, in fact, in the cities there is desert too. There is no improvement. There are small oases in the country, but apart from dirty palm trees, nothing much grows there.

That is, sand is just everywhere here! And besides, there are no parks or squares - when we wanted to relax and drink tea, we went to five-star hotels and ate there in the lobby (take note of this method!)

Where there are sidewalks, such moments are no longer perceived as wild. After all, the main thing is that there is a SIDEWALK, you can walk on it!

Well, don’t worry about this either.

In the second city of the country, Nouadhibou, the situation is generally more decent than in the capital (if you can call it that). But the views are also depressing - the desert begins right outside the outskirts.

When you get to the markets or just walk along the littered outskirts, you have virtually no doubt about what continent you are on.

But the country is not completely black. The population is approximately 60% Arabs and 40% blacks. There are a lot of completely dark-skinned people.

No, these are not Islamic terrorists! And they cover their faces in such a way as to protect it from sandstorms. Tuareg scarves.

Previously, blacks were slaves of the Arabs, but now there is freedom, equality, brotherhood

But, nevertheless, this is an Arab country, first of all, and, most importantly, religious. This is what is called the “Islamic Republic of Mauritania” (abbreviated ROME:)). Well, almost like Iran. Religiosity is manifested in everything here: locals are constantly inquiring about your religious affiliation, or more precisely, whether you are a Muslim. In Mauritania, you quickly learn the times of all prayers, since everyone around you does them. If you're on a minibus, it stops and everyone gets out to pray.

The aunts are all wrapped up. In theory, you can’t take pictures of them, but if you really want to, then... By the way, some of them themselves start talking to me. These girls even wanted to take a photo with me, but then their mother tutted at them and they retreated.

African women often carry all sorts of luggage on their heads like this.

National Moorish clothing, these are the robes. Every second person wears them here. Including officials.

Insane number of children. In the absence of playgrounds, people play with whatever they can on the streets.

Old tires are very popular.

We can only be glad for our children that they don’t have to play in garbage dumps like this. . Thank you comrade....(insert your choice) for our happy childhood!

I was sadly surprised at how poor children’s playgrounds are in Morocco, and how few there are. But what about Morocco? In Mauritania, there are practically no playgrounds for children at all. Children play with all sorts of rubbish, tires, stones, and whatever comes to hand. Childhood imagination is inexhaustible, as we know.

Mauritania is an African poor country. Everyone lives here more than simply.

Here is a typical house - bare walls, no furniture - they sleep on mattresses that are not the freshest, the set of dishes is minimal.

A shower, and indeed tap water in general, is a luxury in Mauritania. How else to be in a desert country. That's why everything is dirty - there is physically not enough water to wash anything other than clothes.

A donkey brings water to this house every few days; it is stored in a special tank. The water is dirty, you can only wash with it.

Standard Moorish shower combined with toilet. Be thankful that LJ hasn’t learned how to convey smells yet.

But no matter how modest the decoration of the house, there will almost certainly be a zombie box in it. I remember this rule from Amazonian Peru.

The roads in the country are generally quite good. The asphalt is laid, more or less tolerably. There is even a marking somewhere.

This asphalt on the Arat-Zuerat highway was obviously just laid. There used to be a dirt road here.

However, road signs and kilometer posts are missing as a class! You can only roughly imagine where you are.

There are an incredible number of police checkpoints along all the highways. At each of them, the police stop all the cars and rewrite the data. However, the police are harmless to foreigners. They rewrite the data and that’s it. Often they just want copies of their passport, it is recommended to make more of these copies before leaving for Mauritania. This will speed up the process of passing posts.

And so, they are quite friendly. They feed, water, catch cars. Several times the police treated me to local pilaf. And then we found a car to the right place.

The police checkpoints are desperately simple and primitive. The booth measures 3 by 3 meters. There is nothing inside except a table, a chair and a notebook in which everyone passing by is written down. Of course, there is no light (there are no less problems with it than with water), in the evening and at night everything is recorded with a flashlight. The police usually sleep here, they have the same dirty mattresses. Sometimes there is a gas cylinder for making tea or pilaf. There are hordes of flies flying around.

In general, whatever you say, it is an extremely unenviable prospect to be a police officer in Mauritania. And it’s still winter, there’s no heat. And it’s all the more joyful that Mauritanian police officers do not become malicious assholes from this way of life, taking out all their troubles on citizens, but remain pleasant and sympathetic people.

The country's lack of tourism is very beneficial in this aspect. In neighboring Morocco, they pester you with questions and pestering more often, and they want to deceive you more often. There is none of that here.

Most of the shops are more than primitive. If space allows, sellers also sleep right in them. The vast majority of products are imported from neighboring countries: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia. There are also Spain and France.

Those stores that rent more space for the sake of respectability create the appearance of an abundance of assortment in the “Soviet” way, so popular in Cuba - by displaying the same product in a row in the windows.

The only Auchan in the whole country. We came in at the height of the working day - completely empty. It is unusual for the Moors to stock up in supermarkets; markets are much clearer and cheaper. I asked if I could pay by card, they said something like “yes, we’ll get the device now.” In the end, they never found him.

There are cool villas in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou! Flowers, landscaping... And all around, right next to the walls, there is a dusty primer and a garbage dump.

Surprisingly, there are wind turbines in the country! I wonder if they are actually used for their intended purpose?

Mauritania is a country of pets. Goats, donkeys, camels, chickens. Occasionally there are even cows. Absolutely everything is carried on donkeys.

Sometimes they interact with each other without the intermediary services of a person.

Camel hangout on the outskirts of Nouakchott. All are one-humped.

In Zuerat.

Why not?

Donkey parking. Just enter the payment directly. Why not?

I have never seen so many goats in any country before. Well, somehow sheep are more popular everywhere. I’ll even say more: I haven’t seen goats anywhere except for isolated specimens in Russia. Or I don't remember. And here there are only goats, no sheep.

Due to the lack of meadows and generally any grass in desert areas, goats usually graze in garbage dumps. Or at best, they gnaw the trees.

Moorish leader! Reminded me of Old Man

The food is simple and primitive. In eateries you can eat chicken with side dishes for 2-3 dollars, or somewhere else they seem to have fish. Couscous, a dish made from some kind of flour, is popular among residents. By the way, it is also common in Morocco. They eat everything from one large plate, and always with their hands.

On the penultimate day, I found a cool cafe next to my registration, where for about 2 euros you can eat chicken with so many different side dishes that it’s not easy for two people to eat.

The cafe looks like this: food on the floor, we sit on cushions. Popular with locals who eat couscous here, yes, with their hands.

Nearby is a Moorish McDuck.

The Moors drink tea all the time. But it is difficult for a Russian person to drink it. And now I will explain why. No, the tea is very tasty! But... by the time you wait for him, you will go crazy. The Moors boil tea for a long time in a small teapot, then pour it into glasses, then pour it from glass to glass, then pour some of it out, then put the kettle back on, then add mint and sugar, thimble some more with the glasses, and, voila! After 15 minutes you are given a cup with a capacity of 100 g, half filled!!! You drink it in one gulp, maybe they will pour you another 50 g of tea, and wait another 15-20 minutes for the next batch..

This procedure constantly froze me out. I tried, if possible, to prepare a lot of tea in a thermos myself and brew it in tea bags :)

So to summarize: the main attraction in the country (well, besides the train, of course) is the people. Kind, open, direct. However, Mauritania is definitely not a country that you want to visit again. Not because there is something wrong with her, but because once is enough for her. And it is visited in many ways only because the route from Europe to Africa lies through it, and due to the geopolitical features of the continent, there is no way to get around it.

Mauritania

The Islamic Republic of Mauritania (French: République Islamique de Mauritanie, Arabic: Al-Jumhuriya al-Islamiya al-Muritania), a state in North-West Africa. In the west it is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, in the north it borders with Algeria and Western Sahara (Spanish), in the east and south - with Mali and Senegal. Area 1031 thousand km 2. Population 1.5 million (1972 estimate). The capital is the city of Nouakchott. Administratively, the territory of Moscow is divided into 8 districts and 1 capital district.

Political system. M. is a republic. The current constitution was adopted on May 20, 1961. The head of state and government is the president, elected by the population on the basis of equal direct elections for 5 years. The President appoints and dismisses ministers, civil, military and officials, promulgates laws adopted by the National Assembly, issues ordinances that have the force of law, exercises the right of pardon, ratifies international treaties, and is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The government of M. - the Council of Ministers - consists of the president and ministers. The highest legislative body is the unicameral National Assembly, consisting of 50 deputies elected by the population for 5 years. The right to vote is granted to all citizens over 21 years of age. The districts are headed by governors. Elected bodies - regional assemblies and local councils - have been created in districts, urban and rural communes.

The judicial system includes the Supreme Court and courts of first instance, as well as a number of special courts. There are courts of Islamic law.

Yu. A. Yudin.

Nature. Most of Mexico's territory is occupied by the sandy and rocky deserts of Western Sahara. The Atlantic coast is low and level (except for the northern part); There are many sandbanks, bars, and islands near the coast.

The territory of M. belongs to the ancient African-Arabian platform, composed of Precambrian rocks, folded and highly metamorphosed. Archean and Lower Proterozoic crystalline formations protrude to the surface within the Regibat Shield, located in the north-west of the country. In the west, it is adjacent along a fault to the meridionally elongated Mauritanian-Senegalese fold system of Baikal age (Riphean sandstones, quartzites, tillites, limestones). The southeastern part of M. is occupied by the Taoudenni syneclise. At the base of its sedimentary cover lie terrigenous-carbonate sediments of the Upper Riphean. Paleozoic deposits are developed on the Adrar and Tagant plateaus. In the extreme northwest and south of the country, Mesozoic sandstones and conglomerates are common in depressions along the Atlantic coast.

Among mineral resources, deposits of copper ores (Akzhuzht) are known, associated with the Precambrian formations of the Regibat shield; total reserves of copper ore (with copper content from 0.7% to 2.8%) 590 thousand T(1970), there are iron ore deposits in the Zuerat-Ijil region; total iron ore reserves (with an average iron content of 65%) are estimated at 410 million. T(1970). In the west there are deposits of rock salt, confined to the deposits of the depressions of the Atlantic coast. To the north of Nouakchott there are gypsum reserves, on the coast there are ilmenite reserves (200 thousand T, 1970). There is a deposit of rare earth elements in the Bunaga area.

The relief is dominated by low plains and low plateaus. In the north, the Adrar hill has a coarsely hilly topography (Mount Amozzaga, 732 m). In the south there are sandstone plateaus Tagant, Asaba and others (average heights 300-400 m) are terminated by ledges. The hills and plateaus are surrounded by sandy deserts with dunes of a predominantly northeastern trend. In the north and northeast there are large sand accumulations - Erg and (Igidi, Shesh, El Jouf), which continue in the Algerian Sahara.

The climate is tropical desert. Average temperatures in January are 16-20 °C, in July 30-32 °C; maximum temperatures above 40-45 °C. The influence of the ocean on climate is manifested only in a narrow coastal strip, where temperatures are lower and air humidity is high (fogs are frequent). Drying easterly winds are typical. Average annual precipitation less than 100 mm, in the northeast less than 50 mm. There are no permanent watercourses, except for the transit Senegal River at the southern border of M. The right bank of the Senegal River belongs to the Sahel zone (see Sahel), where precipitation reaches 200-400 mm in year. Here, the river's flood waters are used for irrigated agriculture. In the rest of Mexico, water supply is carried out primarily from groundwater and rare springs. Desalination of sea and saline groundwater is planned. Desert areas are characterized by sparse grass-shrub and ephemeral herbaceous vegetation (asheb). In the south there are semi-deserts with dry-loving shrubs and acacias, including acacia that produces gum (gum arabic). The fauna is dominated by species typical of deserts (the most numerous are reptiles and rodents, among predators are jackals and fennec foxes). In some areas, ostriches and large ungulates (gazelle, antelope) have been preserved. Coastal waters are rich in commercial fish (sardine, tuna, whiting, etc.).

N. A. Bozhko, M. B. Gornung.

Population. Over three-quarters of the indigenous inhabitants of Mexico are Arabs of Western Sahara (Moors). Their spoken language is Hasaniya, a dialect of Arabic. Settled everywhere, in Northern and Central Mexico they form a relatively ethnically homogeneous population, mostly nomadic. A small group of Zenaga Berbers has survived in southern Mexico. The rest of the Mauritanians are Negroid peoples: Toucouleurs, Wolof, Fulbe (Pel), Sarakol, Soninke and others. They lead a sedentary life in the south of the country, mainly in the Senegal valley. The number of foreigners, mostly French, is about 3.7 thousand people. The official languages ​​are Arabic and French. The dominant religion is Islam (Maliki Sunnism); Religious sects are common. In some regions of Northern and Eastern M., pre-feudal structures are preserved. The division of the population into traditional social groups (castes) - hasans (warriors), marabouts (clergy), dependents (haratin farmers, servants, tributaries, etc.) - gradually gives way to new class relations. The official calendar is Gregorian (see Calendar).

During 1963-71, population growth averaged 2.2% per year. Of the 500 thousand people in the economically active population, only 17 thousand are employed (1973). 90% of the economically active population is employed in agriculture, 10% in industry, fishing and other sectors. About 3/4 of the population is engaged in nomadic and semi-nomadic cattle breeding, as well as various crafts. Almost 4/5 of the population is located in the southern part of the country, where the density in some places reaches 35 people per 1 km 2(average density - 1.1 people per 1 km 2). Urban population 10% (1973). The most significant cities: Nouakchott (130 thousand inhabitants in 1973), Nouadhibou, Zouerate, Kaedi, Rosso, Atar.

G. N. Utkin.

Historical sketch. The ancient and medieval history of M. has been poorly studied. In the 7th–11th centuries, the southern part of Mexico was part of the medieval states of West Africa (Ghana, Tekrur), and on the territory of Northern Mexico there were state formations of the Sanhaja Berbers. In the middle of the 11th century, a powerful Almoravid state arose on the territory of Mexico (See Almoravids), which, in addition to Mexico, included the territory of Morocco and Western Algeria. The Almoravid era (before 1146) was the time of the highest prosperity and power of medieval Mexico. In the 13th and 14th centuries, the southern part of Mexico was included in the sphere of influence of the medieval state of Mali, but continued to maintain close ties with Morocco. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the Maquil Arab tribes invaded Mexico, accelerating the process of Islamization and Arabization of Mexico, which began in the 11th century. The Arabs took a dominant position in Mexico, establishing power over the Sanhaja Berbers and the mixed agricultural population of the oases, the Haratins. The oasis of Chinguetti became the main religious and political center of Mexico. The country itself began to be called Tarb el-Bidan (Land of the Whites) or Chinguet from the name Chinguetti. The Hassaniya dialect of Arabic has become widespread.

In the 15th century, Europeans began to penetrate Mexico. The Portuguese and Spaniards created strongholds on the coast of Mexico (Argen, Portendique) for the export of black slaves, as well as gold and gum arabic. The Dutch, British, and French began to compete with them. The latter created trading posts, mainly along the Senegal River. According to the Treaty of Versailles of 1783 (Great Britain, France, Spain), the coast of Mexico was recognized as the sphere of exclusive interests of France. Intense French colonization began in the mid-19th century. In 1855-58, the French governor of Senegal, Federbe, undertook military operations against the Arab tribes in the Senegal River basin and forcefully imposed treaties of “patronage” and “freedom” of trade on them. However, by the end of the 19th century, these “contractual” relations were undermined by the resistance of the population of M. to the colonialists.

In 1900, France and Spain agreed to delimit spheres of influence in Western Sahara. Using diplomacy and the armed forces, the French in 1903 established a protectorate over the Arab tribes of Trarza and Brakna, whose territory was included in 1904 in the “civil territory of M.” within French West Africa (See French West Africa) (FWA). In 1905-06, the resistance of Trarz and Brakn was suppressed, and the French established themselves in the Center. M. In 1909, French troops, after stubborn battles with Mauritanian nomads, captured the Adrar region - the main stronghold of the Mauritanians in the struggle for independence. In 1920, the country was officially declared a French colony as part of the FZA with the administrative center in Saint-Louis, but the armed resistance of the population of M. actually continued until the mid-30s. The colonialists introduced a system of direct rule into Mexico, although traditional leaders retained significant influence, occupying some positions in the colonial administration. The deprivation of the population of Mexico of basic rights, the imposition of heavy taxes, the use of forced labor, frequent requisitions of livestock, and the ban on wandering in the northern regions led to the flight of the Mauritanians to the regions adjacent to Mexico, in particular to Rio de Oro, where the Resistance forces did not gather. only M., but also Morocco.

After World War II (1939-45), the struggle for the liberation of M. unfolded with renewed vigor. In the 2nd half of the 40s, the first political parties appeared: the Mauritanian Concord (MC, 1946) led by Horma Ould Babana and the Mauritanian Progressive Union (MPU, 1947), led by Moktar Ould Dadda . The national liberation movement, including armed uprisings of the Mauritanians, especially intensified after the proclamation of Moroccan independence in 1956 (in Adrar in 1956-57, in Fort Trenc in 1958, etc.).

In 1958, the French government was forced to grant France autonomy within the French Community and the right to create constitutional bodies of internal government. On November 28, 1960, the independent Islamic Republic of Mauritania was proclaimed in the city of Nouakchott. In a bitter struggle over the future of the country, which took place even before the declaration of independence, the MS and the IPU were opposed: the first advocated the annexation of Morocco to Morocco, the second - for the proclamation of Morocco as a sovereign state while maintaining close ties with France. The leading position was taken by the IPU, with which, after the departure of Horm Ould Baban and other leaders of the MS from Morocco, the main part of the MS merged; The Mauritanian Regroupment Party (PRP) was formed (1958). Since 1960, while Morocco’s strong dependence on the former metropolis remained, which imposed unequal “cooperation” agreements on Morocco in June 1961, in the face of growing tribalist tendencies (see Tribalism) within the country and serious territorial claims from some neighboring states (Morocco demanded inclusion of M. in its territory) PMP implemented a number of important measures aimed at strengthening the independent development of the country. In May 1961, a constitution was adopted. The leader of the PMP, Moktar Ould Dadda, was elected president (since August 1961). The Congress of Mauritanian Unity, held in December 1961, united, on the basis of the PMP, all the parties of M. into the Party of the Mauritanian People (See Party of the Mauritanian People) (PMN), which became the only ruling party (a corresponding amendment was made to the constitution in 1965). In accordance with the decisions of the national congresses of the PMN, its internal policy is aimed at “ensuring social progress and the unity of the nation.” The government of M. began to eliminate the institution of traditional leaders, carried out administrative and territorial reform, proclaimed the equality of women, etc. In foreign policy, the government of Mexico implements the principles of non-alignment with blocs, cooperation with all countries, and support for the struggle for the unity of Arab and African countries. In October 1961, M. was admitted to the UN. M. is a member of the Organization of African Unity, the Organization for the Development of the Senegal River Basin and the League of Arab States (since the end of 1973).

In 1967, the government of Mexico declared its solidarity with the Arab countries that had been subjected to aggression by Israel. M. repeatedly supported the peoples of Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau in their struggle against the Portuguese colonialists. In 1969-70, normalization of relations between Morocco and Morocco was achieved. Since 1970, M. has participated as an observer in the Permanent Consultative Committee of the Maghreb Countries. ; cooperates with Algeria and Morocco on the issue of decolonization of Western (Spanish) Sahara. In 1973, Moldova concluded new agreements on economic and cultural cooperation with France (in replacement of the 1961 agreements), which deprived France of a number of advantages provided for by the 1961 agreements. Diplomatic relations between Moldova and the Soviet Union were established on July 12, 1964. In 1966, between Moldova and the USSR a trade agreement was signed, in 1967 - an agreement on cultural and scientific cooperation, in 1973 - an agreement in the field of marine fisheries.

G. N. Utkin.

Political parties, trade unions, other public organizations. The Mauritanian People's Party (PMN, Parti du Peuple Mauritanien), created in December 1961 as a result of the merger of the Mauritanian Regrouping Party (founded 1958) with the parties that were previously in opposition - the Mauritanian National Union (founded 1958), National Renaissance (founded 1958) , Union of Mauritanian Muslim Socialists (founded 1960). Since December 1961 - the ruling party. 281 thousand members (1973). The Mauritania Workers' Union, created in 1961, unites 26 sectoral trade unions. About 11 thousand members (1973); as part of the PMN. Youth of the Mauritanian People's Party, founded in 1966. Women of the Mauritanian People's Party, founded in 1964.

Economic-geographical essay. M. is an agricultural country of the pastoral type with a developing mining industry. The basis of agriculture is extensive cattle breeding and farming. Traditional trades and crafts (consumer sector) are developed. In 1969, agriculture produced 55% of the gross domestic product, and industry - 35%. After achieving independence in 1960, the government's economic policy was reflected in the first (1963-66) and second (1970-73) 4-year plans aimed at the development and use of natural resources, the creation of new industries within the state and mixed sectors: mining ( iron ore and copper ore) and fishing industries.

Agriculture. The share of nomadic and semi-nomadic cattle breeding accounts for over 30% of the national gross product. The area of ​​pasture land is about 40 million. ha. In 1970/71 there were (in million heads): sheep 5.9; goats 2.5; cattle (zebu) 2.7; camels 0.7; donkeys 0.2; Livestock productivity is low. As a result of the severe drought of 1971/72, the number of cattle decreased to 1.6 million, sheep and goats to 6 million. Nomadic cattle breeding predominates in Northern and Central Mexico, semi-nomadic and transhumance - in the Sahel zone and southern regions; in the Senegal valley it is combined with agriculture. Agriculture is the main source of subsistence for the majority of residents of the southern part of Mexico, especially the Negroid population. The area of ​​cultivated land is about 300 thousand ha. Main crops: pearl millet and sorghum (over 1/3 of the sown area; 100 thousand ha, collection 70 thousand T in 1972), in oases - date palm (over 880 thousand trees; 18 thousand T dates in 1972). Corn, beans, sweet potatoes, peanuts, and, since the late 60s, rice have also been cultivated. The rice harvest was 2000 T in 1972.

Among the traditional crafts, the collection of gum arabic is important, mainly in the Sahel zone (on average 4-7 thousand T per year, satisfies 10% of world demand), extraction of lump salt in the Idjili mines (on average 800 T per year), as well as fishing on the Senegal River and near the sea coast (about 15 thousand T freshwater and 5 thousand T sea ​​fish on average per year).

Industry. The energy sector is represented by small thermal power plants in Nouakchott, Nouadhibou, Akjoujt, Atar and others with a total capacity of 38 MW(1972). In 1971, 73 million were produced. kWh. In the mining industry, the leading role is played by the production of iron ore, amounting to (in millions). T) 6.3 in 1965, 9.3 in 1972; in the area of ​​Zuerat-Ijil (formerly Fort Gouro) large deposits are exploited - Fderik, Tazadit, Ruesa, development is carried out by the Miferma company, the government of M. owns only 5% of the shares, the rest - Western European (French, English, West German and Italian) capital . Ore is exported via the Zouerate - Nouadhibou railway, and then through the specialized seaport of Consado (10 km south of Nouadhibou), mainly to France (20.6% in 1971), Great Britain (18.9%), Italy (12.9%), Belgium (14.6%), Germany (12.8%) , Japan (11.7%). Since 1971, a copper ore deposit near the city of Akzhuzht has been developed by the mixed company Somima, which represents the public sector of Mexico (22% of all shares), South African capital (44.6%), French (18.4%), etc. 14.9 thousand were produced in 1972. T copper concentrate. Among the branches of the food industry, the modern fishing industry has received the greatest development, its center is the city of Nouadhibou, where a fishing port was built (work is underway to expand it) and there are fish processing plants, including a fish refrigeration plant with a capacity of 20 thousand T fish per year. Commercial fishing in the open ocean is growing rapidly and has reached 63 thousand T in 1971. Factories were built (1973): refined sugar, flour milling, and cement.

Transport. In 1963, the Zouerat - Nouadhibou railway (ore transport) was put into operation (652 km). The length of roads and trails used year-round is about 3.2 thousand km. In 1972, the first paved road, Rosseau - Nouakchott - Akjoujt, was built (over 560 km). Car park 11.8 thousand (1971). The main seaport is Nouadhibou, which, together with the port of Consado, accounts for almost the entire maritime cargo turnover (over 9 million). T in 1973). Survey work is underway (1973) for the construction of a deep-water port in Nouakchott. International airports in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou.

International trade. In foreign trade turnover (43.5 billion African francs in 1971), exports (26.1 billion African francs) significantly exceed imports (about 17.4 billion). The main exported products are iron ore (over 3/4 of the total export value), fish products, copper concentrate, and gum arabic. Imported: tea, sugar and other foodstuffs, fabrics, industrial equipment, petroleum products, cement. Main trading partners: France (over 25% of the total foreign trade turnover of Mexico in 1971), Great Britain, the USA, and Belgium. The monetary unit is the ouguiya (since 1973), equal to 5 African francs and 10 French centimes.

G. N. Utkin.

Armed forces(about 2.5 thousand people in 1971), consist of the ground forces (about 1.4 thousand), the air force (about 100 people), the navy (about 50 people) and the gendarmerie (about 1 thousand people). The supreme commander in chief is the president. The general leadership of the army is carried out by the Minister of Defense and the General Staff. The army is recruited by recruiting volunteers. The conscription age is 18 years, the period of active military service is 2 years.

A. S. Khromov.

Education. Before the arrival of the French colonialists, there were many religious educational institutions of various levels of education on the territory of Mexico. During the colonial period their numbers greatly decreased. Over 95% of the adult population is illiterate. The education system is built on the French model. The primary school, which admits children aged 6 years and older, is a 6-year school that includes three 2-year cycles: preparatory, elementary and secondary. Secondary school is 7 years old and consists of 2 levels (4 + 3 years of study). Children of nomads mostly study in Koranic schools. About 12% of children of the corresponding age are enrolled in primary education (in the 1971 school year there were 28 thousand students, of which about 28% were girls). In the 1971 school year, 3.4 thousand students received secondary education. Higher religious education is provided by the National Institute of Islamic Studies in Butilimit (founded in 1961; 270 students in 1970), there are no other higher educational institutions; about 150 students from Mexico are studying at universities in France, Senegal and other countries. Nouakchott is home to the Central Public Library, the National Administrative and Historical Library; there are several small libraries of Arabic religious literature in Butilimit, Chinguetti, Kaedi, etc.

V. P. Borisenkov.

Print, radio broadcasting. In 1972 the following were published: “Le Peuple”, a weekly newspaper in French and Arabic, circulation 1.5 thousand copies, organ of the PMN; Nouakchott-information, in French and Arabic, government newsletter; "Journal officiel", a collection of legislative framework and government regulations, in French; “Mariemou”, since 1968, in Arabic and French, illustrated magazine, published once every 3 months. The National Radio Broadcasting of Mexico (a government service) broadcasts in Arabic, French, and the languages ​​of the Wolof, Sarakol, and Toukouler peoples.

Architecture, applied and fine arts. Art monuments dating back to the Neolithic belong to the culture of ancient Negroid peoples and Berbers (rock paintings, stone tombs - “shushi”). In the Middle Ages, Arab-Berber culture developed on the territory of Mexico. Since the 11th-12th centuries, rectangular residential buildings with flat roofs and courtyards and mosques with square minarets have been built from mud brick in cities. In the west, buildings are decorated with patterned stonework (Tishit); in the east, the facades are plastered, and the doorways are framed with a red and white curvilinear ornament (Valata). In the 20th century, Nouakchott and Nouadhibou (Port-Etienne) were built up with modern buildings; many cities retain their medieval appearance. Products made of metal, leather, clay, etc. are typical for M. folk art.

Lit.: Contemporary history of Africa, 2nd ed., M., 1968; Gamier Ch., Ermout Ph., Dessert fertile. Un nouvel état: la Mauritanie. P., 1960; Utkin G. N., Mauritania (text to map 1: 2500000), M., 1968; Gerteiny A. G., Mauritania, 2 ed., N. Y. -, 1968; Pujos J., Croissance économique et impulsion extérieure. Etude sur l'économie mauritanienne, P., 1964; Jacques-Meunié D., Cités anciennes de Mauritanie, P., 1961.

Useful information for tourists about Mauritania, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, currency of Mauritania, cuisine, features of visa and customs restrictions of Mauritania.

Geography of Mauritania

Mauritania is a state located in western Africa, washed from the west by the Atlantic Ocean. It borders Western Sahara in the northwest, Senegal in the southwest, Algeria in the northeast, and Mali in the south and east.

More than 60% of the country's territory is occupied by rocky and sandy deserts of the Western Sahara, the territory is mostly flat - the height is up to 915 m (Mount Kediet Ijil), although there are also picturesque remnant rock massifs.


State

State structure

Mauritania is a republic. The head of state is the president. Legislative power is exercised by a bicameral parliament, which consists of the Senate and the National Assembly.

Language

Official language: Arabic

In addition to Arabic, French is widely spoken. Some local dialects (Wolof, Pulaar, Soninke) are recognized as languages ​​of interethnic communication.

Religion

99.6% of the country's population are Muslims. Islam in Mauritania is the official religion. The most widespread Sunni school of the Maliki persuasion. In the small community of Christians, the majority are Catholics.

Currency

International name: MRO

The Mauritanian Ouguiya is equal to 100 Khums. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 100, 200, 1000 Mauritanian ouguiyas, coins in denominations of 20, 10, 5, 1 and 1/5 Mauritanian ouguiyas (1 hum).

The best place to exchange currency is the capital airport bank. It is possible to exchange currency on the black market, but in this case the risk of fraud is inevitable. In markets and in the private sector, it is quite possible to pay in French francs or US dollars, but most often the exchange rate will be very arbitrary.

The use of credit cards is only possible in large international hotels in Nouakchott (American Express is preferred), and the use of traveler's checks is also limited.