Mauritania

American  

[mawr-i-tey-nee-uh] / ˌmɔr ɪˈteɪ ni ə /

noun

1. Official Name Islamic Republic of Mauritania.  a republic in western Africa, largely in the Sahara Desert: formerly a French colony; a member of the French Community 1958–66; independent 1960. 418,120 sq. mi. (1,082,931 sq. km). Nouakchott.

2. Mauretania.

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Mauritania British  

/ ˌmɒrɪˈteɪnɪə /

noun

1. Official name: Islamic Republic of Mauritania.  a republic in NW Africa, on the Atlantic: established as a French protectorate in 1903 and a colony in 1920; gained independence in 1960; lies in the Sahara; contains rich resources of iron ore. Official language: Arabic; Fulani, Soninke, Wolof, and French are also spoken. Official religion: Muslim. Currency: ouguiya. Capital: Nouakchott. Pop: 3 437 610 (2013 est). Area: 1 030 700 sq km (398 000 sq miles)

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Other Word Forms

• Mauritanian adjective

Example Sentences

He has credited Spain's cooperation with Mauritania and other African countries for the decline in arrivals to the Canaries.

From Barron's • Jan. 2, 2026

More than 1,100 people fleeing insecurity in Mali have crossed into Mauritania this week, the UN refugee agency reported Friday, saying conditions were "difficult" for the newcomers.

From Barron's • Dec. 26, 2025

The shopkeeper we spoke to has fled Mali and is now living in a refugee camp across the border in Mauritania.

From BBC • Nov. 25, 2025

The Security Council had previously urged Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria and Mauritania to resume talks to reach a broad agreement.

From Barron's • Oct. 31, 2025

Sicily, Gaul, and whatever parts extend towards the West,—Spain, Mauritania, and Africa.”—Euseb.

From History of European Morals From Augustus to Charlemagne (Vol. 1 of 2) by Lecky, William Edward Hartpole