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Interesting Facts about Mauritania

Mauritania Interesting Facts

Mauritania, officially the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, is a country in Africa. Here are some interesting facts about Mauritania:

  • The name Mauritania comes from the ancient kingdom of Mauretania, itself derived from the Mauri, meaning "Moors".
     
  • Mauretania existed as a tribal kingdom from around the 6th century BC until 44 AD.
     
  • There are two species of gerbils and six species of scorpions that are endemic to Mauritania.
     
  • The flag of Mauritania has a green background with a central crescent, star and red stripes at the top and bottom. Green, star and crescent are traditional Muslim symbols, while red means bloodshed during the struggle for independence from France.
     
  • Mauritania became the last country in the world to abolish slavery.
     
  • Mauritania includes part of the world's largest desert, the Sahara.
     
  • Approximately 90% of the territory of Mauritania is desert, which is why constant droughts occur throughout the country.
     
  • Chinguetti is one of the most popular places in the country. Known for its historic desert city architecture, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
     
  • Mauritania is home to the Richat Structure, sometimes referred to as "Eye of the Sahara" or the "Eye of Africa".
     
  • Mauritania is one of the least densely populated countries in the world.
     
  • Mauritania is a country with a legal system based on Islamic law and military rule.
     
  • The largest ship graveyard in the world is located in Mauritania.
     
  • Mauritania is rich in minerals, including iron ore, gold, copper, gypsum and phosphate rock.
     
  • Mauritania has one of the longest trains in the world. The "Iron Ore Train" or "Desert Train" is often 2.3 km long.
     
  • The national currency of Mauritania is the ouguiya, which consists of five khums. It is one of two non-decimal currencies. The second currency is Malagasy of Madagascar.
     
  • Alcohol is banned throughout Mauritania as a result of Islam's decree - the most popular drink in the country is mint tea.
     
  • There are seven languages considered "official" in Mauritania. People mostly speak Arabic and French.
     
  • Mauritania borders Moroccan-occupied Western Sahara to the northwest, Algeria to the northeast, Mali to the east and southeast, and Senegal in the southwest.

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