10 Facts About Mauritania

On November 28, 1960, Mauritania declared independence from France and was admitted to the United Nations in 1961.

Mauritania's capital is Nouakchott, which translates as "place of the winds." It was only designated as the country's capital in 1960, making it one of the world's newest capitals.

Mauritania was one of the last countries in the world to abolish slavery. In 1981, it passed legislation to abolish slavery. Nonetheless, despite anti-slavery legislation, there are an estimated 90,000 slaves in Mauritania, according to 2003 estimates.

The majority of Mauritanians are devout Muslims of the Sunni sect.

The official and national language is Arabic. Pulaar, Soninke, Wolof (all national languages), French, and Hassaniya are among the other languages spoken (a variety of Arabic).

When viewed from space, Mauritania appears as a clear bull's-eye-like image known as "The Eye of Africa." It is a Richat structure with a diameter of about 30 miles that is thought to have formed as a result of simultaneous lifting of the underlying geology.

With approximately 40% of its population still living in poverty, Mauritania's economic progress is heavily reliant on iron ore exports, fishing, and offshore oil wells.

The extensive coastline of Mauritania provides excellent opportunities for those who want to explore the beach, surf, swim, or fish in the sea.

The colonial influence of France is visible in Mauritania's education system, which is based on the francophone system. Primary school lasts six years and begins at the age of six, followed by seven years of secondary education leading to the Secondary Education Diploma "Diplome du Baccalauréat de l'Enseignement du Secondaire" (BAC). Mauritania's University of Nouakchott offers two-year Diploma programmes ("Diplome d'Etudes Universitaires Géneralés" also known as "DEUG") followed by two years for the "Maitrise." There are also seven specialised higher education institutions.

The Bay of Nouadhibou in Mauritania is home to one of the world's largest ship cemeteries. More than 300 wrecks from all over the world are permanently beached on its shores.