The Islamic Republic of Mauritania is located in the Western region of Africa, right in the desert of Sahara, between Morocco and Senegal; bordering the North Atlantic Ocean.

Coastline: 754 km

Total area: 1,030,700 sq. km

Its Population: 2,581,738 (July 1999); 2,912,584 (July 2003 est.)

Independence from France: November 28, 1960

Constitution: July 12, 1991

Neighboring countries are: Mali (over 2,237 km) Senegal (over 813 km) Algeria (over 463 km); Morocco (over 1,561 km)

Natural resources: fish, iron ore.

Agriculture productions: dates, millet, sorghum, root crops; cattle, sheep; fish products

Industrial productions: fish processing, mining of iron ore and gypsum

Industrial production growth rate: 7.2% (1994); 2% (2000 est.)

Due to its geographic location, right in the west end of of the Sahara desert, and the consequent lack of arable lands - except for the Senegal river's banks in the south - Mauritania agriculture contribution to the GNP is far below African countries' average. However, a majority of the population still depends on agriculture and livestock (camels, goats) for a livelihood.

The fishing sector is a dynamic one as Mauritania's coastal waters are among the richest fishing areas in the world.

Since 1998, Mauritania's authorities devised attractive investment rules / laws for international investor. A "Guiché Unique" a single One Stop Point / administrative place had been set up to creating a company. Foreign workers hiring had been made easier; tax and custums rates reshuffled and made less burdening to investors.

The mining sector still dominates the economy and will continue having a biggest share. It accounts in year 2001 for 58.5 % of total exports. That share will certainly skyroket above 60% in the near future. Indeed, the country is now listed amongst oil producers. The first barrel of oil extracted from the Shinguetti's off shores oil fields is scheduled for December 2005. Many other potential oil fields are currently under exploration by American, European, Australian and Asian oil companies. Map at the left (Source) gives location of attributed oils blocks. Click here to have access to another map with the location of On Shore's exploration blocks.

There are business opportunities in agribusiness alongside the banks of the River Senegal in the South - efficient exploitation and management of the rare arable lands through adequate irrigation and fertilization programs; fish processing and transformation - salted fish, smoked fish, cold storage conservation; meat processing - camel breeding and camel meat processing; camel milk development. Etc.

Of course due to the discovery of oil the country is on the verge of frenzy investments in infrastructure (roads, schools, housing schemes) and energy development.

MORE ON MAURITANIA 1- Mauritanian Investment & Business Guide Digital Delivery In PDF 2- Mauritania by Mason Crest 3- Ending Slavery Hierarchy, Dependency And Gender In Mauritania / by Urs Peter Ruf 4- Path of Accommodation Muslim Societies And French Colonial Authorities In Mauritania And Senegal / by David Robinson 5- The Western Raharans by Virginia McLean, Thompson 6- Ecological Studies In The Coastal Waters of Mauritania by W.J. Wolff 7- Mauritania In Photographs by Joseph E. Murphy 8- Investment And Business Opportunities by USA International Business

9- The 2000 Import & Export Market For Processed Animal And Vegetable oils, Fats, Waxes In Mauritania by The Processed Animal 10- Mauritania Campaign of Terror State Sponsored Repression of Black Africans / by Janet Fleishman 11- West Africa Mining Industry Opportunities Handbook / Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone by International Business Publications 12- The 2000 Import & Export Market For Food And Live Animals In Mauritania / by The Research Group 13- Stories of Women by Shanta Rao, et al. 14 -More News On Mauritania by Yahoo!

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GNP: US$ 891.7 million (2001); 1.4 2002 est.)
GNP-growth rate: 4.2% (2002 est.))
GNP-per capita: US$ 464 (2002)

Click here for the difference between GNP and Parity Purchasing Power

GNP-composition by sector

1. agriculture: 25%
   

2. industry: 29%
   
3. services: 46%

Exports: US$ 360.6 million (f.o.b., est.2002)
Commodities: fish and fish products, iron ore, gold

Imports: US$ 360 million (f.o.b., est. 2002)
Commodities: foodstuffs, consumer goods, petroleum products, capital goods

FOR CURRENCY EQUIVALENCE CLICK HERE

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A passport and a visa are required, as is evidence of a yellow fever vaccination. Travelers should obtain the latest information and details from the nearest diplomatic representation Consulate.
Cholera certification may be required for entry.

Permanent Mission to the U.N. 211 East 43rd Street, Suite 2000, New York, N.Y. 10017, Tel: +(212) 986-7963 or 8189 E-mail: Click here	UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Embassy of Mauritania P.O. Box 2714 Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates Tel: +(971) 2 462764 Telex: 22512 AMBARIM EM
USA Embassy of Mauritania 2129 Leroy Place, NW, Washington DC 20008 Tel: +(202) 232-5700 Fax: +(202) 232-5701 Website: Click here	KUWAIT Embassy of Mauritania P.O. Box 23784 Safat 13098 STATE OF KUWAIT Tel: +(965) 5384849
QATAR Embassy Mauritania P.O. Box 3132 Doha Qatar Tel: +(974) 670458 Telex: 4379 AMBRIM DH	Belgium Embassy of Mauritania Avenue Colombie, 6 B1060 Brussels Tel: +(32) 2 672 4747

The national Air carrier is Air-Mauritania. There are good connections to North African States of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and to the Arabic Gulf States.

The main ports and harbors are:: Bogue, Kaedi, Nouadhibou, Nouakchott, Rosso

Here are listed some hotels: Hotel Adrar; hotel Chinguitti; hotel El Ahmedi; hotel El Amane; hotel El Jezira Nouadhibou; hotel El Jezira Nouakchott; hotel El Qasr El Akhdar; hotel Halima; hotel Houda; hotel Marhaba Snim; hotel Oasian; hotel Oasis; hotel Petit Paris; hotel Sabah Monotel Dar El Barka; Park hotel

Contact Ministry of Commerce / tourism department below listed for more