What is the Capital of Mauritania? Nouakchott

Capital City of Mauritania: Nouakchott

City Overview

Nouakchott, the capital and largest city of Mauritania, serves as the political, economic, and cultural hub of the country. Located along the Atlantic coast of West Africa, Nouakchott stands at a crossroads between desert and sea, with a unique mix of desert landscapes and coastal features.

Geography and Climate

Nouakchott lies on the Atlantic coast, bordered by the Saharan desert. This coastal city, despite being in a desert region, benefits from its proximity to the ocean, influencing its weather. However, the climate is still largely arid and semi-desertic, with temperatures soaring in summer and mild winters. Due to the Sahara’s influence, the city rarely experiences rainfall, making it susceptible to droughts.

• Area: 1,100 km² (426 sq mi)
• Population: Around 1.5 million (2023 estimate)
• Time Zone: GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
• Highest Mountain: The highest elevation in the Nouakchott region is Mount Tidirine, located about 150 km inland, which stands at 804 meters (2,638 feet) above sea level.
• Longest River: The Senegal River is the longest river in Mauritania, though it does not pass directly through Nouakchott, it plays an important role in the country’s ecology and economy.

Major Landmarks

Nouakchott is a blend of modern urban infrastructure with traditional Mauritanian culture. Some of its key landmarks include:

1. Port de Nouakchott (Nouakchott Port) – This is the primary port of Mauritania and a vital entry point for goods to and from the country. It plays a significant role in the economy, particularly in exports like fish, iron ore, and oil.
2. Nouakchott Grand Mosque – An architectural masterpiece, the Grand Mosque of Nouakchott serves as a symbol of the nation’s Islamic heritage. It is one of the largest mosques in Mauritania and a central place for religious activities.
3. National Museum of Mauritania – This museum offers an important look at the country’s history and culture, showcasing traditional Mauritanian clothing, artifacts, and exhibitions on the pre-Islamic period and the nation’s colonial history.
4. Nouakchott’s Markets (Souks) – The markets in Nouakchott, such as Marché Capitale and Marché des Artisans, are famous for a variety of goods, from textiles and handicrafts to fresh produce. These souks are key to the city’s economy and local life.
5. Nouakchott Beach – The coastline of Nouakchott is famous for its wide, sandy beaches and fishing activities. While not a major tourist destination, it provides a calm retreat for residents and visitors alike.
6. The National Library – The National Library of Mauritania is a key cultural institution and a treasure trove of the country’s historical records, ancient texts, and literature.

Climate Overview

The climate in Nouakchott is dominated by the surrounding desert and the Atlantic Ocean. Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F), while winters remain mild and temperate.

Monthly Climate Table

Month	Avg Temperature (°C)	Average Precipitation (mm)	Sunny Days (days)
January	20°C	2 mm	28
February	22°C	1 mm	28
March	26°C	2 mm	29
April	30°C	2 mm	29
May	34°C	3 mm	30
June	38°C	0 mm	30
July	40°C	0 mm	31
August	39°C	1 mm	30
September	36°C	5 mm	29
October	31°C	3 mm	28
November	26°C	1 mm	28
December	21°C	2 mm	28

Historical Capitals of Mauritania

Mauritania has seen several cities serve as its capital over the years. Here’s an overview of three key historical capitals:

1. Atar (Pre-Independence, 1960-1961)

Atar, a historic city located in the Adrar region, was briefly the capital of Mauritania following its independence from France in 1960. However, due to its remote desert location and lack of infrastructure, it was soon replaced by Nouakchott, which offered better access to trade and coastal resources.

• Capital Period: 1960-1961
• Population: Approximately 50,000
• Geography: Located on the edge of the Sahara, Atar is known for its palm groves and historic kasbahs.

2. Nouakchott (1961-Present)

Nouakchott replaced Atar as the capital due to its proximity to the coast and more favorable geographic position for growth and development. Its development has mirrored the nation’s modernization, with significant urbanization taking place after its designation as the capital. It’s also the largest city in Mauritania, holding political and economic importance.

• Capital Period: 1961-Present
• Population: 1.5 million
• Geography: Coastal city, close to the Atlantic Ocean, and bordered by the Sahara Desert.

3. Rosso (Historical Pre-Independence)

Before independence, Rosso was a critical city for trade and administration, especially during French colonial rule. Though it never formally served as the capital after independence, its role in Mauritania’s development during the colonial period cannot be overstated.

• Capital Period: Colonial Era (until 1960)
• Population: Approx. 40,000
• Geography: Located along the Senegal River; a critical trade hub during the colonial period.

Country Facts

Mauritania is a vast and diverse country located in Northwest Africa, bordered by Western Sahara to the north, Algeria to the northeast, Mali to the east and southeast, and Senegal to the southwest.

Key Facts about Mauritania:

• Population: Approximately 4.8 million (2023 estimate)
• Area: 1,030,700 km² (398,000 sq mi), the 11th largest country in Africa
• Largest City: Nouakchott
• Capital City: Nouakchott
• Currency: Ouguiya (MRU), subdivided into 5 khoums
• Official Language: Arabic (official), French is also widely used for administrative purposes.
• ISO Country Codes: ISO 3166-1 Alpha-2 code: MR, ISO 3166-1 Alpha-3 code: MRT
• Major Religion: Islam, with nearly 100% of the population being Muslim.
• Government: Islamic Republic, with a semi-presidential system.

Economy

Mauritania’s economy is heavily based on natural resources. The country is a major exporter of fish, iron ore, and oil. The mining sector is vital, with iron ore accounting for a large portion of the country’s exports.

Important Historical Events

• 1960: Mauritania gained independence from France.
• 1978: A military coup overthrew the first president, Moktar Ould Daddah.
• 1989-1991: The country was involved in the Mauritania-Senegal Border War over ethnic disputes.
• 2005: A coup led to the overthrow of President Taya, marking the end of a long dictatorship.