Mauritania
Capital: Nouakchott
About
Mauritania, officially the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, is a country in Northwest Africa. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Western Sahara to the north and northwest, Algeria to the northeast, Mali to the east and southeast, and Senegal to the southwest. By land area Mauritania is the 11th-largest country in Africa and the 28th-largest in the world; 90% of its territory is in the Sahara desert. Most of its population of some 4.3 million live in the temperate south of the country; roughly a third of the population is concentrated in the capital and largest city, Nouakchott, on the Atlantic coast.
When things are closed
Upcoming public holidays in Mauritania. On these dates, expect banks, post offices, and government services to close. Many shops and museums close or run shortened hours; transit typically still runs.
Independence Day
November 28, 2026
Saturday
New Year's Day
January 1, 2027
Friday
Labour Day
May 1, 2027
Saturday
Africa Day
May 25, 2027
Tuesday
Cities (2)
References4
These references support the changing or licensed material on this page. Personal notes and ordinary geographic facts are not footnoted individually. Entry rules can change, so verify them before booking.
- Travel practicalities. Entry, driving, electricity, water, and official application context. Related: Driving side, World Standards, CDC Yellow Book, WHO drinking-water guidance.
- Country background. Wikipedia summary may be clipped or paraphrased. Numeric baselines are cross-checked with Wikidata. Related: Wikidata, .
