| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| ISO 3166 alpha-2 | MRISO 3166 [2024] |
| ISO 3166 alpha-3 | MRTISO 3166 [2024] |
| Capital | NouakchottGeoNames [2024] |
| Continent | AfricaGeoNames [2024] |
| Common name | MauritaniaCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Official name | Islamic Republic of MauritaniaCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Local name | MuritaniyahCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Etymology | named for the ancient kingdom of Mauretania (3rd century B.C. to 1st century A.D.); its name derives from the Mauri (Moors) of northwest AfricaCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Government type | Presidential republicCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Independence | 28 November 1960 (from France)CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| National holiday | Independence Day, 28 November (1960)CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Head of state | Mohamed Ould Cheikh GHAZOUANI (Pres.)CIA World Leaders [2025] |
| Currency code (ISO 4217) | MRUISO 4217 Currency Codes [2026] |
| Currency | OuguiyaISO 4217 Currency Codes [2026] |
| Administrative subdivisions | 15ISO 3166-2 Subdivisions [2026] |
| Subdivision names | Adrar / Assaba / Brakna / Dakhlet Nouâdhibou / Gorgol / Guidimaka / Hodh ech Chargui / Hodh el Gharbi / Inchiri / Nouakchott Nord / Nouakchott Ouest / Nouakchott Sud / Tagant / Tiris Zemmour / TrarzaISO 3166-2 Subdivisions [2026] |
| Historical overview | "Research completed December 1987." Supercedes the 1980 ed. of Mauritania : a country study, edited by Brian Dean Curran and Joann Schrock. Includes bibliographical references (p. 189-200) and index. Also available in digital form. CIP ACQ MSG: Bk recd 11-16-90; ser 1 rev 01-16-91 pa04LoC FRD Country Studies [2026] |
| National symbols | five-pointed star between the horns of a horizontal crescent moonCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| National anthem | title: "National Anthem of Mauritania" ; lyrics/music: unknown/Rageh DAOUD; history: adopted 2017CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| National colors | green, yellowCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Citizenship rules | citizenship by birth: no; citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Mauritania; dual citizenship recognized: no; residency requirement for naturalization: 5 yearsCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
named for the ancient kingdom of Mauretania (3rd century B.C. to 1st century A.D.); its name derives from the Mauri (Moors) of northwest Africa
description: green with red stripes along the top and bottom edges; on the green field, a five-pointed yellow star is centered over a yellow, upward-pointing crescent moon meaning: the crescent, star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam; green also represents hope for a bright future; yellow stands for the sands of the Sahara, and red for blood shed in the fight for independence
Source: CIA World Factbook (Historical Archive — final edition) · CC0 · Edition 2026-05
