Mauritania

Mauritania gained independence from France in 1960.

Maawya Ould Sid Ahmed Taya seized power in a coup d'état in 1984 and ruled the country for more than two decades. The series of presidential elections he has held are seen as rigged. A bloodless coup in August 2005 toppled President Tai and established a presidential council to set the date for new elections. Independent candidate Sidi Ould Cheikha Abdallahi was elected in April 2007 as Mauritania's first freely and honestly elected president. His term ended prematurely in August 2008 when a military junta led by General Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz deposed him and placed him under military rule. Aziz was subsequently elected president in July 2009. The country is still experiencing ethnic conflicts at the moment.

Geography of Mauritania

Location:

North Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean, between Senegal and Western Sahara

Geographical coordinates:

Total area: 1030700 sq km

Demographics of Mauritania

33.67 births per 1000 inhabitants (2010)

Islamic Republic, state in Zap. Africa. The history of the name goes back to the one that existed on 3. Sev. Africa already in the III millennium BC. e. history region (Mauretania) . The name was given by the Phoenicians, for whom this region lay on the extreme 3., and they called her Mauharim - "West End". During the colonial period, the name referred to one of the territories of French West Africa, in 1960 G. he was inherited state .

Geographical names of the world: Toponymic dictionary. - M: AST. Pospelov E.M. 2001 .

Mauritania

(Mauritanie, Spanish moros - the name of the Muslim conquerors of the Iberian Peninsula - Arabs and Berbers in the Middle Ages. Europe), the state in the NW. Africa. Pl. 1030.7 thousand km², capital Nouakchott . In the IV-XI centuries. part of the territory as part of the state of Ghana; in the XI-XII centuries. - Almoravids; in the XIII-XIV centuries. - Mali. In the XIV-XV centuries. Arabs invaded M. The first Europeans (Portuguese) appeared in the 15th century. From the middle of the XIX century. active colonization by the French; since 1920 the colony has been part of French West Africa ; since 1946 - "overseas territory"; since 1958 auth. republic within the French Community. From November 28 (national holiday) 1960 - independent Republic of Al-Jumhuriya-al-Islamiya al-Muritaniya (Islamic Republic of Mauritania ), which is headed by the president; Legislative power is vested in a bicameral parliament composed of the National assembly and the Senate.
The main part of the territory is sandy and rocky deserts in the west. Sahara, low plains and low plateaus (up to 915 m); on the west - sand dunes, on the north and NE. ergi (dry channels with sands). The climate is tropical desert. Wed-mon. temperatures from 16 to 32 ° C; daily amplitude up to 40 °C, especially in winter. Precipitation per b.h. countries less than 100 mm per year (in the NE up to 50 mm, in the south up to 400 mm). Withering east. harmatana winds. There are no permanent rivers, except for the transit river. Senegal to the southwest. border. The vegetation is sparse, ephemeral grasses predominate (appearing after occasional rains); in the south semi-deserts with shrubs and acacias. National a park Ban d'Arguin; reserves.
Population 2747 thousand people. (2001); over 80% Arab-Berbers (Moors); the rest are Negroid peoples (ch. arr. in the south). Official languages ​​are Arabic and French. Muslims (Sunnis) predominate. Citizens 35%; nomads ("great nomads") ca. 25%. Over 4/5 of the population is located in the south. parts of the country (Sahel), including 1/5 - on a narrow strip of the Senegal valley (350 people per 1 km²). An agrarian country with a developing mining industry. Yellow is obtained. ore (80% of foreign exchange earnings), gold, gypsum, rock salt, native sulfur. There are deposits of phosphates and copper prom. values. Production of food, leather, cement, metallurgist. prom. Sat. x-backward. Agriculture is only in the valley of Senegal and in the oases. Main crops: African sorghum, rice, millet, corn and date palm (especially in the Atar oasis, called the "pearl" for its huge palm grove). M. provides itself with grain only by 30%, the deficit is covered by international. help. One of the first places in Africa in terms of the number of livestock per capita; under pasture ca. 1/4 territory; nomadic and semi-nomadic meat and wool cattle, camel breeding. Nomads (self-name - "sons of rain clouds") overcome distances of more than 1000 km, crossing the borders of the West. Sahara, Morocco and Algeria. Collection of gum arabic (gum) from acacias (approx. 10% of the world production). Significant marine fish (sardine, tuna, whiting), river fish in Senegal, marine fisheries (lobsters, shrimps). Crafts: making carpets, clothes, fabrics, art. and jewelry from corals, metal, ebony, clay toys; embossing and painting on leather. Roads with a hard surface 1.8 thousand km; and. d. 670 km, used for the export of railway. ore to the sea, serve special. trains of 150 wagons (up to 2 km long); court on the river. Senegal; intl. airports and seaports (Nouadhibou, Nouakchott). Capital University (since 1983) and the Higher Institute of Islamic Studies in Butilimit. Rock paintings of various eras (including on the way through the Sahara - on the "road of chariots"). To the south are ancient fortified settlements on the hills; round stone burial grounds (shushi) near wells; numerous stone mosques; Berber settlements - ksars (developed by Kumbi-Sale; Chinguetti). Cash unit - ugh.

Dictionary of modern geographical names. - Yekaterinburg: U-Factoria. Under the general editorship of Acad. V. M. Kotlyakova. 2006 .

Encyclopedia Around the World. 2008 .

MAURITANIA

AFRICAN ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF MAURITANIA
State in northwestern Africa. In the north it borders on Western Sahara and Algeria, in the east - on Mali and Senegal, in the west it is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The area of ​​the country is 1,030,700 km2.
The population of Mauritania (estimated for 1998) is about 2,511,500 people, the average population density is about 2 people per km2. Ethnic groups: Moors (descendants of Arabs and Berbers) - 80%, blacks - 20%. Language: Arabic, French (both official), Hassanya, Wolof, Pular, Soninke. Religion - almost 100% Muslim (Islam is the state religion). The capital is Nouakchott. The largest cities: Nouakchott (560,000 people), Kaedi (74,000 people), Nouadhibou (70,000 people), Roseau (50,000 people). The state system is an Islamic republic. The head of state is President Maawya Ould Sid Ahmed Taya (in office since April 18, 1992). The head of government is Prime Minister Sheikh Al Asiya Ould Mohamed Huna (since January 1996). The monetary unit is the ouguiya. Average life expectancy (for 1998): 50 years - men, 53 years - women. The birth rate (per 1,000 people) is 44.5. Mortality rate (per 1000 people) - 14.6.
Mauritania has been a French protectorate since 1903. The Islamic Republic of Mauritania was proclaimed on 28 November 1958 under the constitution of the Fifth French Republic. November 28, 1960 the country gained full independence. Mauritania is a member of the UN, GATT, IMF, WHO, Organization of African Unity. Arab League.
Most of Mauritania is occupied by the desert, but in the south there is a small belt of greenery, where rare monkeys are found. The average annual temperature reaches 38°C.

Encyclopedia: cities and countries. 2008 .

Mauritania is a country in West Africa, washed by the Atlantic Ocean from the west. Area - 1030.7 thousand sq. km. Until 1960, Mauritania was a possession of France (cm. France). The official language is Arabic. Administrative-territorial division: 12 regions and 1 autonomous metropolitan area.
Most of the country is occupied by the sandy and rocky deserts of Western Sahara. The relief is dominated by vast low-lying plains and low plateaus (732 m above sea level). The only river with a permanent watercourse is the border Senegal.
The climate is tropical desert, with average monthly temperatures ranging from 16–20°C in January to 30–32°C in July. Precipitation in most of the country falls less than 100 mm per year, only in the south - in the Sahel zone - 200–400 mm. The vegetation also has a corresponding character: rare shrubs and individual trees in the south, and in the rest of the territory, poor greenery appears only for a short time after the rains. Of the large animals, there are oryx and addax antelopes, mountain goats, among small predators - the jackal, the fennec fox. Lots of snakes and lizards, as well as insects and spiders.
The modern population of Mauritania (about 3.27 million people) is ethnically heterogeneous: three-quarters are the so-called Moors - Arabs and Berbers, occupied mainly by cattle breeding; Lifestyle. Islam is declared the state religion. Mauritania, unlike some other countries of North and West Africa, did not experience the heyday of medieval civilization, but the urban settlements of Chinguetti, Tichit, Valata, preserved from that era, testify to their former prosperity, the fine art of decorating the facade of buildings. The Chinguetti library contains 2,000 manuscripts of Arab scholars. The musical, singing, dancing arts of the peoples of Mauritania are diverse. The capital and largest city of the country is Nouakchott, built only 30-40 years ago. The second largest and most important city is the port of Nouadhibou. In the 4th - the middle of the 11th centuries. the southern part of the territory of Mauritania was part of the medieval states of West Africa (

- (Islamic Republic of Mauritania), a state in northwestern Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean. The area is 1030.7 thousand km2. Population 2.2 million people; Moors (Arabs of Western Sahara) over 80%, Berbers, etc. The official language is Arabic. ... ... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

Islamic Republic of Mauritania, a state in northwestern Africa. Monuments of art dating back to the Neolithic belong to the culture of the Negroid peoples and the Berbers (rock paintings, stone tombs of Shushi). In the Middle Ages on ... ... Art Encyclopedia

Geographic location of Mauritania.

Mauritania (Arabic Muritaniya, French Mauritanie), Islamic Republic of Mauritania (Arabic al-Jumhuriyah al-Islamiyah al-Muritaniyah), a state in northwestern Africa. In the west, Mauritania is washed by the Atlantic Ocean. Mauritania borders on Senegal, Mali, Algeria, Western Sahara. The area of ​​Mauritania is 1030.7 thousand km2. The capital of Mauritania is Nouakchott. Other major cities: Nouadhibou, Zouerate, Kaedi.

State structure Mauritania.

Mauritania is a parliamentary republic. The highest legislative body is a bicameral parliament, consisting of the National Assembly (lower house) and the Senate (upper house). The president is elected by popular vote. The prime minister is appointed by the president.

Administrative-territorial division of Mauritania.

According to the administrative-territorial division, Mauritania consists of 12 districts and the capital district.

population of Mauritania.

The population of Mauritania is 2.91 million (2003). Over 80% are Moors - a people of mixed Arab-Berber origin. Moors live in the northern and central regions of the country, many of them are nomads. The rest are sedentary Negroid peoples: Tukuler, Fulbe, Pel, Wolof, etc. The official language of Mauritania is Arabic, and French is widely spoken. The state religion of Mauritania is Sunni Islam. The population density is 2.8 people/km2. Over 80% of the population is located in the Sahel zone and in the valley of the river. Senegal in the south of the country. The urban population is 54%.

Climate, relief and natural resources of Mauritania.

Most of the country is the rocky and sandy deserts of Western Sahara and the semi-deserts of the Sahel zone, located on vast low-lying plains and low plateaus.

Mauritania has a tropical desert climate with less than 100 mm of precipitation per year.

There are no rivers with a constant flow, except for the one that flows along the southwestern border of the river. Senegal. Ephemeral herbaceous vegetation prevails, in semi-deserts - xerophytic shrubs and acacias. Of the large animals, there are oryx and addax antelopes, mountain goats, among small predators - the jackal, the fennec fox. Lots of snakes and lizards. Ban d'Arguin National Park, several reserves.

Economy and industry of Mauritania.

Mauritania is an agrarian country with a developing mining industry. GNP per capita $460 (1995). The agriculture of Mauritania is dominated by nomadic and semi-nomadic pastoralism. Sheep and goats, zebu cattle, camels are bred. Agriculture is concentrated in the river valley. Senegal. Due to the constant expansion of the Sahara to the south, the cultivated area is reduced, droughts periodically occur. The main crops are African sorghum, date palm, rice, beans, peanuts, sweet potato. Traditional crafts - collection of gum arabic, extraction of rock salt. One of the leading sectors of the economy is sea fishing, which provides about 1/2 of the value of exports.

The basis of industry in Mauritania is the extraction of iron ore, mainly for export. There are large deposits of phosphorites and copper. Gold and gypsum are mined. Mauritania does not have its own energy carriers and uses imported fuel supplied mainly from Algeria.

History of Mauritania.

At 4 - ser. 11th century the southern part of the territory of Mauritania was part of the medieval states of West Africa (Ghana, Tekrur, etc.); in the northern part, there were state formations of the Sanhaja Berbers. In the 7th century the Arabs invaded. In the 13th-15th centuries. after the second Arab invasion, the Arab tribes established hegemony over the Berbers and Negroids. All R. 11th-12th centuries Mauritania as part of the Almoravid state, in the 13th-14th centuries. the southern part of the territory of Mauritania as part of the medieval state of Mali. From the 15th century European penetration began.

Since 1814, France secured the coast of the country, in 1920 Mauritania was declared a colony of France; since 1946 - "overseas territory", since 1958 - a self-determining republic within the French community. Mauritania's independence was proclaimed in 1960. In 1978, power in the country passed into the hands of the Military Committee for National Revival (VKNV). The operation of the constitution was suspended, the government, parliament, and public organizations were dissolved. Since 1991, measures have been taken to liberalize social and political life. In 1991, a new constitution was adopted, providing for the introduction of a multi-party system. Mauritania is a member of the Arab League, the Organization of African Unity and the UN.

Answer left Guest

1. Mauritania - a state in West Africa, washed from the west by the Atlantic Ocean. It borders Western Sahara in the northwest, Senegal in the southwest, Algeria in the northeast, Mali in the south and east. Capital - Nouakchott,
2. Features of the relief are that more than 60% of the country's territory is occupied by the rocky and sandy deserts of Western Sahara.
3. Mauritania has a tropical desert climate. average temperature January +16...+20 °С, July +30...+32 °С. Daily temperature fluctuations reach 30-40 ° C, especially in winter time. The average rainfall is approx. 100 mm, and in many places they fall no more than 50 mm per year. Only in the extreme south of Mauritania, in the valley of the river. Senegal, their number can reach up to 200-400 mm. In winter, the withering east wind harmattan often blows.
4. There are no permanent rivers, and only the border of Mauritania with Senegal runs along the Senegal River. .
5. On the territory of Mauritania, three zones can be distinguished: desert Saharan, semi-desert, Atlantic. Only a third of the country in the southwest is a lowland about 100 m above sea level. The desert Saharan zone occupies the central and northeastern part of the country, which makes up two-thirds of the entire territory. Only a narrow strip adjacent to the river valley. Senegal is occupied by desert savannahs, and tropical forests are found in the valley itself (5% of the country's area).
6. Representatives of two large races live in Mauritania - Caucasoid and Negroid. The first includes the Moors (Arabs and Berbers), making up approx. 2/3 of the population. In Northern and Central Mauritania, they form an ethnically homogeneous background of the population, the predominant occupation of which is nomadic animal husbandry. 1/3 of the inhabitants are Negroid African peoples (tukuler, fulbe, sarakole, wolof).
The country has many minerals: iron, copper, uranium, nickel, gypsum, phosphorites and mineral salts; quite large deposits of oil have recently been discovered. Of particular importance today is the extraction of iron ore (40% of export earnings) and gold. Agriculture is dominated by animal husbandry: camels, sheep and goats are bred. They mainly grow crops for their own consumption: millet, sorghum, rice, corn; in oases - date palm. Fishing plays a very important role: the coastal regions of Mauritania have long been considered one of the richest in fish in the world. The main exports are iron ore, gold and fish.
1) In what part of the mainland is the country located, what is the name of its capital.
2) Relief features.
3) Climatic conditions
4) Large rivers and lakes
5) Natural areas and their main features
6) Peoples and their main occupations

The official name is The Islamic Republic of Mauritania. Located in northwest Africa. The area is 1030.7 thousand km2, the population is 2.75 million people. (2001). Official language- Arabic. The capital is Nouakchott (426.3 thousand people, 2001). Public Holiday- Independence Day November 28 (since 1960). The monetary unit is the ouguiya (equal to 5 hums).

Member of the UN (since 1961), OAU, LAS, KEAO, OIC, etc.

Attractions Mauritania

Geography of Mauritania

In the west it is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The coast is low-lying and replete with sandbanks, islands and lagoons. In the west - capes Ti-miris, Nouadhibou.
In the north it borders with Western Sahara, in the northeast - with Algeria, in the east and south - with Mali, in the south - with Senegal. The river flows along the southern border. Senegal.

Most of the territory is occupied by sandy and rocky deserts of the Sahara. Along with them there are flat or hilly desert plains. In the northeast - the Adrar plateau (altitude 829 m), interspersed with large hilly terrain. In the south - sandstone plateaus with abrupt ledges. In the west - ridges of dunes located in a northeasterly direction. In the north and northeast - large ergs. In the center is a thin sand cover.

The soil cover is poor. In the desert zone - bare rocks and sand dunes. Salt marshes occur in places. Gray-brown prevails on the southern plains, reddish-brown in dry savannahs, in the river valley. Senegal fertile soil. Water supply is provided by groundwater.

The vegetation is represented mainly by shrubs and herbs. In the south and southwest of the country, it is richer. The flora of the Atlantic zone is relatively diverse. In the savannah, semi-desert and desert, it is much poorer. The fauna is small and does not differ in the richness of the species composition.

Of the minerals - large reserves of iron ore (1 billion tons). There are also reserves of copper ore (32 million tons), gold, diamonds, gypsum, phosphorites (136 million tons), cobalt, oil and other valuable minerals.

The climate is tropical, desert. The influence of the ocean extends only to a narrow coastal strip, where there is high humidity. The average monthly temperatures in January are +16-20°С; July +30-32°С; maximum +45°С. The average annual rainfall in most of the country is approx. 50-100 mm, but in the northeast - less than 50 mm, in the south - 200-400, and in some places even 600 mm. At the same time, 2/3 of the country's territory is defined as "Saharan": not a drop of precipitation falls in them for years.

Population of Mauritania

Average annual growth rate 2.6% (2001). Population density - 2.7 people. per 1 km2. Birth rate 42.95%, mortality 13.65%. Child mortality is one of the highest in the world. Average life expectancy 51.14 years (estimated), incl. men - 49.04; women - 53.29 years.

Most of the population (approx. 70%) are Moors of Arab-Berber origin - representatives of the Caucasian race. They live in the northern and central regions of the country, practice Malekite Islam and speak the dialect of Hassaniya Arabic. There are "white" Moors (bidans) and "black" Moors (kharatins) - the descendants of slaves freed in the past. Previously, 2/3 of the Moors led a nomadic and semi-nomadic lifestyle, engaged in cattle breeding. But it started in the 1970s. A ten-year drought caused significant damage to livestock and forced many nomadic pastoralists to switch to a sedentary lifestyle. In 2000, the share of this group of the Mauritanian population in its total population was 4.8% (against 83% in 1965).

By reducing the number rural population the number of citizens increased: in 1996, almost 53% of its total number (against 14% in 1970). St. 80% of the townspeople live in the capital. Up to 40% of the townspeople huddle in slums.

OK. 1/3 of the population is made up of Negroid peoples: Tukuler, Sarakole, Fulbe (20%; also called Fula, Fulani and Pol), Wolof (12%), Bambara, etc. They live in a relatively narrow zone in the south of the country, mainly in the valley of the river .Senegal, and lead a settled way of life, along with agriculture, they are also engaged in livestock breeding, fishing, some crafts, and trade. Their native languages ​​are Soninke, Wolof, Pulaar.

The official religion is Islam of the Malekite persuasion. The vast majority of the population (99.6%) adheres to the Muslim religious and legal school, 0.1% - to local beliefs and cults. Animistic ideas are strong in the religious beliefs of the Negroid peoples in the south of the country. A few immigrants from West Africa (Senegalese and Malians), as well as Europeans (French, Spaniards) are Christians, the vast majority are Catholics. Several dozen Mauritanians are Protestants.

History of Mauritania

The territory of modern Mauritania has been inhabited since ancient times. In the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras, people with dark skin lived next to tribal groups - people from the tropical regions of Africa and fair-skinned people who came from the north. Most of the peoples of the Negroid race, who led a sedentary lifestyle along the banks of rivers and lakes, remained hunters and fishermen, others became pastoralists, and still others became primitive farmers.

In the 1st millennium BC. from the north began the penetration of the tribes of the Berber-Sanhaja - pastoral nomads. They pushed the Negroid tribes to the south, and turned those who remained in the oases into slavery. Islam served as the ideological justification for this. However, the further advance of the Berber tribes to the south ran into opposition from the empire of Ghana (4th-13th centuries), whose capital, Kumbi-Sale, was located on the territory of modern eastern Mauritania (the Hod region). In turn, the Berbers, who occupied most of the northern and central regions of modern Mauritania, created their own public education, in con. 8th c. also became dependent on the empire of Ghana.

K ser. 11th c. Islam's ideologue Abdallah ibn Yassin around 1040 declared jihad ("holy war") to "infidels" (i.e. Negroid tribes). The war lasted 23 years. Its result was the creation of a large political association of theocratic type called the Almoravid state (after the death of Yasin, it was headed by Abu Bakr, or Bubakr, and after his death in 1087, by his cousin and co-ruler Yusuf ibn Tash-fin). The result of the jihad was the fall of the empire of Ghana and the subjugation to the Berbers of a vast territory from the valley of the Senegal river in the south to the river. Ebro in present-day Spain. After the death of Tashfin (1106), the power of the Al-Moravid state was shaken. In the 13th-14th centuries. the southern part of the territory of present-day Mauritania (the areas adjacent to the valley of the Senegal River) was under the rule of the medieval Muslim state of Mali.

In the 14th century from north to south, the Arab tribes of Hasaniya, or Bani Hassan, who were part of the ma-kil confederation, began to move across the territory of modern Mauritania. They subjugated the Berbers (in the north and in the center of the territory of present-day Mauritania) and Negroid tribes (in the south). The Arab-Berber confrontation lasted 30 years (1644-74) and ended with the establishment of Arab domination throughout the country.

Early 15th century was marked by the penetration of Western European colonizers into the territory of modern Mauritania. The first among them were the Portuguese, followed by the Dutch, the British, and finally the French. In 1626, they founded the colony of Saint-Louis at the mouth of the Senegal River. In 1903, France declared Mauritania its protectorate, and in 1920, a colony within French West Africa (FWA) with its center in Saint-Louis. In 1957, the FZA was reorganized and Moktar uld Dadde, who came from the top of an influential marabout tribe (marabout is a traditional representative of the Muslim clergy), was instructed to form an autonomous government. The first government formed by him consisted of the French. This aroused natural dissatisfaction with the national patriotic forces, under pressure from which Ould Dadda formed a new government on January 13, 1958, consisting only of Mauritanians.

September 28, 1958 Mauritania received the status of an autonomous Islamic Republic of Mauritania (IRM) within the French Community with the right to create constitutional internal government, and November 28, 1960 - political independence.

The ruling Mauritanian People's Party (PMN, general secretary - Ould Dadda) was created; May 20, 1961 adopted the first Constitution of the country; August 20, 1961 elected the first head of state - President of the IWW. They became the only candidate - Uld Dadda.

Before national leadership there was a need to solve the problems of stabilizing the domestic political situation, the socio-economic development of the country, and pursuing an independent independent foreign policy course. The lack of financial resources necessary for this forced Ould Daddu to seek external economic assistance, primarily from the former metropolis, which led to an increase in external state debt. The brake on the effective development of the WWW was the dominance of foreign monopolies, archaic social structure Mauritanian society, the instability of the domestic political situation, the complexity of relations with neighboring countries.

All R. 1970s The problem of Western Sahara became a serious test for the IWW. The inability of the country's leadership to solve it in July 1978 led to a military coup d'état. The president was arrested, the PMN was dissolved, political activity prohibited. Power passed to the Military Committee for National Revival (VKNV, in 1979 renamed the Military Committee for National Salvation - VKNS), whose chairmen were successively Mustafa Ould Muhammad Salek, Mahmoud Ahmed Luli (June 1979), Muhammad Huna Ould Heydalla (January 1980), Maauya Ould Sidi Ahmed Taya.

State structure and political system of Mauritania

IRM - presidential republic, the Constitution of 1991 is in force. Administratively, the country is divided into 12 regions: Adrar, Asaba, Brakna, Gidimaka, Gorgol, Dakhlet-Nuadhibou, Inshiri, Tagant, Tiris-Zemmur, Trarza, Hod el-Gharbi, Hod el-Sharki; autonomous metropolitan area - on the rights of the region; 53 districts; 208 communes are local governments. Large cities: Nouakchott, Nouadhibou (76.1 thousand people, 2001), Kaedi (51.6 thousand).

The highest legislative body is the parliament. Consists of two chambers. The upper house is the Senate. The lower one is the National Assembly. Executive power is vested in the head of state and the cabinet, or council of ministers. The head of state is the President (since 1992 he has been Maauya Ould Sidi Ahmed Taya). He is elected by direct universal suffrage for a term of 6 years and can be repeatedly re-elected. Has the prerogative to appoint the head of government.

Chairman of the Senate - Bubu Farba Dieng (since April 1992; re-elected to this post in 1996 and October 2001).

Chairman of the National Assembly - Rashid Ould Salek (since October 2001).

The Prime Minister is Sheikh al-Alawiya Ould Mohammed Huna (the last government was formed in August 2002).

Moktar Ould Dadda (born 1924) - President of Mauritania (1961-78), leader of the ruling PMN. Participated in the drafting of the first Constitution. He was re-elected three times to the presidency, each time for a term of 5 years. At the same time he was the head of government and the supreme commander of the Armed Forces. In August 1975, at the VII Congress of the PMN, he was proclaimed the "father" of the nation.

In July 1978, a military coup d'etat took place in the country and Ould Dadda was arrested. Released later. He emigrated to France, where he stayed for 23 years. In July 2001 he returned to his homeland. Opposition parties welcomed his return. And although Ould Dadda declared that he would not participate in public life country, his arrival was perceived by political forces as an incentive to intensify action.

Maawya Ould Sidi Ahmed Taya (born 1943), colonel. From July 1978 to March 1984 - Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense; March to December 1984 - Chief of Staff armed forces. On December 12, 1984 - head of state, chairman of the All-Union Congress. He was re-elected to this post in 1987. In accordance with the Constitution of 1991, when the presidential form of government was established, he was elected to the post of president as a result of elections in 1992 and 1997. At the same time, he was the leader of the ruling Republican Social Democratic Party (RSDP, founded in 1991).

Abdallah Ould Ahmed (born 1940), political and military (military rank - colonel) figure, diplomat, economist. Since July 1978 - member of the VKNV (since April 1979 - VKNS); in 1980-88 he was a permanent member of the All-Union Congress. In 1979-80 - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. From July 1982 to March 1984 - Minister of the Interior. In 1984 - commander of the Zuerat military district. From December 1984 to May 1985 - Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces. Since 1985 - in the UN system. Since 1990 - member of the UN Secretariat, special coordinator on the problems of new and renewable energy sources. From November 1993 to October 1995 - UN Special Representative in Burundi. In December 1996, in the election of the UN Secretary General, he was a candidate from African countries.

Muhammed Huna Ould Heydalla (born 1940), lieutenant colonel; in 1980-84 - Chairman of the All-Union Congress.

Regions are headed by governors, districts by prefects, and communes are formed in the course of municipal elections.

There is a multi-party system. There are 20 officially registered political parties and associations of different directions. Most influential: Republican Social Democratic Party; Mauritanian Renaissance Party; Unity for Democracy and Unity.

The Workers' Union of Mauritania (STM) is a single nationwide trade union center (founded in 1961 with about 45,000 members). Member of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions. The General Secretary of the STM is Mohammed Brahim.

The main tasks of the country's leadership in the field domestic policy- Strict observance of the current legislation in order to restore the population's confidence in state institutions and psychologically restructure the consciousness of the overwhelming majority of the population, aimed at developing a new, public attitude towards domestic political life. To solve these problems was envisaged within the framework of the "structures for the education of the masses", which developed a program of action in the political, economic and cultural fields. However, the political situation remained tense. The confrontation between white-skinned and black-skinned Mauritanians remained; Moors and Negro-Africans; free and former and remaining in slavery citizens of the country. The opposition was formed among the Moors and Negro-Africans and was represented by conservative Islamist groups, organizations for the rights of black Africans, and various political parties. They held regular demonstrations, which were violently dispersed by the authorities. The authorities' repression increased public opposition to the regime.

In foreign policy The IWW adheres to the principles of non-alignment and stands for a peaceful political solution to the problem of Western Sahara. Emphasis is placed on strengthening ties with Western countries, primarily with the United States, NATO member countries and the EU, in particular, within the framework of the "Mediterranean dialogue" on military-political cooperation, in which the IWW has enjoyed observer status since 1994. Specifically, we are talking about the provision by these countries of military assistance to the IWW, the reorganization of its Armed Forces, incl. to fight Islamic terrorism.

The Middle East policy of the IWW changed radically. At the end of October 1999, following Egypt (1979) and Jordan (1994), she established full diplomatic relations with Israel. This decision caused a mixed reaction in the Arab world, primarily from Iraq. In November 1999, the IWW severed diplomatic relations with him.

There has been an evolution in relations with neighbors. By demarcating the joint border, the border conflict with Mali was resolved. On the contrary, relations with Senegal have deteriorated. The reason (in June 2000, as in 1989) was the intention of Dakar to implement an irrigation project in the north of the country by filling the dried up riverbeds with water from the Senegal River, along which the border with the IWW passes. In protest, the Mauritanian side demanded that the Senegalese, who once settled on the territory of the IWW, leave the country in 15 days. This measure affected almost 100 thousand Senegalese citizens, of which only 16 thousand people were officially registered. At the same time, fearing for their fate, Negro-Mauritanians (about 60 thousand people) began to return to their homeland in droves from Senegal.

The king of Morocco acted as an intermediary in the relations between the two countries. Recognizing the relationship of good neighborliness and strong friendship between the IWW and Morocco, he called on both sides "to restraint" and recommended that they "give preference to dialogue and cooperation." Under these conditions, the IWW took a course towards strengthening relations with the countries of the Maghreb, primarily with Morocco, as well as Algeria, incl. within the Union of the Arab Maghreb.

Of the countries of the former "socialist camp", the relations of the IWW with the PRC developed most favorably. In 2000-01 the country was visited by a number of state and politicians China. During the talks, mutual satisfaction was expressed with the progressive development of relations between the two countries and hope for the comprehensive strengthening of these relations.

The total strength of the Armed Forces (2000) - approx. 20 thousand people plus 20 thousand reservists. Permanent paramilitary paramilitaries - c. 5 thousand people Ground forces - 15 thousand people, Air Force - 150 people, Navy - approx. 500 people

Mauritania has diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation (established with the USSR in 1964).

Economy of Mauritania

GDP (Purchasing Power Parity) US$5.4 billion; per capita $2,000 (2002). Share of industry in GDP 31%; agriculture - 25%; services - 44%. The economically active population is 750 thousand people, 53% of which is employed in agriculture.
The mining industry is the backbone of the economy. The manufacturing industry is poorly developed and is represented mainly by the fish processing enterprises of Nouadhibou (their share in the creation of GDP is ca. 4%, 2002).

Agriculture is in a state of chronic crisis due to almost complete dependence on adverse natural and climatic conditions (less than 1% of the land concentrated along the coast of the Senegal River receives sufficient rainfall for growing crops), poor technical equipment, and a lack of qualified personnel. The economy is carried out by medieval methods. Yields are low and fluctuate annually due to recurring long-term droughts. Domestic production does not meet the needs of the population in grain, most of which are imported in significant quantities.

The coastal waters of Mauritania are among the richest areas in the world in terms of fishing. The share of marine fisheries in the creation of GDP in con. 1990s was 13%. The industry employs approx. 25 thousand people However, in the future, there was a decline in the fishing industry, its share in the creation of GDP decreased. In 2000, the industry was in a pre-crisis state, and the most valuable species of fish products were on the verge of extinction. The reason is the barbaric methods of fishing and the inability of the state to ensure effective control over the actions of fishing vessels fishing in Mauritanian waters. Besides, ok. 40% of the Mauritanian fleet is in poor condition.

Animal husbandry, which is the main occupation of the rural population, suffers from frequent and sometimes long-term droughts. Nevertheless, the number of livestock remains approximately at the same level.

Rail transport is represented by the only railway connecting the centers of iron ore production in the area of ​​Zouerate with the ore port of Nouadhibou, with a length of 853 km. The throughput capacity of the road is 15 million tons of iron ore. Diesel-electric traction is used.

The total length of roads is approx. 8 thousand km, of which only 1.9 thousand km are paved (late 1999).

Sea ports - in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou.

The main water artery - r. Senegal is 210 km long. It has 3 large ports (in the cities of Guraye, Kaedi, Roso) and 4 berths with a ferry crossing. Annual passenger turnover - 87.6 thousand people, cargo turnover - 11 thousand cars.

Two international airports (in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou) and 23 regional ones. The national airline "Er-Moritani" carries out air transportation of passengers and cargo within the country and to neighboring states.

There are 570 thousand radio receivers throughout the country (1997), 87 thousand televisions (1998), telephones - 26 thousand numbers (2000), incl. 7.1 thousand mobile; 27 thousand personal computers, 7 thousand Internet users (2001).

Domestic trade is regulated by the Mauritanian Chamber of Commerce for Agriculture, Livestock, Industry and Mines; industry and trade associations (NAFTEC, Mauritanian Fisheries Society, National Import-Export Society); General Confederation of Mauritanian Businessmen.

Foreign tourists are interested in historical and cultural sites, hunting grounds and national parks, a number of which are listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Program.

The country's leadership has proclaimed the improvement of finances, the general rise of the economy, and the provision of social justice as the main directions of socio-economic policy. Primary attention is given to solving the food problem. However, the emphasis is on the extraction of iron ore and the development of fisheries (in order to receive foreign exchange earnings) to the detriment of other sectors of the economy, the rise of which would help create new jobs and provide employment for the population.

Another problem is the concentration of large financial resources in the hands of the ruling elite. As a result, there is no domestic market in banking, fishing, mining.

The Central Bank of Mauritania (founded in 1973) is an issuing bank with 4 branches. Seven commercial banks are either completely private with national capital, or joint - with mixed Mauritanian-foreign capital.

State budget (1999, billion ouguiya): revenues 56.00; expenses 51.7. The main directions of investment expenditures (32.7%) are the development of infrastructure, agriculture, marine fisheries, and the mining industry. At the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries. The IWW ranked 98th among 132 countries of the world and, according to the UN classification, was included in the group of the least developed countries burdened with large external financial debts. In con. 1990s external debt $2,453 million, 83% of which was long-term public debt. Debt service cost 25.6% of the value of exports of goods and services. 3/4 of the population lived in conditions below the officially recognized poverty threshold. Unemployment reaches 50% of the able-bodied population. The healthcare system is underdeveloped.

Foreign trade turnover (1999, million US dollars) 638, incl. export 333, import 305. The main export commodities are iron ore, fish and fish products, gold. The main imports are machinery, petroleum products, capital goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods. Leading trading partners: export - Japan (18%), France (17%), Italy (16%), Spain (11%); import - France (27%), Benelux (9%), Germany, Spain (7% each).

In foreign economic relations, the country's leadership proceeds from the possibility of receiving gratuitous assistance for the development of the national economy and does not show much interest in developing cooperation on a commercial basis. This largely determines the nature of relations between the IWW and the main foreign economic partners. The leading place among them belongs to France, which accounts for 1/3 of all assistance provided to Mauritania by other investor countries. The main areas of cooperation are mining, energy and electrification, construction, infrastructure development, Agriculture, irrigation, sea fishing, education, healthcare, tourism, protection environment. It is carried out within the framework of mixed commissions.

Science and culture of Mauritania

Primary schooling of 6 years is formally compulsory for all children between the ages of 6 and 11; training is free. Conducted on Arabic learning French. The average 6-year school consists of two levels - each for a period of 3 years. Training is conducted on French. Total number enrollment in primary and secondary schools in 1998-99 was approx. 410 thousand. On the whole, 60% of children are enrolled in primary education, and 18% of teenagers of the corresponding age are enrolled in secondary education. Vocational education is carried out on the basis of primary school in secondary technical lyceums and colleges, but it is poorly developed.

Higher Educational Institutions - University (Nouakchott, 1981); Pedagogical Institute (Nouakchott, 1971); National Administrative School (Nouakchott, 1966); National Institute for Higher Islamic Studies (Butimilit, 1961). Teaching at higher educational institutions conducted in French. In 1998-99, approx. 13 thousand students.

In Mauritania, there are scientific institutions on general issues- The National Institute for Higher Scientific Research (Nouakchott, founded in 1986), the National Institute for Higher Islamic Studies (Boutimilit, 1961), the Mauritanian Association of Librarians, Archives and Documentation Centers (Nouakchott, 1979) and specialized - The National Institute for Higher Scientific and Technical Research in fisheries (Nouadhibou, 1983), Department of Mines and Geology (Nouakchott, 1968). There are national libraries in Butimilita, Kaedi, Nouakchott, Tijikje, Oualate, Chinguetti. In Nouakchott - the National Archives (founded in 1955) and the Center for Pedagogical Documentation (1962).

Mauritania - country ancient civilization and a rich multi-ethnic culture based on a combination of African, Berber, Arab and Andalusian traditions. In the south of the country, dozens of fortified settlements have survived from the Neolithic period and date back to the 1st millennium BC. round stone burial grounds "shushi", and on trade routes, near wells - stone houses and mosques. From the Neolithic period, rock carvings of animals and people, carts drawn by bulls or horses, and hunting scenes have been preserved. Center artistic culture were the capital of medieval Ghana (now ruins) - Kumbi-Sale, as well as medieval cities, or fortified settlements of "ksars", Vadan, Valata, Chinguetti. Distinctive feature of this synthetic art - monumental architecture (fortifications, civil, places of worship).

The musical culture of the Moors and Negroid peoples is characterized by professional music of the oral tradition, cult rituals, folklore and modern music, based on a combination of the traditions of national and European light genre music.

Cinematography and the production of short films are handled by the Cinema Society (founded in 1984), which has a monopoly on the import, distribution and distribution of foreign film production throughout the country. The most famous cinematographers are Mohammed Medoun Khondo Abib and Sydney Sokona.

There are the Commercial and Administrative Publishing House, the National State Publishing House and the National Press Society. The Mauritanian News Agency (MIA, founded in 1975; until January 1990 was called the Mauritanian Press Agency - MAP) publishes the Bulletin "Official Gazette" and the daily newspaper "People" in Arabic and French.

The radio broadcasts in Arabic, French, Sarakol, Tukuler and Wolof languages ​​throughout the country and broadcasts to the countries of Europe, Africa and the Arab East. Television (founded in 1984) is operated by the Mauritanian Television and Film Agency and the House of Television in Nouakchott.