Breadcrumb
Located in northwest Africa, more than three quarters of Mauritania are desert or semi-desert. Only 0.5% of the country’s land is considered useful for agriculture which equals 502,000 ha. Nonetheless, the rural sector is an important pillar of the Mauritanian economy contributing 17% to the GDP and employing 21% of the working population. 62% of the population depend on agriculture, livestock, and fishing for their livelihoods. The country gained independence from France in 1960. Its colonial past is reflected in its legislation that draws on the French Code.
Socio-economic indicators
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Land Area
103,070,000 ha
GDP/Capita
5,307.5 USD
Total population
4,614,970
Urban population
53.7 %
Land-related indicators
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Agricultural land
38.5 %
NewsBrowse all
30 January 2023
NELGA has put out nine country profiles about South Sudan, South Africa, Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Egypt, and Mauritania. These profiles give information about pastoralism and small-scale agriculture in these countries. Through research on the current state of land governance…
13 July 2022
The Sahel – a 5,000km long strip of the African continent stretching from the Atlantic coast to the Red Sea – has become the most neglected and conflict-ridden part of the planet. Millions of people have been displaced in the region. Mass murders and property destruction occur almost daily.…
18 October 2021
Mauritania's battle against encroaching desertification, which has damaged ecosystems and endangered species, has received a timely boost with the news that 200,000 hectares will be turned into a protected area to support biodiversity in the country.
The new project, implemented by the United…
Mauritania
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Land tenure insecurity is relatively high in Mauritania, as many rights holders are unable to register their land individually or collectively
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