The capital of Mauritania, and the largest city is Nouakchott, located on the Atlantic coast and with an estimated population of around 2 million people.

Mauritania is located in northwest Africa with about 592 kilometers (350 miles) of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. It is bordered by Western Sahara on the north, Algeria and Mali on the east and Senegal on the south. The total area is around 1,030,000 sq. km. (397,900 sq. mi.) and consists mostly of desert, with the exception of the fertile Senegal River valley in the south and grazing land in the north. The capital and the largest city is Nouakchott, located on the Atlantic coast and with an estimated population of around 2 million people. The attractions in Nouakchott include Nouakchott Museum, several markets including Nouakchott Silver Market and the beaches.

Map of Africa      

Tourism is a very recent phenomenon in Mauritania. This has partly been due to a lack of infrastructure, but also reflects a long standing reluctance on the part of the authorities to expose a deeply traditional society to the influence and probing eyes of foreign tourists. Over recent years there has been a significant change of hart, with the realization that tourism can actually help preserve cultures and sites, rather than destroy them.

Unfortunately events since December 2007 has influenced the tourism in Mauritania very badly. Three terrorist related attacks between December 2007 and February 2008, which among other things had the cancellation of the Paris-Dakar Rally as a consequence, has meant that investors are now turning away and the number of tourists have fallen dramatically. Furthermore the civilian government of Mauritania was overthrown on 6th August 2008, in a coup d'etat by the military. At present Mauritania therefore is in an uncertain political state with potential for violence, and those with travel plans are advised to reconsider in the present situation.

All visitors to Mauritania require a passport. French, Italian and West African passport holders do not require a visa to enter. All other require a visa, as well as proof of yellow fever vaccination. Visitors must also have proof of onward travel and sufficient funds. There are charter flights from France to Atar and regular flights from Europe to Nouakchott.