Mau·ri·ta·ni·a (môr  -t  n - , -tny, mär-) A country of northwest Africa bordering on the Atlantic Ocean. Southern Mauritania was part of the ancient empire of Ghana, and the northern part was settled by Berbers c. 1000. The area later formed part of the Mali Empire (flourished 14th century) and was visited by European traders after the 15th century. French influence over the region lasted from the early 1800s until independence was achieved in 1960. Nouakchott is the capital and the largest city. Population: 3,270,000. Mau ri·tani·an adj. & n. |   |
Mauritania [ˌmɒrɪˈteɪnɪə]
n
(Placename) a republic in NW Africa, on the Atlantic: established as a French protectorate in 1903 and a colony in 1920; gained independence in 1960; lies in the Sahara; contains rich resources of iron ore. Official language: Arabic; Fulani, Soninke, Wolof, and French are also spoken. Official religion: Muslim. Currency: ouguiya. Capital: Nouakchott. Pop.: 2 591 000 (2001 est.). Area: 1 030 700 sq. km (398 000 sq. miles) Official name Islamic Republic of Mauritania
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  Mauritania - a country in northwestern Africa with a provisional military government; achieved independence from France in 1960; largely western Sahara DesertArab League - an international organization of independent Arab states formed in 1945 to promote cultural and economic and military and political and social cooperation Nouakchott - capital of Mauritania; located in western Mauritania near the Atlantic coast Africa - the second largest continent; located to the south of Europe and bordered to the west by the South Atlantic and to the east by the Indian Ocean Mauritanian - a native or inhabitant of Mauritania |
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