Location: Northern Africa, along North Atlantic Ocean, bordering Algeria, Mali, Western Sahara and Senegal.
Capital: Nouakchott
Tourist Attractions: Mauritania is a wonderful desert nation in Africa, known for its towering sand dunes, ancient architecture and unique tribal populations. Nouakchott, the capital city, is known for its traditional Berber style of architecture and friendly people. Major tourist attractions in Mauritania include the Parc National du Banc d’Arguin (one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site); Mauritania’s Coast, famous for its lovely beaches and marine life; the fortified medieval town of Oualata (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the ruins of the ghost city of Ouadâne, and Tichit (a ghost town in the making). Visitors can also enjoy activities like fishing, surfing and swimming.
Access: Air France operates weekly flights from London to Nouakchott via Paris. Many other airlines fly to Mauritania from various destinations in Africa. Ferry services link St Louis in Senegal to Mauritania. Excellent bus services also operate between Dakar (Senegal) and Nouakchott (575km).
Climate: Mauritania enjoys a hot and dry desert climate with practically no rain. The southern region gets some erratic rainfall from July to September. The coastal region experiences a balmy climate, tempered by trade winds.