West Africa.

GMT.

1,030,700 sq km (397,950 sq miles).

2.8 million (UN estimate 2004).

2.7 per sq km.

Nouakchott. Population: 611,883 (2001).

Mauritania is bordered by Algeria, Mali, Western Sahara (Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic) and Senegal. To the west lies the Atlantic Ocean. Mauritania consists mainly of the vast Saharan plain of sand and scrub. Most of this area is a sea of sand dunes, but in places the land rises to rocky plateaux with deep ravines leaving isolated peaks. The Adrar plateau in the central region rises to 500m (1640ft), and the Tagant further south to 600m (1970ft). The area is scattered with towns, small villages and oases. The northern bank of the Senegal River, which forms the country's southern border, is the only area in the country with any degree of permanent vegetation and it supports a wide variety of wildlife.

The latest constitution, which allows for a multi-party political system, was introduced in July 1991 after approval in a national referendum. Executive power rests with the President, elected by universal suffrage, for a six-year term. The bicameral legislature, also popularly elected, comprises a 79-seat National Assembly (elected for five years) and a 56-member Senate with a six-year mandate. The President appoints a Prime Minister who is Head of Government.

Republic. Gained independence from France in 1960. Head of State: Military Leader Ely Ould Mohammed Vall since 2005. Head of Government: Prime Minister Sidy Mohamed Ould Boubacar since 2005.

The official language is Arabic. The Moors of Arab/Berber stock, speaking Hassaniya dialects of Arabic, comprise the majority of the people. Other dialects include Soninke, Poular and Wolof. French and English are increasingly spoken.

Islam is the official religion. Despite ethnic and cultural differences among Mauritanians, they are all bound by a common Muslim attachment to the Malekite sect.

Islam has been the major influence in this country since the seventh and eighth centuries and visitors should respect the religious laws and customs. Dress for women should be uncompromisingly modest. Nearly all the population have traditionally been nomadic herdsmen. The bulk of the population is divided into two main Moorish groups, the Bidan (55 per cent) and the Harattin (20 per cent), with the non-Moorish population concentrated in the Senegal River area. Different classes and tribes tend to be contiguous.

220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are normal.