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Mauritania Travel Information
Travel Alert Status
Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Time Difference
UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Travel Climate
Mauritania's climate is hot and arid, except in the far south, which has higher humidity. In Nouakchott, daytime temperatures reach 85°F in the winter, although at night sweaters and blankets are needed. Summer temperatures regularly reach over 100°F during the day. It is usually a dry heat that most find more bearable than the same temperatures with high humidity. Summer evenings can be considerably cooler.
The area's fine sand makes beach going one of the highlights of a tour in Nouakchott. However, winds can stir this sand into sandstorms that last several hours. These infrequent sandstorms occur throughout the year, although they are less frequent during the summer and fall months.
Travel Currency
ouguiya (MRO)
Languages
Hassaniya Arabic (official), Pulaar, Soninke, Wolof (official), French
Ethnic Groups
mixed Maur/black 40%, Maur 30%, black 30%
National Holiday
Independence Day, 28 November (1960)
Geographic Coordinates
20 00 N, 12 00 W
Location
Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Senegal and Western Sahara