Country Profile

Formal Name:  Islamic Republic of Mauritania 
Local Name:  Al-Jumhuriyyah al-Islamiyyah al-Muritaniyyah 
Government:  Islamic republic
Structure:  12 regions & 1 capital district, subdivided into 44 departments
Formation:  28 November 1960 (independence from France) 
Motto:  Honor, Fraternity, Justice
Anthem:  National Anthem of Mauritania
Languages:  Arabic
Population:  3.3 million
Area:  1,030,700 km2 (29th)
Currency:  Ouguiya (MRO)
Capital:  Nouakchott (1 million)