Mauritania is the 11th largest country on the continent. Located on the Atlantic coast of Africa, it is strategically placed between Maghrib in North Africa and Sub-Saharan West Africa.
A sovereign state which was controlled by the French, it became independent on November 28, 1960. Islam is the official religion in Mauritania and its official languages are Fula, Soninke and Wolof.Â
Culturally, it forms a transitional zone between the Arab-Amazigh (Berber) populations of North Africa and the African peoples in the region to the south of the Tropic of Cancer known as Sudan.
Despite its mineral wealth which includes extensive reserves in iron ore, copper, gypsum with some oil resources, majority of its 4.42 million people continue to live in abject poverty.
With 90% of its land within the Sahara, most of its population is located in the capital, which is the largest city, Nouakchott.
In commemoration of its independence, Face2Face Africa takes you on a virtual tour of some historic sites you must visit in Mauritania.