Mauritania map in Russian. capital of Mauritania, flag, history of the country
The main part of the territory of Mauritania lies within the African platform, in the structure of which the Reguibat shield stands out, the Tindouf syneclise adjacent to the shield from the north and the Taoudenni syneclise, located to the south of the shield and occupying the central and southern part of the country. To the west of the Taoudenny syneclise lies the Mauritanian fold belt, which lies in the submeridional direction and belongs to the Caledonian-Hercynides. This belt belongs to the folded belts that frame the African Platform. In the extreme west is the Mauritanian-Senegalese sub-Atlantic pericratonic trough.
The Regibat shield is divided into the West Regibat Archean orthocraton and the Lower Proterozoic orthocraton in the east, which is part of the larger West African orthocraton. The rocks in the western part of the Regibat shield belong to the Early Archean granulite-gneiss complex (Amsaga, Taziast and Gallaman series) and the Late Archean greenstone belts (Kedia-Ijil series). The granulite-gneiss complex is represented by gneisses of amphibolite and granulite metamorphic facies, leptinites with amphibole and garnet schists, charnockites (2.8 billion years). The Early Archean gneisses are unconformably overlain by rocks related to greenstone belts, represented by magnetite quartzites, mica schists, mica quartzites, jaspilites, amphibolites (metabasalts), and carbonate rocks.
In the eastern part of the shield lie complexes of greenstone belts of the mid-Early Proterozoic Nebkha series and volcano-plutonic complexes of the second half of the Early Proterozoic Ayub el-Malek series. The rocks of the Nebha series are volcanic-sedimentary and include sericite schists, quartzites, jaspers, marbles and metarhyolites; arkoses occur among the schists in the lower part. Volcano-plutonic complexes are represented by acidic metavolcanics with conglomerates, arkoses, quartzites and tuffs. The upper part of the Precambrian section of the eastern part of the shield is composed of continental arkoses and rhyolite covers at the base with a total thickness of up to800 meters. The above-mentioned, to varying degrees, dislocated metamorphic rocks are sharply unconformably overlain by subhorizontally occurring Upper Proterozoic sediments of the platform cover.
The igneous formations of the Regibat shield are represented by Archean and Lower Proterozoic syntectonic granitoids. Mainly in the eastern part, Lower Riphean dolerites and diabases are widely developed, in its western part there are Riphean alkaline complexes.
The deposits of the Tindouf and Taoudenni syneclises are of Upper Proterozoic and Paleozoic age.
The structure of the Mauritanian fold belt involves thick strata of sedimentary and volcanic rocks from Vendian to Devonian age inclusive, altered under the conditions of greenschist facies metamorphism. The rocks are composed of shales, sandstones, mixtites, layers of basalts, andesites, basic intrusive rocks and ultrabasites. Volcanogenic rocks are localized primarily along thrusts that divide the section into a number of tectonic plates.
The Senegal-Mauritanian trough in the lower part consists of terrigenous-saline deposits of Permian-Triassic age with a thickness of 500-1000 m. Further up the section lie carbonate Jurassic and carbonate-terrigenous Cretaceous deposits with a total thickness of up to 6 km. The Cenozoic section is composed of clayey and organogenic limestones of the Paleocene-Eocene (200-500 m) and overlying sandy-clayey continental and coastal-marine rocks of Oligocene-Quaternary age (up to 1 km).
Minerals
Mining production is important in the country's economy, its share in the gross national product is 12% and it accounts for more than 50% of exports in 2005. The most important mineral resource is iron, so of the total value of exports in 1967, the share of iron ores and concentrates accounted for 92.6%. Other minerals include copper, gold, cement, gypsum, salt and petroleum.
Iron ores. Proved reserves of iron ore (Proved economic reserves?) amount to 185 million tons of hematite ores with an iron content of 60–68% and 660 million tons of magnetite ores with an iron content of 36–40%. Iron ore deposits are associated mainly with Archean ferruginous quartzites occurring within the West Regibat orthocraton. Near the town of Fderik there are three iron ore zones covering an area of 25 km from east to west with a width of about 10 km.
There is an iron ore deposit, Legleitat el-Khader, located 20 km from Akjuzht, with reliable and probable reserves of 15 million tons. The deposit is confined to the horizon of ferruginous quartzites.
Copper. In the Mauritanids, among the Late Proterozoic and Riphean rocks, there is a copper-pyrite gold-bearing deposit Guelb Moghrein, in addition there are copper ore vein ore occurrences associated with Proterozoic granitoids and volcanics.
The Guelb Moghrein deposit is located in the Inchiri region near the town of Akjoujt approximately 250 km northeast of Nouakchott. Total copper reserves amount to 2.25 million tons, including proven 428 thousand tons, so the deposit is classified as medium in terms of reserves. There are oxidized and sulfide ores, in oxidized ores the copper content is 2.9%, gold 3 g/t, in sulfide ores the copper content is 1.5%, gold 1 g/t. The deposit lies in quartz shales.
Gold. There are known gold ore occurrences associated with quartz veins occurring in Proterozoic granitoids and volcanics. They belong to the gold-quartz low-sulfide type. In addition, there is a gold-bearing copper pyrite deposit described above.
The total gold resources in the country are 30 tons, most of which apparently belong to the gold-bearing copper pyrite deposit. There is also a Tasiast deposit with a gold resource of 12 tons and an ore grade of 2.7 g/t.
Additionally, the following information is available on mineral resources. Within the outcrops of Archean rocks, there are ore occurrences of chromite, nickel and asbestos associated with ultrametamorphic rocks. Manifestations of lithium, beryllium, tantalum, niobium and uranium are associated with granitic pegmatites. In addition to gold-quartz and copper ore occurrences, polymetallic, manganese, molybdenum and tin ore occurrences are associated with granitoids and volcanics of the Proterozoic. In the Mauritanides, among the rocks of the Late Proterozoic and Riphean, in addition to the copper pyrite deposit, there are deposits of ferruginous and manganese quartzites, a tungsten deposit, in nepheline syenites there are ore occurrences of rare earths, thorium and fluorite, in ultamafites there are occurrences of chromites. The Vendian deposits of the platform cover of the Taoudenny syneclise are associated with manifestations of cuprous sandstones, lead, zinc, barite and phosphorites, and with the Paleozoic deposits - lithified black sands with tantalum-niobates and radioactive minerals. In the Mauritanian-Senegalese trough, deposits of phosphorites were discovered in Eocene deposits, and deposits of uranium, table salt, gypsum and native sulfur were discovered in Quaternary deposits. On the coast, among Quaternary beach and dune sediments, black sands with titanomagnetite, ilmenite and zircon have been explored.
Mauritania
Mauritania gained independence from France in 1960.
Maaouia Ould Seed Ahmed Taya seized power in a coup in 1984 and ruled the country for more than two decades. A series of presidential elections he led are seen as fraudulent. A bloodless coup in August 2005 overthrew President Tay, and a presidential council was established to set the date for new elections. Independent candidate Sidi Ould Cheikha Abdallahi was elected in April 2007 as Mauritania's first freely and fairly elected president. His term ended prematurely in August 2008, when a military junta led by General Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz overthrew him and brought him under military rule. Aziz was subsequently elected president in July 2009. The country is still currently experiencing ethnic conflicts.
Geography of Mauritania
Location:
North Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean, between Senegal and Western Sahara
Geographical coordinates:
Total area: 1030700 sq km
Demographics of Mauritania
33.67 births per 1000 inhabitants (2010)
The state of Mauritania is located in northwestern Africa. It borders Algeria, Senegal and Mali. From the west, Mauritania is washed by the waters of the Atlantic; in the north, the western part of the Sahara adjoins the borders of Mauritania. The capital of the state is Nouakchott.
Population of Mauritania
More than 80% of the population are Moors. Many of them lead a nomadic lifestyle. The rest of the population consists of settled peoples of the Negroid race: Wolof, Pel, Fulani, Tukuler. The total population as of 2003 is about 3 million people.
Nature
The only river in Mauritania is the Senegal. It is in the immediate vicinity of the river that life develops. The rest of the territory is deserts and flat rocky hills unsuitable for human life. Along the sandy coast there is a strip of salt lakes and salt marshes, unsuitable for agriculture. The population settles near underground water sources that come to the surface in small oases.
Climatic conditions of Mauritania
The climate of the country is desert, tropical. The average monthly temperature in January is +16...20°C, in July +32...43°C. Precipitation throughout Mauritania is only 100 mm per year.
Language
Official languages are Arabic and French. The local population speaks numerous dialects.
Cuisine of Mauritania
The national cuisine of Mauritania is very exotic. Often, a dish contains completely incompatible products. The taste of a dish can be sweet, sour and bitter at the same time. Each of them is prepared with special care. Fresh local herbs and spices are a must. Along with traditional varieties of meat (lamb, beef), camel meat is used. During the meal, there must be bread, rice, beans with couscous, herbs, vegetables, and fruits on the table.
Currency
The national currency of the country is the Mauritanian ouguiya. There are 100 khums in 1 ouguiya.
Time
Time in Mauritania is 4 hours behind Moscow.
Religion of Mauritania
The state religion of the country is Islam. Shariah rules are strictly observed here.
Holidays
November 28th is the largest public holiday in Mauritania - Independence Day. Here, as throughout the Muslim world, numerous religious holidays are celebrated.
Resorts of Mauritania
Mauritania is a great holiday destination. The country's most popular resort, Nouakchott, receives tens of thousands of tourists every year. The city, located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, attracts with its huge beaches with well-developed modern infrastructure, picturesque sand dunes surrounding the city, and lush tropical greenery that provides blessed coolness.
Sights of Mauritania
The ancient capital of the legendary Ghana Empire, the city of Kumbi Saleh, is one of the most interesting architectural monuments of Mauritania. Excavations have been going on here for the last 100 years. However, no more than a third of its structures have been restored. The most interesting of them are: religious buildings, fortress walls and ancient water supply systems. The ghost town of Tishit is located in the very center of the Sahara. Of the five thousand residents, no more than 10% live here regularly. The rest lead a nomadic lifestyle and move from place to place for 10 months a year. Tourists come to Tishit for impressions: here you can get to know the life and traditions of Berber nomads and admire the amazingly beautiful desert landscapes.
MAURITANIA
(African Islamic Republic of Mauritania)
General information
Geographical position. Mauritania is a country in northwestern Africa. In the north it borders with Western Sahara and Algeria, in the east with Mali and Senegal, and in the west it is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Square. The territory of Mauritania occupies 1,030,700 square meters. km.
Main cities, administrative divisions. The capital of Mauritania is Nouakchott. The largest cities: Nouakchott (560 thousand people), Kaedi (74 thousand people), Nouadhibou (70 thousand people), Rosso (50 thousand people). Administrative-territorial division of the country: 12 regions and 1 autonomous capital district.
Political system
Mauritania is an Islamic republic. The head of state is the president, the head of government is the prime minister. The legislative body is a bicameral parliament (Senate and National Assembly).
Relief. Vast low-lying plains and low plateaus predominate.
Geological structure and minerals. The country's subsoil contains reserves of iron ore, copper, phosphorites, and gypsum.
Climate. The climate is tropical desert. The average annual temperature reaches +38°C. Precipitation is 100-400 mm per year, in the northeast - less than 50 mm.
Inland waters. There are no permanent rivers within the country; Mauritania's border with Senegal runs along the Senegal River.
Soils and vegetation. Most of Mauritania is desert, but there is a small area of greenery in the south.
Animal world. The fauna is poor: jackal, gazelle, antelope, rodents and snakes.
Population and language
The population of Mauritania is about 2.511 million people, the average population density is 2 people per 1 sq. km. Ethnic groups; Moors (descendants of Arabs and Berbers) - 80%, blacks - 20%. Languages: Arabic, French (both state), Hassanya, Wolof, Pular, Sonnik.
Religion
Almost 100% of the population is Muslim (Islam is the state religion).
Brief historical sketch
In the IV - mid-XI centuries. the southern part of the territory of Mauritania was part of the medieval states of West Africa (Ghana, Tekrur, etc.); in the northern part there were state formations of the Sanhaja Berbers. In the middle of the XI-XII centuries. Mauritania as part of the Almoravid state, in the XIII-XIV centuries. the southern part of the territory of Mauritania as part of the medieval state of Mali.
Penetration of Europeans from the 15th century. ended with the transformation of Mauritania into a French colony (1920). Since 1946, Mauritania has been an “overseas territory”; since 1958, it has been a self-determining republic within the French Community. On November 28, 1960, Mauritania was declared an independent republic.
Brief Economic Sketch
The basis of the economy is cattle breeding, fishing and mining. Breeding cattle, sheep and goats, camels. They cultivate (mainly in oases) date palms and grains. Fishing. Iron ore mining. Export: fish and fish products, iron ore, as well as livestock, leather.
The monetary unit is ougiya.
The official name is The Islamic Republic of Mauritania. Located in northwest Africa. Area 1030.7 thousand km2, population 2.75 million people. (2001). The official language is Arabic. The capital is Nouakchott (426.3 thousand people, 2001). Public holiday - Independence Day November 28 (since 1960). The monetary unit is ougiya (equal to 5 khumsams).
Member of the UN (since 1961), OAU, LAS, KEAO, OIC, etc.
Sights of Mauritania
Geography of Mauritania
In the west it is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The coast is low and abounds with sandbanks, islands and lagoons. In the west are capes Ti-miris and Nouadhibou.
It borders on Western Sahara in the north, Algeria in the northeast, Mali in the east and south, and Senegal in the south. The river flows along the southern border. Senegal.
Most of the territory is occupied by the sandy and rocky deserts of the Sahara. Along with them there are flat or hilly desert plains. In the northeast there is the Adrar plateau (height 829 m), interspersed with large hilly terrain. In the south there are sandstone plateaus with precipitous ledges. In the west there are ridges of dunes located in a northeast direction. In the north and northeast there are large ergs. In the center there is a thin sandy cover.
The soil cover is poor. In the desert zone there are bare rocks and sand dunes. In some places there are salt marshes. On the southern plains, gray-brown predominates, in dry savannas - reddish-brown, in the river valley. Senegal has fertile soils. Water supply is provided by groundwater.
The vegetation is represented mainly by shrubs and herbs. In the south and southwest of the country it is richer. The flora of the Atlantic zone is relatively diverse. In savannah, semi-desert and desert it is much poorer. The fauna is small and does not have a rich species composition.
Mineral resources include large reserves of iron ore (1 billion tons). There are also reserves of copper ore (32 million tons), gold, diamonds, gypsum, phosphorites (136 million tons), cobalt, oil and other valuable minerals.
The climate is tropical, desert. The influence of the ocean extends only to a narrow coastal strip, where there is high air humidity. Average monthly temperatures in January are +16-20°C; July +30-32°C; maximum +45°C. The average annual precipitation in most of the country is approx. 50-100 mm, but in the northeast - less than 50 mm, in the south - 200-400, and in some places even 600 mm. At the same time, 2/3 of the country’s territory is defined as “Saharan”: not a drop of precipitation falls there for years.
Population of Mauritania
Average annual growth rate 2.6% (2001). Population density - 2.7 people. per 1 km2. Birth rate 42.95%, mortality 13.65%. Infant mortality is one of the highest in the world. Average life expectancy 51.14 years (estimate), incl. men - 49.04; women - 53.29 years.
The majority of the population (approx. 70%) are Moors of Arab-Berber origin - representatives of the Caucasian race. They live in the northern and central regions of the country, profess Malekite Islam and speak the Hassaniya dialect of Arabic. There are “white” Moors (Bidans) and “black” Moors (Haratins) - descendants of slaves freed in the past. Previously, 2/3 of the Moors led a nomadic and semi-nomadic lifestyle, engaging in cattle breeding. But it started in the 1970s. A ten-year drought caused significant damage to the livestock population and forced many nomadic pastoralists to switch to a sedentary lifestyle. In 2000, the share of this group of the population of Mauritania in its total population was 4.8% (versus 83% in 1965).
Due to the reduction in the rural population, the number of city dwellers increased: in 1996, almost 53% of its total population (against 14% in 1970). More than 80% of the townspeople live in the capital. Up to 40% of city residents live in slums.
OK. 1/3 of the population is made up of Negroid peoples: Tukuler, Sarakol, Fulbe (20%; also called Fula, Fulani and Pel), Wolof (12%), Bambara, etc. They live in a relatively narrow zone in the south of the country, mainly in the river valley .Senegal, and lead a sedentary lifestyle, along with agriculture, also engaged in livestock breeding, fishing, some crafts, and trade. Their native languages are Soninke, Wolof, and Pulaar.
The official religion is Malekite Islam. The vast majority of the population (99.6%) adheres to the Muslim religious and legal school, 0.1% adheres to local beliefs and cults. Animistic ideas are strong in the religious beliefs of the Negroid peoples of the south of the country. A few immigrants from West African countries (Senegalese and Malians), as well as Europeans (French, Spaniards) are Christians, the overwhelming majority are Catholics. Several dozen Mauritanians are Protestants.
History of Mauritania
The territory of modern Mauritania has been inhabited since ancient times. In the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras, people with dark skin lived nearby in tribal groups - people from the tropical regions of Africa and light-skinned people who came from the north. Most of the peoples of the Negroid race, who led a sedentary lifestyle along the banks of rivers and lakes, remained hunters and fishermen, others became cattle breeders, and still others became primitive farmers.
In the 1st millennium BC. The penetration of the Sanhaja Berber tribes - nomadic pastoralists - began from the north. They pushed the Negroid tribes to the south, and enslaved those remaining in the oases. Islam served as the ideological basis for this. However, the further advance of the Berber tribes to the south encountered opposition from the Ghana Empire (4th-13th centuries), whose capital, Kumbi-Sale, was located on the territory of modern eastern Mauritania (Hod region). In turn, the Berbers, who occupied most of the northern and central regions of modern Mauritania, created their own state entity in the Aukar region, eventually. 8th century also became dependent on the Ghana Empire.
K ser. 11th century The ideologist of Islam Abdallah ibn Yassin around 1040 declared jihad (“holy war”) to the “infidels” (i.e., Negroid tribes). The war lasted 23 years. Its result was the creation of a large political association of the theocratic type called the Almoravid state (after the death of Yasin it was headed by Abu Bakr, or Bubakr, and after his death in 1087 - by his cousin and co-ruler Yusuf ibn Tash-fin). The result of the jihad was the fall of the Ghana Empire and the subjugation of a vast territory from the Senegal River valley in the south to the Berbers. Ebro in what is now Spain. After the death of Tashfin (1106), the power of the Al-Moravid state was shaken. In the 13th-14th centuries. the southern part of the territory of present-day Mauritania (the area adjacent to the Senegal River valley) came under the rule of the medieval Muslim state of Mali.
In the 14th century From north to south, the Arab tribes of the Hasaniya, or Bani Hasan, who were part of the Ma-Kil confederation, began to advance across the territory of modern Mauritania. They subjugated the Berbers (in the north and center of what is now Mauritania) and the Negroid tribes (in the south). The Arab-Berber confrontation lasted 30 years (1644-74) and ended with the establishment of Arab rule throughout the country.
Beginning of the 15th century was marked by the penetration of Western European colonialists into the territory of modern Mauritania. The first among them were the Portuguese, followed by the Dutch, the British and finally the French. In 1626 they founded the colony of Saint-Louis at the mouth of the Senegal River. In 1903, France declared Mauritania its protectorate, and in 1920 - a colony within French West Africa (FWA) with its center in Saint-Louis. In 1957, the FZA was reorganized and Moktar Ould Dadde, who came from the top of the influential marabout tribe (a marabout is a traditional representative of the Muslim clergy), was tasked with forming an autonomous government. The first government he formed consisted of the French. This caused natural discontent among national patriotic forces, under whose pressure Ould Dadda formed a new government on January 13, 1958, consisting only of Mauritanians.
On September 28, 1958, Mauritania received the status of an autonomous Islamic Republic of Mauritania (IRM) within the French Community with the right to create constitutional bodies of internal government, and on November 28, 1960 - political independence.
The ruling Mauritanian People's Party (PMN, general secretary - Ould Dadda) was created; On May 20, 1961, the country's first Constitution was adopted; On August 20, 1961, the first head of state was elected - the President of the IWW. The only candidate was Ould Dadda.
The national leadership faced the need to solve the problems of stabilizing the internal political situation, the socio-economic development of the country, and pursuing an independent foreign policy course. The lack of financial resources necessary for this forced Ould Dadda to seek external economic assistance, primarily from the former metropolis, which entailed an increase in external public debt. The brakes on the effective development of the IWW were the dominance of foreign monopolies, the archaic social structure of Mauritanian society, the instability of the internal political situation, and the complexity of relations with neighboring countries.
All R. 1970s The problem of Western Sahara became a serious test for the IWW. The failure of the country's leadership to solve it in July 1978 led to a military coup d'etat. The president was arrested, the PMN was dissolved, and political activity was prohibited. Power passed to the Military Committee of National Revival (MCNV, in 1979 renamed the Military Committee of National Salvation - MCNS), the chairmen of which were successively Mustafa Ould Mohammed Salek, Mahmoud Ahmed Luli (June 1979), Mohammed Huna Ould Heidallah (January 1980), Maauya Ould Sidi Ahmed Taya.
Government and political system of Mauritania
IRM is a presidential republic, the Constitution of 1991 is in force. Administratively, the country is divided into 12 regions: Adrar, Asaba, Brakna, Ghidimaqa, Gorgol, Dakhlet Nouadhibou, Inshiri, Tagant, Tiris-Zemmour, Trarza, Hod el-Gharbi, Hod- ash-Sharqi; autonomous capital district - with the rights of a region; 53 districts; 208 communes - local authorities. Large cities: Nouakchott, Nouadhibou (76.1 thousand people, 2001), Kaedi (51.6 thousand).
The highest legislative body is parliament. Consists of two chambers. The upper house is the Senate. Lower - National Assembly. Executive power belongs to the head of state and the cabinet, or council of ministers. The head of state is the president (since 1992 he has been Maaouia Ould Sidi Ahmed Taya). Elected by direct universal suffrage for a term of 6 years and can be re-elected several times. Has the prerogative to appoint the head of government.
Chairman of the Senate - Bubu Farba Dieng (since April 1992; re-elected to this post in 1996 and October 2001).
Chairman of the National Assembly - Rachid Ould Salek (since October 2001).
The Prime Minister is Sheikh al-Alawiyya Ould Mohamed Hounah (the last government was formed in August 2002).
Moktar Ould Dadda (born 1924) - President of Mauritania (1961-78), leader of the ruling PMN. He took part in the development of the first Constitution. He was re-elected to the presidency three times, each time for a term of 5 years. At the same time he was the head of government and supreme commander of the Armed Forces. In August 1975, at the VII Congress of the PMN, he was proclaimed the “father” of the nation.
In July 1978, a military coup d'etat took place in the country and Ould Dadda was arrested. Later released. He emigrated to France, where he stayed for 23 years. In July 2001 he returned to his homeland. Opposition parties welcomed his return. And although Ould Dadda said that he would not participate in the public life of the country, his arrival was perceived by political forces as an incentive to intensify action.
Maaouya Ould Sidi Ahmed Taya (born 1943), Colonel. From July 1978 to March 1984 - Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense; from March to December 1984 - Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces. Since December 12, 1984 - head of state, chairman of the All-Union Council of People's Commissars. He was re-elected to this post in 1987. In accordance with the 1991 Constitution, when a presidential form of government was established, he was elected to the post of president as a result of elections in 1992 and 1997. At the same time, he was the leader of the ruling Republican Social Democratic Party (RSDP, founded in 1991).
Abdalla Ould Ahmed (born 1940), political and military (military rank - colonel) figure, diplomat, economist. Since July 1978 - member of the VCNV (since April 1979 - VCNS); in 1980-88 - permanent member of the VKNS. In 1979-80 - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. From July 1982 to March 1984 - Minister of Internal Affairs. In 1984 - commander of the Zuerat Military District. From December 1984 to May 1985 - Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces. Since 1985 - in the UN system. Since 1990 - Member of the UN Secretariat, Special Coordinator for New and Renewable Energy Sources. From November 1993 to October 1995 - UN Special Representative in Burundi. In December 1996, in the elections of the UN Secretary General, he was a candidate from African countries.
Mohammed Huna Ould Heidallah (born 1940), lieutenant colonel; in 1980-84 - Chairman of the All-Russian Congress of People's Commissars.
Regions are headed by governors, districts are headed by prefects, and communes are formed through municipal elections.
There is a multi-party system in place. There are 20 officially registered political parties and associations of different directions. The most influential: Republican Social Democratic Party; Moorish Renaissance Party; United for Democracy and Unity.
The Union of Workers of Mauritania (STM) is a single national trade union center (founded in 1961, has about 45 thousand members). Member of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions. The General Secretary of the STM is Mohammed Brahim.
The main tasks of the country's leadership in the field of domestic policy are strict compliance with the current legislation in order to restore the population's trust in state institutions and psychological restructuring of the consciousness of the vast majority of the population, aimed at developing a new, social attitude towards domestic political life. These tasks were to be solved within the framework of “structures for educating the masses”, which developed a program of action in the political, economic and cultural fields. However, the political situation remained tense. The confrontation between white-skinned and black Mauritanians persisted; Moors and Negro Africans; free and former and remaining enslaved citizens of the country. The opposition was formed among the Moors and black Africans and was represented by conservative Islamist groups, organizations for the rights of black Africans, and various political parties. They regularly held demonstrations, which the authorities violently dispersed. Repression by the authorities strengthened public opposition to the regime.
In foreign policy, the IWW adheres to the principles of non-alignment and advocates a peaceful political solution to the problem of Western Sahara. The emphasis is on strengthening ties with Western countries, primarily with the United States, NATO and EU member countries, in particular within the framework of the “Mediterranean dialogue” on military-political cooperation, in which the IWW has enjoyed observer status since 1994. Specifically, we are talking about these countries providing military assistance to the IWW, the reorganization of its Armed Forces, incl. to combat Islamic terrorism.
The Middle East policy of the IWW has changed radically. At the end of October 1999, it, following Egypt (1979) and Jordan (1994), established full diplomatic relations with Israel. This decision caused a mixed reaction in the Arab world, primarily from Iraq. In November 1999, the IRM broke off diplomatic relations with him.
There has been an evolution in relations with neighbors. The border conflict with Mali was resolved by demarcating the joint border. On the contrary, relations with Senegal have become strained. The reason (in June 2000, as in 1989) was Dakar’s intention to implement an irrigation project in the north of the country by filling dry river beds with water from the Senegal River, along which the border with the IRM passes. As a sign of protest, the Mauritanian side demanded that the Senegalese, who had once settled on the territory of the IWW, leave the country within 15 days. This measure affected almost 100 thousand Senegalese citizens, of whom, however, only 16 thousand were officially registered. At the same time, fearing for their fate, Negro-Mauritanians (about 60 thousand people) began to return to their homeland en masse from Senegal.
The king of Morocco acted as a mediator in relations between the two countries. Recognizing the relations of good neighborliness and strong friendship between the IWW and Morocco, he called on both sides “to exercise restraint” and recommended that they “give preference to dialogue and cooperation.” Under these conditions, the IRM set a course for strengthening relations with the countries of the Maghreb, primarily with Morocco, as well as Algeria, incl. within the Arab Maghreb Union.
Of the countries of the former “socialist camp,” relations between the IWW and the PRC developed most favorably. In 2000-01, a number of Chinese government and political figures visited the country. During the negotiations, mutual satisfaction was expressed with the progressive development of relations between the two countries and hope for the comprehensive strengthening of these relations.
Total strength of the Armed Forces (2000) - approx. 20 thousand people plus 20 thousand reservists. Permanent paramilitary paramilitary forces - approx. 5 thousand people Ground forces - 15 thousand people, Air Force - 150 people, Navy - approx. 500 people
Mauritania has diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation (established with the USSR in 1964).
Economy of Mauritania
GDP (currency purchasing power parity) $5.4 billion; per capita US$2,000 (2002). The share of industry in GDP is 31%; agriculture - 25%; services - 44%. The economically active population is 750 thousand people, 53% of which are employed in agriculture.
The basis of the economy is the mining industry. The manufacturing industry is poorly developed and is represented mainly by fish processing enterprises in Nouadhibou (their share in GDP creation is about 4%, 2002).
Agriculture is in a state of chronic crisis due to almost complete dependence on unfavorable natural and climatic conditions (less than 1% of the land concentrated along the coast of the Senegal River receives sufficient rainfall for growing crops), poor technical equipment, and lack of qualified personnel. The farming is carried out using medieval methods. Productivity is low and fluctuates annually due to periodic long-term droughts. Domestic production does not satisfy the population's needs for grains, most of which are imported in significant quantities.
The coastal waters of Mauritania are among the richest areas in the world in terms of fisheries. The share of marine fisheries in the creation of GDP in the end. 1990s was 13%. The industry employs approx. 25 thousand people However, subsequently there was a decline in the fishing industry, and its share in GDP creation decreased. In 2000, the industry found itself in a pre-crisis state, and the most valuable species of fish products were on the verge of extinction. The reason is barbaric fishing methods and the inability of the state to provide effective control over the activities of fishing vessels fishing in Mauritanian waters. Besides, ok. 40% of the Mauritanian fleet's ships are in poor condition.
Livestock farming, which is the main occupation of the rural population, suffers from frequent and sometimes multi-year droughts. Nevertheless, the livestock population remains at approximately the same level.
Rail transport is represented by the only railway connecting the centers of iron ore production in the area of Zouerat with the ore port of Nouadhibou, with a length of 853 km. The road's carrying capacity is 15 million tons of iron ore. Diesel-electric traction is used.
The total length of roads is approx. 8 thousand km, of which only 1.9 thousand km are asphalted (end 1999).
Seaports are in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou.
The main water artery is the river. Senegal with a length of 210 km. It has 3 large ports (in the cities of Guraye, Kaedi, Roso) and 4 berths with a ferry crossing. Annual passenger turnover is 87.6 thousand people, cargo turnover is 11 thousand vehicles.
Two international airports (in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou) and 23 regional ones. The national airline Air Moritani carries out air transportation of passengers and cargo within the country and to neighboring countries.
There are 570 thousand radio receivers throughout the country (1997), 87 thousand television sets (1998), 26 thousand telephone numbers (2000), incl. 7.1 thousand mobile; 27 thousand personal computers, 7 thousand Internet users (2001).
Domestic trade is regulated by the Mauritanian Chamber of Commerce for Agriculture, Livestock, Industry and Mines; industry and trade associations (NAFTEC, Mauritanian Fish Trade Society, National Import-Export Society); General Confederation of Mauritanian Entrepreneurs.
Foreign tourists are interested in historical and cultural attractions, hunting grounds and national parks, a number of which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage Program list.
The country's leadership declared the main directions of socio-economic policy to be the improvement of finances, the general growth of the economy, and ensuring social justice. Primary attention is given to solving the food problem. However, the emphasis is on iron ore mining and fisheries development (to generate foreign exchange earnings) to the detriment of other sectors of the economy, the rise of which would help create new jobs and provide employment to the population.
Another problem is the concentration of large financial resources in the hands of the ruling elite. As a result, there is no domestic market in banking, fishing, and mining.
The Central Bank of Mauritania (founded in 1973) is an emission bank and has 4 branches. The seven commercial banks are either private, wholly nationally owned, or jointly owned, with mixed Mauritanian-foreign capital.
State budget (1999, billion ouguiyas): revenues 56.00; expenses 51.7. The main areas of investment spending (32.7%) are the development of infrastructure, agriculture, marine fisheries, and the mining industry. At the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries. IRM ranked 98th among 132 countries of the world and, according to the UN classification, was included in the group of least developed states burdened with large external financial debt. In con. 1990s external debt: $2,453 million, 83% of which was long-term public debt. The cost of debt servicing is 25.6% of the value of exports of goods and services. 3/4 of the population lived in conditions below the officially recognized poverty threshold. Unemployment reaches 50% of the working population. The health care system is poorly developed.
Foreign trade turnover (1999, million US dollars) 638, incl. exports 333, imports 305. The main export goods are iron ore, fish and fish products, gold. The main import goods are machinery, petroleum products, capital goods, products, consumer goods. Leading trading partners: exports - Japan (18%), France (17%), Italy (16%), Spain (11%); imports - France (27%), Benelux (9%), Germany, Spain (7% each).
In foreign economic relations, the country's leadership proceeds from the possibility of receiving gratuitous assistance for the development of the national economy and does not show any particular interest in developing cooperation on a commercial basis. This largely determines the nature of the relationship between the IRM and its main foreign economic partners. The leading place among them belongs to France, which accounts for 1/3 of all assistance provided to Mauritania by other investor countries. The main areas of cooperation are the mining industry, energy and electrification, construction, infrastructure development, agriculture, irrigation, marine fisheries, education, healthcare, tourism, and environmental protection. Carried out within the framework of mixed commissions.
Science and culture of Mauritania
Primary schooling of 6 years is formally considered compulsory for all children aged 6 to 11 years; training is free. Conducted in Arabic, French is studied. The average 6-year school consists of two stages - each for a period of 3 years. Training is conducted in French. The total number of students in primary and secondary schools in 1998-99 was approx. 410 thousand. In general, 60% of children are covered by primary education, 18% of adolescents of the corresponding age are covered by secondary education. Vocational education is carried out on the basis of primary schools in secondary technical lyceums and colleges, but is poorly developed.
Higher education institutions - University (Nouakchott, 1981); Pedagogical Institute (Nouakchott, 1971); National Administrative School (Nouakchott, 1966); National Institute of Higher Islamic Studies (Butimilit, 1961). Teaching in higher educational institutions is conducted in French. In 1998-99, approx. 13 thousand students.
In Mauritania there are scientific institutions on general issues - the National Institute of Higher Scientific Research (Nouakchott, founded in 1986), the National Institute of Higher Islamic Studies (Butimilit, 1961), the Mauritanian Association of Libraries, Archives and Documentation Centers (Nouakchott, 1979) and specialized - National Institute of Higher Scientific and Technical Research in Fisheries (Nouadhibou, 1983), Directorate of Mines and Geology (Nouakchott, 1968). There are national libraries in Boutimilit, Kaedi, Nouakchott, Tijikja, Oualat, and Chinguetti. In Nouakchott - the National Archives (founded in 1955) and the Center for Pedagogical Documentation (1962).
Mauritania is a country of ancient civilization and a rich multinational culture based on a combination of traditions of Africans, Berbers, Arabs, and Andalusian Spaniards. In the south of the country, dozens of fortified settlements dating back to the 1st millennium BC have been preserved from the Neolithic period. round stone burial grounds “shushi”, and on trade routes, near wells - stone houses and mosques. From the Neolithic period, rock paintings of animals and people, carts drawn by bulls or horses, and hunting scenes have been preserved. The center of artistic culture was the capital of medieval Ghana (now ruins) - Kumbi-Sale, as well as medieval cities, or fortified settlements “ksars”, Wadan, Walata, Chinguetti. A distinctive feature of this synthetic art is monumental architecture (fortifications, civil, religious buildings).
The musical culture of the Moors and Negroid peoples is characterized by professional music of oral tradition, cult rituals, folklore and modern music based on a combination of traditions of national and European light genre music.
Issues of cinematography and the production of short films are dealt with by the Cinema Society (founded in 1984), which has a monopoly right to import, distribute and distribute foreign film products in the country. The most famous filmmakers are Mohammed Medone Hondo Abib and Sydney Sokona.
There are the Commercial and Administrative Publishing House, the National State Publishing House and the National Press Society. The Mauritanian Information Agency (MIA, founded in 1975; until January 1990 it was called the Mauritanian Press Agency - MAP) publishes the Official Gazette bulletin and the daily People's newspaper in Arabic and French.
The radio broadcasts in Arabic, French, Sarakol, Toukouler and Wolof languages throughout the country and broadcasts to countries in Europe, Africa and the Arab East. Television (founded 1984) is run by the Mauritanian Television and Film Agency and the House of Television in Nouakchott.
