Mauritania: West African Country with Mystic Allure
Blacks and Berbers were the first settlers on Mauritania and later on in the 11th century it was center for the Berber Almoravid movement, which spread Islam through out the western Africa. Mauritania became a French colony in the 19th century after a long struggle and in 1946 it became a French Overseas Territory. After decades of independence struggle Mauritania finally gained freedom from French rule in 1960. In 1961 Mauritania became a UN member. In 2006 for the first time local and regional elections were held throughout the country in which Sidi Ould Sheik Abdellahi became Mauritania’s first president. In 2008 the country's top four military leaders deposed Prime Minister Boubacar and President Abdellahi in a bloodless coup.
Mauritania Profile: Overview of Facts and Figures Culture, Cuisine and Tradition of Mauritania:
The culture of Mauritania is based upon the philosophy and teaching of Sunni sect of Islam, particularly the Maliki rite. Apart from Islam the past nomadic pastoral practices also influence the Mauritanian culture. Mauritania being composed of different ethnic groups, the conflicts among them are fairly common.
The cuisine of Mauritania has a strong Arabic influence and Mauritanian dishes have a strong North African flavor. The French influence in the Mauritanian cuisine is visible in the form of stews. Local cuisine of Mauritania includes mechoui (roasted lamb), dates, spiced fish and rice with vegetables, fish balls, dried fish, dried meat and couscous.
Mauritania Economy:
The economy of Mauritania is based on agriculture, livestock, iron ore mining, fishing and recently discovered oil reserves. Iron ore is one of the main natural resources of Mauritania and its export contributes much to Mauritanian national income. The fish processing is another sector that that contributes much to Mauritanian economy. The foreign aids from International Monetary Fund remain the major source investments in Mauritanian economy.
Tourist Attractions of Mauritania:
Mauritania has ample places that lure tourists from world over. The vast desert expanse provides some rare views of beautiful sun bathed sand dunes. For the more indulgent tourist the sand sports and camel safari offer untrammeled fun. The Islamic holy sites remain an important pilgrimage center for the Muslims for its religious and historic significance.
Chinguetti: Small world heritage town located in the oasis of the desert plane Adrar. It is one of the seven holy Muslim locations and an important crossroad of traveling caravans. Chinguetti is a starting point of traditional annual pilgrimage to Mecca.
Banc d'Arguin: it is famous for its bird habitat and is particularly exciting during the migratory season. It is paradise for bird watchers as well as for ornithologists.
Major Sight-seeing Places in Mauritania include:View Mauritania News
