Mauritania is a state in West Africa, washed by the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The country with the motto 'Honor, Brotherhood and Justice' is inhabited by only 3 million people, despite the fact that Mauritania is 29th in the world by area. Mauritania was inhabited by savage tribes three thousand years ago. Much later the Arabs came here, and during the colonial area ​​the country belonged to France. After gaining independence in the 20th century, the country suffered from internal political conflicts. However, Mauritania has not been involved in bloodshed and is living a peaceful life. Mauritania is remembered as the last country in the world, which abolished slavery.

Mauritania Desert Landscape


The attractions of Mauritania are not included into the list of Africa’s grand monuments, but are interesting enough. For example, the town of Tishit, which is now populated by only 500 citizens. All in all, the city's population is 10 times higher, but most of the people work and spend 10 months of the year in other places. Tishit is in the list of UNESCO World Heritage. Once this city was probably the largest in the world, but today the tourists are just attracted by the opportunity to observe the customs of the citizens, traditional crafts, as well as see its beautiful mosque. In Tishit, tourists usually demonstrate their wish to become better acquainted with the life and traditions of the Berber peoples, as well as the fantastic landscape surrounding the settlement on all sides. The local mosque is one of the most elaborately ornamented and elegantly decorated mosques in the world.

Among the attractions, one can name the unique park Mauritania Ban D'Argo, a truly amazing place. Flocks of birds migrating from Europe and Asia to Africa stay here in winter. To keep the park in its pristine state, Mauritania has taken all possible steps: travelling by motorized transport is banned here, and excursions on the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean are possible only by sailing or rowing boats.

Nouakchott is one of the youngest capitals of the world. Located on the Atlantic coast, the city has good beaches with a completely modern infrastructure, two typical African markets providing the opportunity to purchase the full range of products specific to the nomadic peoples of the Sahara, including antique weapons. To get acquainted with the history and culture of the nomadic peoples of the country, one should visit the National Museum in the city center and the unique Carpet Center, where there is the permanent exhibition of the best handmade products from across the Sahel.

Nouadhibou is the city and port in the north of the country. It is one of the best places in Mauritania for water sports and sport fishing.
Athar, also known as Teyateyaneng, is a traditional craft and artisanal center of the country. The place is famous for the Moorish tapestry fabrics and a variety of handcrafted wood products.

Coombe Saleh is located near the modern city of Laayoune El Atrous. It is the legendary capital of the medieval empire of Ghana, possibly the largest city in its time and one of the most interesting archaeological sites in Africa. Excavations have been carried out here since 1913, but no more than 30% of its territory have been recovered so far, with numerous complexes of religious buildings, city walls, parks, and even its own water system, the principle of which is still not completely clear.

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