Unveiling Mauritania: A Land of Contrasts

Unveiling Mauritania: A Land of Contrasts
Mauritania, a nation nestled in northwest Africa, is a land of stark beauty and fascinating contrasts. Here, the vastness of the Sahara Desert stretches for miles, punctuated by pockets of vibrant culture and rich history.
Arid Splendor
Imagine a landscape dominated by sweeping sand dunes and rugged plateaus. That's Mauritania! With over 90% of its land classified as desert or semi-desert, it's one of the driest countries on Earth. But this aridity also gives rise to a unique ecosystem, where nomadic herders navigate the vast expanse with their camels and sheep.
A Place Where Few Reside
Mauritania boasts the title of one of the least densely populated countries globally. Think wide-open spaces and starry nights with barely a soul in sight! Despite its vastness, the majority of Mauritanians choose to live in urban areas, making city life a pulsating center in this desert nation.
Treasures Beneath the Sand
While agriculture remains a mainstay, Mauritania holds a wealth of resources beneath its sandy surface. From minerals and oil to a thriving fishing industry, the country has the potential for significant economic growth.
A Tapestry of Culture and History
Step back in time with Mauritania's rich history. Ancient cities like Chinguetti stand as testaments to a bygone era, with their well-preserved libraries and mosques whispering tales of the past. Arabic serves as the official language, reflecting the country's deep connection to the Arab world.
Fast Facts:
Capital: Nouakchott
Currency: Mauritanian Ouguiya
Predominant Religion: Islam (Sunni)
A Land of Contrasts: Desert landscapes coexist with vibrant cities and a rich past.
Mauritania Revamps its Currency: From Old Ouguiya to New Ouguiya
In 2018, Mauritania underwent a significant economic shift by introducing a new currency - the New Ouguiya.
This replaced the Old Ouguiya, which had been in circulation since 1973. The transition aimed to streamline the financial system and make everyday transactions more manageable.
Here's a closer look at the change:
Simplification: The most notable difference was the removal of zeros.
10 Old Ouguiya became equivalent to 1 New Ouguiya. This simplification made calculations and pricing easier for Mauritanians.
Phasing Out the Old: The Central Bank of Mauritania implemented a plan to gradually withdraw Old Ouguiya notes and coins.
This ensured a smooth transition and allowed people ample time to exchange their old currency for the new.
Boosting Efficiency: The New Ouguiya is believed to improve efficiency in managing cash flow and reduce the amount of physical currency needed for transactions.
A Note on the Past:
If you're curious about the Old Ouguiya, it was further divided into smaller units called Khoums. Here's a quick conversion trick:
5 Khoums = 1 Old Ouguiya
Mauritania, with its captivating blend of natural wonders, historical treasures, and cultural richness, is a destination waiting to be explored.
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