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Map of Mauritania

Mauritania

Located in northwest Africa, more than three quarters of Mauritania are desert or semi-desert. Only 0.5% of the country’s land is considered useful for agriculture which equals 502,000 ha. Nonetheless, the rural sector is an important pillar of the Mauritanian economy contributing 17% to the GDP and employing 21% of the working population. 62% of the population depend on agriculture, livestock, and fishing for their livelihoods. The country gained independence from France in 1960. Its colonial past is reflected in its legislation that draws on the French Code.
Socio-economic indicators browse all
Land Area
103,070,000 ha
GDP/Capita
5,307.5 USD

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Pastoral Land Rights

Uncovering Land Governance Challenges in 9 African Countries: NELGA’s Overview of Pastoralism and Small-Scale Farming

30 January 2023

NELGA has put out nine country profiles about South Sudan, South Africa, Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Egypt, and Mauritania. These profiles give information about pastoralism and small-scale agriculture in these countries.

Herder-farmer conflict in the Sahel needs a new description: why ‘eco-violence’ fits

13 July 2022

The conflicts between herders and farmers over water and grazing opportunities have been going on for decades.

New Protected Area Buffers Mauritania's Shifting Sands

18 October 2021

Mauritania's battle against encroaching desertification, which has damaged ecosystems and endangered species, has received a timely boost with the news that 200,000 hectares will be turned into a protected area to support biodiversity in the country. The new project, implemented by the United…

Mauritania

projects

Land tenure insecurity is relatively high in Mauritania, as many rights holders are unable to register their land individually or collectively