Mauritania: Population, Economy & Travel Facts

Essential data for planning your trip to Mauritania — from population and demographics to economic indicators, healthcare infrastructure, tourism trends, and digital connectivity.

Population & Geography

Population
4,403,319
#126 of 197 countries
Area
1,030,700 km²
#30 of 248 countries
Density
4.3 / km²
#228 of 245 countries

Mauritania has a population of 4,403,319 spread across 1,030,700 km², giving it an average density of 4.3 people per km². With such low density, expect wide open spaces and a sense of remoteness outside major cities.

Demographics

Median Age
18.6
Life Expectancy
65.9 yrs
Literacy Rate
59.5%
Government
presidential republic
Ethnic Groups
Religions
GDP by Sector

Economy & Cost of Living

Understanding the local economy helps travellers budget effectively and set expectations. Mauritania is classified as a lower middle income country by the World Bank. Prices are roughly 31% of US levels, meaning your money goes significantly further here — accommodation, food, and transport are very affordable by Western standards.

Income Level
Lower middle income
GDP per Capita
$2,136
Cost of Living
31% of US
Inflation
5.0%
Inequality
32.0
Moderate