Mauritania
Although rich in cultural heritage, Mauritania is one of the poorest countries in the world. A high level of poverty affects nearly 68 percent of people living in rural areas, while many in the cities struggle with poor infrastructure, a lack of social services, and high unemployment. And although half of the country continues to depend on agriculture and livestock for a livelihood, arable land is scare and prone to desertification. The poverty which strikes Mauritania is evident not only in low incomes, but also in substandard housing and in the limited access the average person has to basic services such as potable water, health care, and education.
Seasonal Programs
Zakat Foundation of America, a Muslim charity that collects zakat, sadaqa / donations to provide humanitarian, emergency relief and sustainable development programs to empower lives throughout the world. We offer top Zakat resources including The Zakat Handbook: A Practical Guide for Muslims in the West, Zakat kit, ask an Imam feature, and you can calculate and pay zakat through our easy, online calculator.
This is the fallback content for users who cannot see the Google Map.
Vital Stats
| Population: | 3,300,300 |
| Infant Mortality Rate: | 12 deaths / 1000 births |
| Life Expectancy: | 53 years |
| Major Diseases: | Very high risk bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, typhoid fever, malaria, Rift Valley Fever (limited locations), meningococcal meningitis |
| Religions: | Muslim - 100% |
| Literacy Rate: | 42 % |
| Unemployment Rate: | 20 % |
| Poverty Rate: | 60 % |
| Natural Hazards: | Hot, dry and dust-laden windstorms in Spring; periodic drought |