Mauritania
Assaba Region, Mauritania
A land of contrasts, Mauritania exists at the intersection of the Arab-Berber Maghreb and sub-Saharan, black Africa, and is shaped by both cultures. Once the home of pastoral nomads, it has been transformed by drought into a country whose population of 3.5 million is now concentrated around its cities and towns.
Environmental conditions pose huge challenges for those who remain in the interior. Here, though, a member of a women’s agricultural cooperative in the Assaba region displays a melon grown in a small but carefully tended garden. The image evokes joy, possibility, and the tenacity of hope.
Photo © 2003 Lauren Goodsmith
Associate Volunteer, Mauritania 1989-1990
Muritaniyah
Western Africa
Area 1,030,700 km2 (29th)
Arable 0.2%
Capital Nouakchott (709K)
Population 3,359,185 (3/km2)
Literacy 58%
Life expectancy 62 yrs
HIV/AIDS 0.7% (14,000 adults)
In poverty 40%
Military 5.5% of GDP (12 of 195)
Peace ranking 125th
Language Arabic, Pulaar, Soninke, Wolof, French, Hassaniya
Religion Muslim
Gov’t Islamic Republic
GDP/capita $2,000
Agriculture dates, millet, sorghum, rice, corn, cattle, sheep
Industry fish processing, oil production, mining (iron ore, gold, and copper)
PCVs 1966-67, 1971-2011, TTD 1,259
Adult Books
by Lieve Joris, 1998
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Lonely Planet (October 1, 1998)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-0864425324
Book Description
Chronicles of Mauritania, Mali and Senegal in the midst of upheaval and transition observed during the author’s trek from the capital to the remote village of Nema.
Kids' Books
by Lauren Goodsmith
Format: Paperback, 56 pages
ISBN: 0876148496
Age Range: 8+ years
Publisher: Carolrhoda Books, 1993
Films
Film: Heremakono (Waiting for Happiness)
Director: (2002)
Documentary: Women on the Frontline – Mauritania
Production: (2008)
Music
Recipes
Focus Word
Focus Word for 2014 - "Home"
Arabic: byte (byte)Pulaar: Jhalé (gal-lay)
Hassaniya: dar (darrr)
Copyright © Julie Olsen
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Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Wisconsin-Madison is a public charity registered under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States. Its EIN is 39-1669348. It is also an affiliate group of the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA).
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