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Mauritanian Scorecard

Country profile

Mauritania is a West African country dominated by the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert, with a landscape that transitions from arid dunes to sparse river valleys. It has a population of 5.0 million, a population growth rate of 2.97%, and a median age of 17.12 years.

Its history includes ancient Berber kingdoms and Islamic influence, followed by French colonial rule that left lasting administrative structures.

Today, Mauritania is working to improve its infrastructure and social services while preserving its nomadic traditions and cultural heritage.

Its capital city is Nouakchott.

How does Mauritania compare to other countries?

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Economic Development

GDP per Capita (PPP) in Mauritania improved by 7.1% from 2022 to 2023

Unemployment Rate in Mauritania improved by 0.7% from 2023 to 2024

Inflation Rate in Mauritania improved by 48.1% from 2022 to 2023

Income Inequality in Mauritania improved by 1.8% from 2014 to 2019

Health and Social Development

Life Expectancy in Mauritania improved by 0.3% from 2022 to 2023

Infant Mortality Rate in Mauritania improved by 3.1% from 2022 to 2023

Human Development showed no change from 2021 to 2022

Suicide Mortality Rate in Mauritania worsened by 1.5% from 2020 to 2021

World Happiness Report in Mauritania worsened by 4.6% from 2022 to 2023

Freedom in the World showed no change from 2023 to 2024

Education

Completion of Upper Secondary Education in Mauritania worsened by 45.0% from 2017 to 2019

Governance and Security

Corruption Perception showed no change from 2022 to 2023

Control of Corruption in Mauritania worsened by 3.8% from 2022 to 2023

Homicide Rate in Mauritania improved by 6.4% from 2019 to 2020

Government Effectiveness in Mauritania worsened by 5.3% from 2022 to 2023

Political Stability in Mauritania improved by 3.8% from 2022 to 2023

Rule of Law in Mauritania improved by 1.1% from 2022 to 2023

Voice and Accountability in Mauritania improved by 10.3% from 2022 to 2023

Environmental Sustainability and Energy

CO2 Emissions per Capita in Mauritania improved by 6.4% from 2022 to 2023

Air Pollution (PM2.5) in Mauritania improved by 1.9% from 2019 to 2020

Renewable Energy Consumption in Mauritania worsened by 11.3% from 2021 to 2022