Nouakchott, Mauritania
Region: Nouakchott
Geographic Coordinates: 18.085800, -15.978500
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Dry and hot climate with occasional sandstorms, and a short rainy season from July to September.
Population: 1077169
Language: Arabic
Nouakchott, The capital city of Mauritania, Is a beautiful mix of modern and traditional culture. Situated on the Atlantic coast, This city has experienced rapid growth since its establishment in 1958. Today, It is home to over one million people from different ethnic backgrounds. The urban landscape in Nouakchott showcases a blend of modern buildings and traditional Arab-style structures made from adobe bricks. The old town or Medina area features narrow alleys with white-washed walls leading to picturesque courtyards where locals gather for tea and conversation. The Souks or bustling markets are among the most striking features of Nouakchott.
These vibrant marketplaces offer an array of goods ranging from textiles to handicrafts, Spices to fresh produce, Livestock to electronics. The local fish market located near the port is also worth visiting as it offers an opportunity for visitors to sample freshly caught seafood such as lobster, Shrimp and various types of fish. For those interested in learning about Mauritanian history and culture, The National Museum located in Nouakchott provides a glimpse into the country’s rich past through its collection of artifacts such as pottery vessels dating back centuries ago which were used by ancient civilizations inhabiting Mauritania.
Nouakchott also serves as a gateway for exploring nearby attractions like Banc d’Arguin National Park which boasts diverse wildlife including dolphins, Whales, Turtles among others; Chinguetti- an oasis town famous for its adobe architecture; Terjit Oasis- a natural pool surrounded by palm trees where visitors can relax after experiencing camel rides across sand dunes. yet importantly are Nouackhotts beaches which are popular spots amongst locals who come here during weekends or holidays with family members or friends enjoying picnics while watching fishermen bring their catch ashore.
In conclusion, Nouakchott offers travelers an opportunity to experience a unique blend of traditional and modern culture while exploring the city’s rich history and visiting nearby attractions. With its vibrant markets, Diverse architecture, And beautiful beaches, Nouakchott is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring West Africa.
- The National Museum of Mauritania
- The Port de Pêche
- The Marché Capitale
- The Nouakchott Beach
- The Grande Mosquée de Nouakchott (The Grand Mosque of Nouakchott)
- Chinguetti Mosque and Libraries (located about 500 km from the city)
- Banc d’Arguin National Park (located about 120 km from the city)
- Fishing: Mauritania has one of the largest fishing zones in Africa, and Nouakchott is home to a large fishing port.
- Mining: Mauritania is rich in mineral resources such as iron ore, gold, and copper. There are several mining companies operating in the country.
- Agriculture: The fertile Senegal River valley provides opportunities for agriculture, including crops such as rice, millet, and sorghum.
- Construction: With a growing population and expanding infrastructure needs, there is demand for construction services in Nouakchott.
- Trade: As the capital city of Mauritania, Nouakchott serves as a hub for trade within the country and with neighboring countries.
- Tourism: While still developing as a tourist destination, there are opportunities for tourism in Nouakchott due to its beaches and cultural attractions such as the National Museum of Mauritania.
- Banking and finance: There are several banks headquartered in Nouakchott that provide financial services to individuals and businesses throughout the country.
- Nouakchott was founded in 1958 as a small fishing village and became the capital of Mauritania in 1960 when the country gained independence from France.
- In 1981, a coup led by Colonel Mohamed Khouna Ould Haidalla overthrew the government and established a military regime that ruled until 1992.
- In 2005, Nouakchott was hit by a devastating earthquake that killed at least four people and left thousands homeless.
- One of the most notable people associated with Nouakchott is Ould Abdel Aziz, who served as president of Mauritania from 2009 to 2019.
- Another notable person is Biram Dah Abeid, an anti-slavery activist who founded the Initiative for the Resurgence of the Abolitionist Movement (IRA) in Mauritania.
- The city is also home to several important cultural institutions such as the National Museum of Mauritania and the National Library of Mauritania.
- In recent years, Nouakchott has become an important hub for trade and commerce in West Africa, with its port serving as a gateway to other countries in the region such as Mali and Senegal.
- National Museum of Mauritania
- Nouakchott Central Market
- Nouakchott Beach
- Mosquée Marocaine de Nouakchott
- Port de Pêche de Nouakchott
- Musée d’Art et d’Archéologie de Mauritanie
- Marché aux Chameaux de Nouakchott
- Chinguetti Mosque and Library (located outside of the city)
- FC Tevragh-Zeina: This football club based in Nouakchott was founded in 2000 and plays their home games at Stade Olympique de Nouakchott. They have won several national championships.
- ASC SNIM: Another football club based in Nouakchott, ASC SNIM was founded in 1976 as an amateur team for employees of the National Industrial and Mining Company (SNIM). They have also won several national championships.
- AS Garde Nationale: This basketball club based in Nouakchott was founded in 1984 by members of the Mauritanian National Guard. They have won multiple national championships.
- Association Sportive des Forces Armées et de Sécurité (AS FAS): This organization oversees all sports activities within the military and security forces of Mauritania, including football, basketball, boxing, and wrestling.
Overall, there is still a strong culture of athletics within Mauritania’s communities and institutions despite not having many well-known or historically significant sports teams from Nouakchott or Mauritania as a whole.
- Nouakchott International Book Fair: This annual event brings together authors, publishers, and book lovers from Mauritania and other African countries.
- Eid al-Fitr: This is a religious festival celebrated by Muslims in Nouakchott and around the world to mark the end of Ramadan.
- Independence Day: Mauritania gained independence from France on November 28th, 1960. Every year, this day is celebrated with parades, cultural performances, and other festivities.
- National Day of Culture: This event celebrates the cultural diversity of Mauritania through music, dance, food, and traditional arts and crafts.
- Festival of Nomadic Culture: Held in Atar (a city near Nouakchott), this festival showcases the nomadic way of life through camel races, traditional songs and dances, poetry recitations, and more.
- Sahel Festival: This music festival features local Mauritanian artists as well as performers from other African countries such as Mali and Senegal.
- International Festival of Traditional Music: Held annually in Nouakchott since 2004 to promote traditional Mauritanian music to a wider audience both locally and internationally.
- World Heritage Day: Celebrated on April 18th every year to raise awareness about the importance of preserving cultural heritage sites around the world including those found in Mauritania such as Chinguetti Mosque or Banc d’Arguin National Park which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Thieboudienne – a traditional dish of rice, fish, vegetables and spices.
- Couscous – a staple dish made from semolina flour and served with meat or vegetables.
- Grilled lamb or beef – often served with rice and salad.
Some popular restaurants in Nouakchott are:
- Le Ksar – known for their grilled meats and seafood dishes.
- La Belle Etoile – a rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views of the city and serving traditional Mauritanian cuisine.
- Restaurant L’Atelier Gourmand – a French-inspired restaurant offering a mix of European and Mauritanian dishes.
- The Beach: Nouakchott boasts a long coastline with stunning beaches, such as Plage de Nouakchott, which is ideal for swimming, sunbathing and picnicking.
- Parc National du Banc d’Arguin: This national park is situated just outside of Nouakchott and provides visitors with the opportunity to view various birds, including flamingos and pelicans.
- Stade Olympique de Nouakchott: This stadium serves as the home of Mauritania’s national football team and hosts several sporting events throughout the year.
- Chinguetti Mosque: This historical mosque located in the nearby town of Chinguetti has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts numerous visitors annually.
- Marché Capitale: This lively market located in downtown Nouakchott gives visitors a chance to shop for local handicrafts, clothing, food items, spices and more.
- La Grotte de Zarga: Situated approximately an hour’s drive from Nouakchott, this cave system offers guided tours through its breathtaking rock formations and underground lakes.
- Le Jardin d’Essai du Hamma: A botanical garden established during French colonial rule in 1832 that showcases over 3,000 plant species from around the world; it is located in Algiers.
- Centre Culturel Français St Exupéry: A cultural center that presents exhibitions on contemporary art by Mauritanian artists along with concerts by local musicians throughout the year.
