Mauritania Population 2026: 4.7M People, Vast Empty Land
Mauritania is one of the most sparsely populated countries on the planet: 4.7M people across 1,030,700 km², giving a density of 5/km².
GDP per capita stands at $2,085: among the lower-income economies globally. The capital, Nouakchott, is the political, economic and cultural centre of the country.
📊 Population at a Glance
About Mauritania's Population
With a population of 4.7M, Mauritania is home to a significant number of people within its 1,030,700 km² of territory. The population density of 5/km² reflects how people are distributed across the country: one of the lowest densities in the world, with vast open and largely uninhabited spaces.
The capital city, Nouakchott, serves as the administrative, cultural and economic heart of Mauritania. Mauritania has a coastline of 754 km, which has historically attracted settlement and shaped where the majority of the population lives and works.
In economic terms, Mauritania has a total GDP of $9.8B, translating to $2,085 per person. This figure gives a broad indication of average living standards, though income distribution varies considerably across different regions and communities within the country. The official currency is the Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU).
Mauritania gained independence in 1960 and has since developed a distinct national identity shaped by its geography, history and culture. The official language is Arabic, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population in daily life, education and government.
Within the West Africa region, Mauritania sits alongside Ghana (33.5M), Nigeria (222M), Senegal (17.7M). This regional context helps illustrate how Mauritania's population size compares to its neighbours.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mauritania's Population
What is the population of Mauritania in 2026?
The population of Mauritania is approximately 4.7M people as of 2026.
What is the capital city of Mauritania?
The capital city of Mauritania is Nouakchott, which serves as the country's main administrative and cultural hub.
How densely populated is Mauritania?
Mauritania has a population density of 5/km². This is very low density, with large amounts of open, sparsely settled land.
What is the GDP per capita of Mauritania?
Mauritania has a GDP per capita of $2,085, with a total GDP of $9.8B. This gives an indication of average economic output per person.
What language do people speak in Mauritania?
The official language of Mauritania is Arabic.
How big is Mauritania?
Mauritania covers a total area of 1,030,700 km². With a population of 4.7M, that gives a density of 5/km².
When did Mauritania gain independence?
Mauritania gained independence in 1960.
What currency is used in Mauritania?
The official currency of Mauritania is the Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU).
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