by RS Coolidge

Created on: January 19, 2009   Last Updated: January 27, 2009

If you are looking for a place steeped in history and mystery, then a trip to Mauritania may be in order. This article will give you a general idea of what to expect and what to look for if you choose to visit Mauritania.

GENERAL OVERVIEW

Mauritania is located in Northwest Africa. It is bordered by Algeria to the Northeast,by Senegal on the Southwest and by the Atlantic Ocean to the west. With a population of just over 3 million scattered across 397,594 square miles, Mauritania's sparse population and 'primitive by western standards' nature makes it a perfect escape from the hectic, fast paced modern world.

ANCIENT HISTORY - FROM BERBERS TO ARABS TO EMPIRE

Mauritania was first colonized by the Berbers around the 3rd century. The Arabs came in the 8th century and brought trade and Islam. Eventually, the Arabs became the dominant force. Soon Mauritania became home to empires inspired, in part, by Islam. The first empire created was the Sanhadja Confederation which ruled the area from the 8th century until the 10th century. The Almoravid empire followed, ruling Mauretania from the 11th until the 12th century. The empires tried to unite the country but failed due to Mauretania's powerful tribal nature.

MODERN HISTORY - FROM COLONY TO INDEPENDANCE

Around the 15th century, Europe became involved in Mauritania due to the gum arabic trade. Eventually, Mauritania became a French colony. It remained a colony until 1960 when Mauritania achieved its independance.

A series of different governments ruled Mauritania after 1960 and each one failed to bring real democratic rule. Other problems confronted the new nation. Ethnic unrest between blacks and arabs grew once independance was established. In addition, wars with the Western Sahara and later, Senegal, contributed to political and economic instability in Mauritania.

A coup in 2005 led to a general relaxation of the political climate. In a hopeful sign of Mauritania's political maturity, the coup of 2005 was followed by the peaceful transition of power from military coup leader Colonel Elly Vall to civilian president elect Sidi Ould Cheik Abdellahi. A later coup deposing Abdellahi suggested that Mauritania was taking a step backwards until it was revealed that the coup had widespread support among the masses and was inspired by Abdellahi's efforts to re-establish autocratic rule.

GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE(CURRENT)

Mauritania is an Islamic Republic with a highly centralized government. Power lays in the hands of the President. He is aided

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